Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
(OP)
On our equipment we've got a 1.5" square steel bar that is cantilevered out some distance to allow adjustment of an assembly along its length. Unfortunately the end of this bar is hanging in the air and is often in a position where one can strike his head on it.
I'm trying to find some off-the-shelf bumper cap to fit on the end, but have had no luck on google. Anyone ever used something like this? I need something that will be economical in quantities of 100-150 per year.
I've looked at dipped vinyl caps which would make the corners less dangerous, but they want me to buy a 7 year supply. I figure molded rubber or polyurethane would work well, but haven't had any luck finding them already designed for such an application.
Thanks,
Dean
I'm trying to find some off-the-shelf bumper cap to fit on the end, but have had no luck on google. Anyone ever used something like this? I need something that will be economical in quantities of 100-150 per year.
I've looked at dipped vinyl caps which would make the corners less dangerous, but they want me to buy a 7 year supply. I figure molded rubber or polyurethane would work well, but haven't had any luck finding them already designed for such an application.
Thanks,
Dean





RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
If you haven't done so, check a McMaster-Carr catalog- they have a bunch of different bumpers, caps, plugs, etc., and you're liable to find something workable there.
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Will a soft cap do the job? I can see a rubber cap preventing cuts, but someone is still banging their head on a solid object.
I would go for JStephen's first suggestion.
JHG
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
And if you doing 100-150 per yr, I don't see why you think you have too large a quantity of vinyl dip.
Particularly since you probably need two coats
TTFN
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
I agree with JStephen - the ideal is to alter the design to eliminate the problem. Like many things, however, it is easier said than done. Until we can make that happen, I need something that will keep someone from ripping a big gash in their scalp.
I checked McMaster-Carr and couldn't find exactly what I need, although they have some things I might try, and they gave me a couple ideas, too.
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Bright colors, good padding, cheap.
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Use something like this material.
http://www.sealedair.com/instapak_home.htm
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
How about some suitably sized circular rubber hose that could be slipped (forced "square") over the steel end.
Some thick walled stuff like "wrapped water hose" (McMaster-Carr") maybe cut to 3 inches long with some silicone adhesive to secure in place. Make sure the rubber sticks out - say 1/2 inch to cover the steel corners.
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
ht
20 years ago, the smaller A10 size, perfect for 1/2" lab rack, cost just pennies.
Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
I would probably give them a call.
ht
I was thinking about a fishing trip and remembered that we use throwaway insulating ropes for chaffing gear on our anchor and dock lines.
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
arto - it's a similar type of cap that they want me to buy 700 of. I can't justify having 7 years worth of inventory of anything, even if they are cheap.
MintJulep - Pool noodles! That's a great idea! Our customers would either appreciate our sense of humour or think we were spiking our coffee.
Others - thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll sketch something simple up and see if our urethane molders can do something cheap with some 40 durometer urethane.
I'm also thinking a 1/2" rubber sheet cut in a 3" diameter circle fastened to the end of the bar. If you struck it with your head it would tend to conform around the bar and protect you from the edge.
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
McMaster also sells a variety of pipe insulation products. Some are in sheet form to wrap around a pipe. They also have pre-formed polyethylene elbows.
Another option is to use the tough rubber padding normally used for floor matts, and cut it up to wrap the square tube.
Joe dunfee
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Griffy
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
regards,
Hydroformer
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
Griffy
RE: Head protection on equipment with sharp corners
I would suggest having a piece of bright colored cloth or tape attached to the end, so that when the arm is in the "danger" position, the tape hangs down and provides a "warning" to the unwary operator. Maybe even labelled with "watch your head!".