Best Practices in Safety
A review of safety practices in the metalworking industry emphasizes hazard prevention through equipment such as safety air guns, AI-assisted sensors, containment enclosures, and heated jackets to maintain temperatures for cylinders containing gases.
Durable, Efficient Safety Air Gun for Chip Removal and More
Guardair Corp. (Chicopee, MA), a leading manufacturer of best-in-class pneumatic tools, offers The Original 57S30XB Safety Air Gun, which is equipped with the powerful Venturi nozzle to increase thrust, ideal for clearing some of the toughest debris. The Original Safety Air Gun can be used in a wide variety of applications including chip clearing, and cleaning machinery and work surfaces.
At the core of its safety advantage is the protective air cone technology. A focused primary air stream provides the cleaning power, while a secondary airflow exits through slots around the nozzle to create a full 360° air shield. This protective barrier surrounds the primary stream and helps redirect chips and debris away from the user. This built-in chip guarding is essential for close-in work and maintains compliance with OSHA standards for safe cleaning with compressed air.
Guardair offers a broad range of Safety Air Guns that are engineered to deliver powerful cleaning performance while safeguarding the operator at every step. As the leading U.S. manufacturer of OSHA-compliant air guns, Guardair designs each model to meet demands of industrial environments where debris, chips, and airborne particles pose hazards. Across the lineup, Guardair’s Safety Air Guns combine durability, ergonomics, and safety technologies to keep operators protected and workplaces OSHA compliant.
AI-assisted Sensor for Environmental Perception and Detection of People
With its Visionary AI-Assist, SICK USA (Minneapolis, MN) offers an AI-based sensor solution for outdoor collision avoidance and monitoring of the surroundings, as well as the detection of people. The sensor solution combines 2D and 3D image processing. It reliably detects people and objects to determine their distance from the sensor. The integrated AI ensures reliable recognition of people even in difficult conditions and prevents false alarms.
The Visionary AI-Assist sensor solution consists of two components: the Visionary-B Two 3D stereo camera and the AI-Assist software. The camera is used for distance measurement, object detection, and environmental perception in indoor and outdoor areas.
The AI-assist software uses AI to classify people so that current hazards within the working space of a mobile machine can be assessed and selective warnings issued. Visionary AI-Assist combines data acquisition, processing, and output in a single device. The device does not require additional sensor hardware, a separate controller, or integration into the cloud. Using stereoscopy, Visionary AI-Assist captures two-dimensional images from which three-dimensional point clouds are then generated.
The required power supply and connectivity are provided by power and Ethernet cables. A protection hood protects against weather influences.
Controlled Containment System Reliably Isolates Airborne Particulates
Controlled Containment System (CCS) Enclosures from HEMCO Corp. (Independence, MO) are engineered to safely contain and control airborne particulate to and from sampling procedures. Dispensing from drums and weighing procedures are typical applications. Drums or equipment can be easily rolled into the enclosure through the strip curtain entrance. Both the process and the surrounding environment are protected from contamination. A downward flow of HEPA-filtered air maintains a cleanliness level at drum or working height while all exhaust air exits out through HEPA filters in the rear wall at floor level. The interior is under slight negative pressure to ensure no contaminant escapes from the enclosure.
The CCS Enclosure is located directly on the existing floor. Optional roll and set casters are available for mobility, as well as electrical and plumbing service fixtures, tables with work surfaces, and enclosure floors. The enclosure is shipped disassembled.
Flexible Heating Jackets Maintain Temperatures to Control Viscosity and Flow
Flexible Heating Jackets for gas cylinders from DENIOS US (Louisville, KY) feature modern technology to heat cylinders quickly and uniformly for better viscosity and flow control of contents. Complete coverage ensures uniform warming of the entire gas cylinder, providing advantages for gases such as SF6, propane, nitrogen, oxygen, BC13, WF6 and HF. Thermostatically controlled blankets operate in a range from -40° to 104° F, and feature “fit and forget” 24/7 operation with no regular maintenance required. The self-regulating heating element eliminates the need for extra temperature control. Fitted with adjustable retaining straps and quick release buckles, they fit cylinders from 27”-to-33” in circumference. Each comes with a NEMA 1-15P plug. Available In low and high-power versions for ordinary locations and Hazardous areas (C1D2).
