Looking for some help with code or regulations that spell out two handed operation on guillotine type cutters. We have a small corner cutter that has a two handed operation one hand on a button and the other hand on a device that helps hold the paper that has a finger trigger. The operator complains that its an ergonomic concern to hold the trigger every time she cuts. Does anyone know if both hands have to be occupied on the up stroke? We are also looking for something that will hold the paper that does not use the finger maybe the palm of the hand. Thanks for any help you might have.
Two hand operation
- Thread starter zmikc115
- Start date
- Status
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
Re: Two hand operation
this is not really an electrical problem. it is a safety and ergonomics issue.
It would require a lot more infomration than you have divulged to even begin to determine what safety measures would be required.
this is not really an electrical problem. it is a safety and ergonomics issue.
It would require a lot more infomration than you have divulged to even begin to determine what safety measures would be required.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
Re: Two hand operation
The problem is that there really is no code in the sense you would like.
You need to sit down with the operator, maint staff, and others involved with the machine and do an analysis of the potential hazards and how serious those hazards are, and than take steps to reduce or eliminate those hazards.
Two hand operation is only one means of reducing hazards in a machine. It could turn out that the way you implemented it creates another hazard (say carpal tunnel problems).
none of this is something that is discernable without actually having particulars of the machine and the part.
it may turn out that the two hand buttons are not even necessary. there could well be another way of solving the problem of keeping the operators hands out of the way of the cutter (such as a light curtain).
you might well be able to allow the operator to have both hands free to position the part and initiating the cutting operation with a foot switch.
The problem is that there really is no code in the sense you would like.
You need to sit down with the operator, maint staff, and others involved with the machine and do an analysis of the potential hazards and how serious those hazards are, and than take steps to reduce or eliminate those hazards.
Two hand operation is only one means of reducing hazards in a machine. It could turn out that the way you implemented it creates another hazard (say carpal tunnel problems).
none of this is something that is discernable without actually having particulars of the machine and the part.
it may turn out that the two hand buttons are not even necessary. there could well be another way of solving the problem of keeping the operators hands out of the way of the cutter (such as a light curtain).
you might well be able to allow the operator to have both hands free to position the part and initiating the cutting operation with a foot switch.
charlie tuna
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Two hand operation
i have worked on some very old (30 years) and also new paper cutters as well as die cutting machinery - they all have interlocks to assure both of the operator's hands are clear of the cutting edge before the machine will cut. any change in the design would have to provide this same protection to the operator.
i have worked on some very old (30 years) and also new paper cutters as well as die cutting machinery - they all have interlocks to assure both of the operator's hands are clear of the cutting edge before the machine will cut. any change in the design would have to provide this same protection to the operator.
Re: Two hand operation
Thanks Mr. Tuna. I believe there are some regulations probably not NEC though. Not sure if OSHA addresses this specically. I am sure that two handed operation is mandated and a foot switch would not be allowed in this case. We have guillotine type cutters here that are similar to this cutter. Thanks for the info from both you and Mr. Peter.
Thanks Mr. Tuna. I believe there are some regulations probably not NEC though. Not sure if OSHA addresses this specically. I am sure that two handed operation is mandated and a foot switch would not be allowed in this case. We have guillotine type cutters here that are similar to this cutter. Thanks for the info from both you and Mr. Peter.
Re: Two hand operation
This would be an OSHA issue not NEC. On our Presses we use palm buttons and light curtains to protect operator. Circuits are redundant through a PELZ relay. On our machinery operator is protected through out entire cycle. Hands stay on palm buttons until cycle is complete, and ready to reload machine for next cycle. If you are a small manufacturer this is a costly retrofit, but the law suit for injury to an operator will be much more
.
This would be an OSHA issue not NEC. On our Presses we use palm buttons and light curtains to protect operator. Circuits are redundant through a PELZ relay. On our machinery operator is protected through out entire cycle. Hands stay on palm buttons until cycle is complete, and ready to reload machine for next cycle. If you are a small manufacturer this is a costly retrofit, but the law suit for injury to an operator will be much more
.- Status