Emergency Stops

[Rob_Sargent]

Can Emergency stop buttons be guarding to prevent accidental contact? :-?

 

[kc8dxx]

IMHO there is too fine line between "guarding to prevent accidental contact" and making the button too difficult to hit in a real emergency. Don't guard the button. If the problem exists is because a control station is too small to allow adequate distance between the estop and other controls, then a new layout is needed.

 

[muskiedog]

Osha will gig you

Osha will gig you

I used have printers place tape rolls over them to prevent accidental stops. OSHA didn't like it. Unobstructed access is what I was told. Plus you want to be able to hit with out interference.

 

[Rob_Sargent]

I used have printers place tape rolls over them to prevent accidental stops. OSHA didn't like it. Unobstructed access is what I was told. Plus you want to be able to hit with out interference.

Is this in the Electrical standard or is this an OSHA standard?

 

[muskiedog]

NFPA 79 Chapter 9.2.5.1

This will give you the lowdown on emergency button installation.

It must be able to be activiate with one movement.

 

[wirenut25]

what about using a break glass?

 

[cowboyjwc]

They do make a shielded one.

I've used both types, the shielded ones and the mushroom type. Guess it depends on how quick you need to stop it.

 

[petersonra]

Can Emergency stop buttons be guarding to prevent accidental contact? :-?

Most cases this would be a bad idea. I have seen people do this because they put them where there is not a lot of room and people brush up against them.

Better to rearrange the layout of the operator station so it is less likely to get unintentionally tripped.

 

[muskiedog]

Pull cord

Pull cord

We did retro fit some equipment that had nuisance trips by installing a pull cord along the length of the equipment. It eliminated the problem. that may be an option.

 

[aja21]

They do make a shielded one.

I've used both types, the shielded ones and the mushroom type. Guess it depends on how quick you need to stop it.

I used to work in a manufacturing facility that was and OSHA voluntary protection star site that used shielded e-stops quite frequently, OSHA had no problems with it.