Functional Safety Approach For Machines Compliant To ISO 13849 - A Practicable Process

These one day workshops are designed to focus on understanding the practicalities of ISO 13849 and how to produce documentation for the technical file and compliance.

The day will be very much hands on to enable attendees the opportunity to understand the scope and design requirements of the current functional safety standards ISO 13849-1 and to give an appreciation of how to apply their principles.

This course includes case study examples and practical exercises on the use of software packages for the verification of hardware performance (Safety Automation Builder (SAB) and Sistema), culminating with a practical task to demonstrate knowledge of functional safety and generating the required documentation for a technical file.

The course is delivered by Rockwell Automation TÜV Approved Functional Safety Engineers.

The workshop is aimed at anyone who needs to have an understanding of the practicalities of ISO 13849 and who may produce documentation for the technical file. This includes managers, technicians and design engineers who have responsibility for safety relation controls and anyone who needs to ensure that functional safety is maintained for machinery in use.

Locations and dates: 

31 May 2016: Routeco, Bristol branch

Unit 1153, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TF

14 June 2016: Routeco, Leeds branch

Unit 7, Shawcross Court, Shawcross Business Park, Dewsbury, Nr Leeds, WF12 7RF

28 June 2016: Routeco, Peterlee branch

East Durham Business Service, Novus Seaham, Spectrum 7, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT

Spaces are limited - you can view the full agenda and register here. 

Integrated Machinery Safety webinar series - register now!

Learn how to build and use safer and more productive machines with Integrated Safety Solutions.

In this webinar series, Rockwell Automation will present an overview of the latest safety and automation technologies, application techniques and tools to help you further your knowledge when designing, implementing, maintaining and using machines with integrated safety.

The series of webinars will explore aspects of the design cycle, including:

• Overview of safety products and technologies
• Selecting the right Safety Functions
• Wiring and system configuration
• Tools to help integrate safety including:
• Safety Automation Builder
• SISTEMA and product libraries
• Integrating safety using Studio 5000 engineering environment

After each seminar, you will have the opportunity to access the safety functions, technologies and tools presented, to help you with your machinery safety challenges.

To find out more and to register, please click here. 

Introducing the SafeSide Easy Install Pass-Thru

In a continued effort to keep people safe and their assets secure, Grace Engineered Products are launching the Easy Install Pass-Thru device (R-3K).

The R-3K is a Permanent Electrical Safety Device that complements the existing line of SafeSide R-3W series voltage indicators used in the mechanical and electrical Lockout/Tagout process. 

Grace are always looking for innovative ways to keep voltage away from people and the R-3K not only keeps people safe, it also makes workers lives simple with easy installation; meaning decreased downtime and increased productivity. 

The R-3K is easy to install on any electrical cabinet door or on a cabinet flange with a 30mm standard knock-out next to a voltage indicator. There is no need for any additional wiring other than just passing three phase leads through the R-3K. 

To find out more about the R-3K please get in touch with your local Routeco branch. You can do this by emailing info@routeco.com or phoning 0370 607 100

You’ll always see the big picture with Safeside IR viewing windows

Grace Engineered Products’ SafeSide® W–MC Series allows for safe thermography inspections of multiple components through one big window, reducing the number of windows required and enhancing productivity.

Safeside® infrared viewing window features:

• The W-MC series features a larger rectangular viewing area that provides an unparalleled field-of-view (FOV) when compared to traditional round IR windows

• The exclusive, industrial-grade, reinforced polymer allows any infrared camera to monitor completely undisturbed assets inside electrical equipment

• Safeside® Polymers do not degrade when exposed to acids, alkalis, UV, moisture, humidity, vibration, and high frequency noise – a guarantee no crystal IR window can provide

Infrared (IR) cameras are essential tools for predictive maintenance, but they can only inspect what they can see. With their unparalleled field of view, the W-MC Series IR Viewing Windows from SafeSide® give you a quick, efficient way to safely inspect electrical equipment.

Whitepapers and datasheets on SafeSide® can be found here.

If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000.

You’ll always see the big picture with Safeside IR viewing windows

Grace Engineered Products’ SafeSide® W–MC Series allows for safe thermography inspections of multiple components through one big window, reducing the number of windows required and enhancing productivity.

Safeside® infrared viewing window features:

• The W-MC series features a larger rectangular viewing area that provides an unparalleled field-of-view (FOV) when compared to traditional round IR windows
• The exclusive, industrial-grade, reinforced polymer allows any infrared camera to monitor completely undisturbed assets inside electrical equipment
• Safeside® Polymers do not degrade when exposed to acids, alkalis, UV, moisture, humidity, vibration, and high frequency noise – a guarantee no crystal IR window can provide

Infrared (IR) cameras are essential tools for predictive maintenance, but they can only inspect what they can see. With their unparalleled field of view, the W-MC Series IR Viewing Windows from SafeSide® give you a quick, efficient way to safely inspect electrical equipment.

Whitepapers and datasheets on SafeSide® can be found here.

If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000. 

Functional safety workshops

Rockwell Automation would like to invite you to attend their one day workshops which are designed to focus on understanding the practicalities of ISO 13849 and how to produce documentation for the technical file and compliance.

The day will be very much hands on to enable attendees the opportunity to understand the scope and design requirements of the current functional safety standard ISO 13849-1 and to give an appreciation of how to apply their principles. 

This course includes case study examples and practical exercises on the use of software packages for the verification of hardware performance (Safety Automation Builder (SAB) and Sistema), culminating with a practical task to demonstrate knowledge of functional safety and generating the required documentation for a technical file.

The course is delivered by Rockwell Automation TUV Approved Functional Safety Engineers.

Who should attend?

The workshop is aimed at anyone who needs to have an understanding of the practicalities of ISO 13849 and who may produce documentation for the technical file.  This includes managers, technicians and design engineers who have responsibility for safety relation controls and anyone who needs to ensure that functional safety is maintained for machinery in use.

We are holding four events on different dates so please choose the event which best suits you.

                                                               

 >  24th November 2015 -  Milton Keynes                                     

 > 1st December 2015 -  Sandbach, Cheshire

 > 19th January 2016 -  Milton Keynes                                          

 > 26th January 2016 -  Sandbach, Cheshire

Places for each workshop are limited, so please follow the below link to register and to find out more information: http://www.rockwellautomation.com/en_UK/events/seminars/safety-seminar.page

New Guardmaster 442G Multifunctional Access Box - a flexible, secure and easy to use safeguarding solution

Rockwell Automation introduces the Guardmaster® 442G Multifunctional Access Box, an integrated access control and guard locking device which provides a complete safeguarding solution for full body access applications.

A high holding force, wide tolerance to guard misalignment (+/-5 mm), and an escape release option make the 442G an ideal choice for safeguarding large guard doors typically used in applications where full body access to the safeguarded area is required.

Features include:

• High holding force 2000N (Fzh tested to ISO 14119) is suitable for a wide range of guarding applications
• Unique RFID coded bolt actuator achieves the highest level of tamper resistance
• Available in two models: 
• Power-to-Release and Power-to-Lock
• Available with up to three controls and indicators including an E-stop push button (a fourth control is possible for future configurations)
• Optional escape release allows a person locked inside the safeguarded area to exit quickly and easily
• Four bright LEDs provide status and diagnostics
• Outputs for door position, bolt position, and lock status are available to the control system
• Two integrated hasps available to affix padlocks
• Can be operated as a standalone device or in series with other devices 

The Guardmaster 442G Multifunctional Access Box is available to purchase on our website here.  

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com        

Introducing the new SafeSide Voltage Test Station (VTS) from Grace

Grace Engineered Products, the innovative leader in design and manufacturing of Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESD) has announced the new SafeSide® Voltage Test Station (VTS).

The VTS is a revolutionary product that minimizes electrical worker’s exposure to live voltage and the risk of an arc flash hazard. The VTS further simplifies the three step voltage test method and exceeds NFPA 70 E/CSA Z642 and OSHA standards if used in your Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO) procedure. 

This through-door technology concept provides a combination of a voltage indicator and test points for actual voltage measurement in a single housing, eliminating guess work and verifying zero electrical energy from outside the enclosure.

The entire VTS product offering follows Grace’s core concept of customisation, available in various NEMA and stainless steel housings to serve many industry needs.

For further information please contact us by email at info@routeco.com and to check pricing and to buy online please visit our website.

Routeco safety specialists visit Johnson Matthey in Royston

On a beautiful sunny Tuesday lunch time last week, Routeco visited Johnson Matthey with Rockwell Automation’s safety product demonstration vehicle.

This gave members of Johnson Matthey’s constant improvement, lean manufacturing, projects and IT teams the opportunity to view the latest Rockwell Automation technology and solutions in the safety market.

Subjects on the day included new safety products, new safety solutions, PLC safety, and discussions with specialists about safety applications and the latest regulations and legislations.

The Rockwell Automation Safety Bus is currently on tour across the country – if you are interested in attending and want to find out more, please email: info@routeco.com

Rockwell Automation’s Product Demonstration Vehicle visits Routeco Dartford

The Rockwell Automation Product Demonstration Vehicle is touring the UK throughout July and will be at our Dartford branch on Monday 6th July. It is packed full of the latest automation products available, with working demonstrations of how the products can be integrated together to give effective solutions.

It’s a great opportunity for you to come and see the range and discuss your applications with us. 

The systems on the bus include the latest HMIs, PLCs, Drives with built-in safety, light curtains and safety switches.

Our Routeco safety specialist Kevin Kirby will also be on board if you have any safety related questions.

We hope you are able to spare some time during the day to come and visit us and get some ideas for updating or improving your manufacturing processes and  machines.

Address: Routeco Ltd, Unit 4, Orbital One, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QG

Date: Monday 6th July, 10:00 - 16:00

If you are able to attend, please email: techworkshop@routeco.com

New Guardmaster SafeZone Mini Safety Laser Scanner

Rockwell Automation has expanded the Guardmaster® SafeZone™ family of safety laser scanners with the release of the new 3m SafeZone Mini Safety Laser Scanner. These compact devices are designed for stationary and mobile applications and feature a scanning angle of 270°.

The SafeZone Mini Safety Laser Scanners have a single configurable safety field and one or two configurable warning fields. The second warning field can be configured through one of the configurable I/O.

SafeZone Mini Laser Scanner uses the same recently upgraded Windows based SCD programming software as the larger SafeZone laser scanners and shares the same functionality as the other SafeZone safety laser scanners in terms of configurable resolutions and response times, multiple samplings, restart delay up to 60 seconds, and restart interlock.

Designed to meet international safety standards, such as EN ISO 13849-1, EN 62061 and EN IEC 61496, the SafeZone Mini Laser Scanner features an eight-pin integrated M12 QD connector which makes for a simple connection of the device.

The SafeZone Mini safety scanner is a flexible, rugged, cost-effective solution suited for a wide range of industrial safety applications. Common uses for this safety scanner include personnel detection in front of a machine or equipment hazards, particularly when a safety mat solution would require a non-standard or irregularly shaped configuration.

The full range of the 442L products are available for purchase on our website here

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Are your staff and machines in safe hands?

Our innovative safety products and solutions improve the functional operation of your machinery while helping to increase personnel safety, efficiency and productivity. By working alongside Rockwell Automation we offer one of the broadest safety portfolios in the industry to help you achieve both safety and productivity goals.

Single-function Safety Relays > The Guardmaster safety relays check and monitor a safety system and either allow the machine to start or execute commands to stop the machine. Click Here for more features!

Ferrogard GD2 Non-contact Interlock Switches    > The Ferrogard™ GD2 Non-contact Interlock Switch has a stainless steel housing for added protection against inadvertent impacts to the housing. Click Here for more features!

Ferrogard 1, 2, 20, 21 Non-contact Interlock Switches                 > The Ferrogard™ 1, 2, 20 and 21 Non-contact Interlock Switches.The magnetically actuated safety switches offer non-contact reliability together with tolerance to misalignment.                   Click Here for more features!

Ferrogard 6,9,10,13, 14 Non-contact Interlock Switches > The Ferrogard™ 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14 Non-contact Interlock Switches incorporate slim housings to accommodate narrow mounting areas. Click Here for more features! For more information on any of these products please get in touch with your local Routeco branch by calling 0370 607 1000

Protecting your electronics with Rittal enclosures

The main function of an enclosure is to protect electronic components and devices from aggressive media such as humidity, water, oil- contaminated ambient air, corrosive vapours and dust. 

In addition, heat is also troublesome for components in enclosures. If components are exposed to heat more than 10 Kelvins relative to the maximum permitted operating temperature, this can half the service life of components and the failure rate is doubled. 

Failure to provide protection will mean electronic components will inevitably fail and eventually lead to the shutdown of entire production systems. This can generate huge costs: from repairing the parts to the loss of earnings while production stops. 

With this in mind, Rittal have bundled their innovative enclosure, power distribution, climate control and IT infrastructure products together into a single system platform. Rittal’s Therm software and Therm App makes calculating the control requirements of individual enclosure assemblies easy.

As a system provider, Rittal is the world’s top system supplier of exceptionally effective, yet energy efficient and environmentally friendly climate control solutions, precisely tailored to your individual requirements. 

If you would like to find out more, Rittal have produced an enclosure cooling handbook which is available here. This includes chapters on the following: 
• Fundamental principles
• Active heat dissipation 
• Tips for project planning and operation 
• What is machine and process cooling?

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com