The importance of lockout or tagout procedures

Anyone who works with heavy machinery would agree that lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are essential in keeping the workplace safe and accident-free. It is a crucial step when doing maintenance repairs on machinery or equipment to ensure the safety of your workers. LOTO procedures prevent the equipment’s accidental operation by isolating energy sources in the machine.

Keeping hazardous energy in check

Hazardous energies can come from a variety of sources in the workplace. While some energy sources are easily identifiable — such as electricity or kinetic energy from a falling object — energy can also be stored in a spring wound too tightly or air pressure in a pneumatic system. Identifying the sources of energy is only part of the solution, as it is also important to isolate or lock out any stored energy that these machines may have, such as in capacitors for electrical equipment or the built-up pressure in hydraulic devices. Proper isolation of energy sources and discharge of stored energy is crucial before doing any maintenance or repair in these machines. If left improperly isolated, these energy sources can potentially cause severe injury or death to workers.

Lockout or tagout

Lockout or tagout procedures are implemented to prevent any unauthorized or accidental use of machinery while some maintenance or repair is done. This would entail having an authorized group of people who would identify all energy sources and know how to keep them under control. These individuals would lock out the equipment and apply their tags to quickly see if people are still working on the machine and for identification purposes. Once all maintenance or repairs have been done, the locks and tags will be removed, and the authorized personnel can re-energize the machine.

If you still have questions about the importance of lockout or tagout procedures, visit us today at KC Supply Co.

Screw conveyors are a widely used asset in various industries to move bulk materials vertically, horizontally, or at an inclined angle. At times, sizing them can be a daunting task as it involves a lot of factors that need to be considered for the conveyor to handle the material reliably.

When given the task of sizing a screw conveyor, here are some of the factors that must be considered:

Material Properties

Knowing the material to be conveyed is crucial, as this would dictate the screw diameter, pitch, and speed selection. The design of the conveyor is also affected by factors such as bulk density, particle size, moisture content, and flowability.

Capacity Requirements

Capacity is usually expressed in cubic feet per hour (ft³/h) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). Determining the required capacity is essential in choosing the correct screw conveyor diameter to be used and depends on the product’s weight and the desired production rate.

Screw Diameter and Pitch

Determining the screw diameter depends on many factors, such as the rate of conveyed material, trough fill level, the density of the material, and the speed of the screw. The screw diameter determines the conveying capacity and is typically selected based on standardized sizes. Common diameters range from 6 to 24 inches (15 cm to 61 cm). The pitch refers to the distance between successive flights on the screw. It affects the volume of material moved per revolution.

Power Requirements

Calculating the power needed to drive the conveyor involves considering the material’s characteristics, conveyor length, incline angle, and other factors. The power requirements determine the selection of an appropriate motor and drive system.

These are just some factors you must consider when sizing a screw conveyor. For more information on how to properly size a screw conveyor, visit us here today at KC Supply Co.

Bin level indicators, also known as level sensors or indicators, are used in many industries. They are used to monitor and measure the material level inside a bin, tank, or any storage vessel. They play a crucial role in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, which require accurate monitoring of material levels for efficient operation and inventory management.

By providing real-time information about the material level inside a container, level sensors help operators and managers keep track of inventory levels. This prevents overfilling, underfilling, or material shortages and optimizes storage capacity. Accurate and timely data is available at your fingertips, giving you the opportunity for better decision-making, improved safety, and increased productivity.

There are various types of bin level indicators, each suited for different applications and materials. Some of the common types include:

• Point level indicators: These indicators determine whether the material level has reached a specific point, such as a high or low level. They can be as simple as mechanical switches or more advanced devices using technologies like capacitance, vibrating forks, or optical sensors.
• Continuous level indicators: Unlike point level indicators, continuous level indicators continuously measure the material level. They can be used to measure liquids, powders, and bulk solids. Examples of technologies used for continuous level measurement include ultrasonic, radar, laser, and guided wave radar.
• Weight and pressure sensors: These indicators rely on load cells or pressure sensors to measure the weight or pressure exerted by the material in the bin. By monitoring changes in weight or pressure, these sensors can determine the material level in the container.

Bin level indicators can be connected to control systems, data loggers, or other monitoring devices, allowing for remote monitoring and integration with overall process automation. This enables operators to receive alerts, generate reports, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Visit us today if you need help identifying which bin level indicator is right for you.

Ladders are standard tools used in various industries for accessing heights and performing tasks at heights. Not all companies use ladder cages, which can pose significant safety risks if not properly managed. 

Understanding OSHA standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for ladder use to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with regulations. Here’s what you need to know, with links to the corresponding guideline:

• According to OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A), every existing fixed ladder installed before November 19, 2018, must have a cage, ladder safety system, personal fall arrest system, or well. 
• OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B) says that every fixed ladder that is installed on and after November 19, 2018, should have a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system.
• Meanwhile, OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C) expounds that when a ladder cage, fixed ladder, or well is replaced, a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system must be installed in the repaired section or where the replacement has been placed. 
• Finally, OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D) says that on and after November 18, 2036, a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system must be equipped on all fixed ladders. 

Defining terms 

Ladder cages are enclosures installed around fixed ladders to prevent workers from falling off, providing fall protection and a safe climbing environment. Unfortunately, this setup limits its protection to those falling backward and offers no protection to those falling downward.

Meanwhile, ladder safety systems are designed to reduce, if not eradicate, the chances of an employee falling from a ladder. They are made of a personnel carrier, a safety sleeve, a lanyard, connectors, and a body harness. Any existing fixed ladder incorporating this system — even if it already has a ladder cage — will be considered OSHA-compliant. 

Do you still have more questions? Visit us at KC Supply Co. for any further clarifications that you may have about the compliance of your ladder cages and fixed ladder setup today.