Machine Safety Enclosures: Materials, Features, and Uses
No one is in a rush for safety measures until an accident happens, and by that time it’s too late. Heavy machinery doesn’t need to be malfunctioning in order to be dangerous to people around it, either. All it takes is one mistake, and there’s the potential for injuries, or worse. As a result, many businesses are choosing to use machine safety enclosures around their equipment. In this article, we’ll cover what they are, some common materials they use, some of their features, and more.
What Are Machine Safety Enclosures?
Machine safety enclosures are just what they sound like, barriers that surround and cover machinery to protect those working around it. Without them, workers may accidentally touch or run into moving parts, in addition to other dangers, depending on the equipment. These are not the same as machine guards or fencing systems, both of which usually only create protection on their perimeter. By using enclosures, you can cover more of your machinery.
Many industries use them, and they are often required to meet safety standards set by organizations like OSHA and ANSI.
Common Materials Used
Machine safety enclosures are often built from modular materials, which is great because they can be reconfigured to fit different machines, layouts, or environments. Some common materials for them include:
- Anodized aluminum (especially for the framing)
- Steel
- Polycarbonate
- Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP)
- Acrylic
- Steel mesh
- Solid plastic or composite panels
Common Parts and Features
Modular safety enclosures have a few standard parts and features that are of course, designed to improve safety. That being said, this is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many more choices in terms of features and customization options.
- Sliding, roll-up, and other types of doors
- Interlocking switches
- Raceways
- Cutouts for cable pass-throughs or ventilation
- Access systems
- Indicator lights
- Safety glass and other kinds of windows
Machine Safety Enclosure Applications
Machine safety enclosures are used in many industries, and wherever they are found the goal is usually the same: to keep people safe from moving or dangerous equipment. Here are a few industries where they’re commonly used:
- Automotive
- Robotics
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotech
- Electronics
- Metalworking
The Bottom Line
Fundamentally, what a machine safety enclosure does is help you avoid injuries by secluding your equipment away from workers. These spaces (when modular) are relatively simple to set up, especially in comparison to traditional construction; also, they’re low maintenance, and can be designed for the exact application you need them for.
Interested in adding enclosures to your machines? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com for a quote on new structures:
FAQs About Machine Safety Enclosures
1. Can enclosures be used again if the machinery is relocated?
Yes, they can. If your machine enclosure is modular, it can be disassembled and reassembled at another location, or even be used to cover another piece of equipment. Obviously, this gives them a great return on investment (ROI).
2. Do safety enclosures affect machine cooling or ventilation?
Yes, they can, but it depends on the design. Enclosures may have cutouts to prevent overheating, but can also have vents, fans, and even HVAC systems to make sure your equipment is operating at the right temperature.
3. How long does it take to install a machine safety enclosure?
For modular spaces, installation time will vary, but it’s much faster than traditional construction. The time it will take depends on the size of the enclosure, its features, requirements, etc. Most basic modular enclosures can be installed within a day or two. What’s more, because the prefabricated panels can be brought in through regular doors, there’s no need for big disruptions to normal business operations.
