Guard system allows free flow
October 1st 2004

The Entry Exit FT-Muting Guard from Leuze Mayser prevents employees becoming entwined in machinery yet allows free flow of approved items.

In many handling applications forklifts are used to place palletised loads on to conveying or other automated systems. There is legal obligation for the company to provide safety guards that will stop the machine should a person move too close to the hazard zone. Fixed guards can be placed either side of a conveyor, but the problem occurs at the load/unload point where clear access is needed.

Although safety light barriers monitor openings and protect staff, as the load is placed on the conveyor it will trigger the barrier, closing all machinery functions unless the FTMuting Guard is used.

The guard momentarily negates or ‘mutes’ the action of the barrier by linking the light barrier via muting controls to inductive loops in the floor.

As the forklift arrives at the load/ unload point, its mass is detected by inductive loops. These mute the operation of the safety beam, allowing infeed or discharge without affecting the action of the machinery.

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