OMRON has written a list of Dos and Don’ts for safety light curtains.
Safety light curtains are safety devices designed to protect operators and other personnel working around a potentially dangerous machine.
According to Omron, before installing or using a safety light curtain, a number of requirements must be met.
The machine on which a safety light curtain is installed must be capable of stopping motion anywhere in its stroke or cycle. Light curtains should not be used on machinery like power presses with full-revolution clutches.
Additionally, light curtains are not suitable for use on any device with an inconsistent stopping time or inadequate control devices or mechanisms.
Severe smoke, particulate matter or corrosive chemicals in the environment can degrade the efficiency of the light curtain. Additionally, they do not offer protection from flying objects.
Light curtains should not be used as a lockout device. Additional guarding, such as mechanical guards, may be required.
According to Omron, all safety-related machine control circuit elements, including pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic controls must have a high safety performance level.
Brakes and stopping mechanisms and controls should be inspected regularly to ensure proper working order. After maintenance, adjustment, repair or modification to the light curtain or machine, a test procedure should be undertaken.
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