E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
(OP)
I have been asked to design the controls for 2 grease kettles here in the U.S. Each kettle has two motors mounted on the top driving agitators inside. There is a door at the top of each kettle for charging ingredients. The motors are driven by variable speed drives. My concern is that as there is a door at the top, there is always the potential of someone falling inside? Does anyone know if it is mandatory to have E-Stops on this kind of equipment? I have suggested to the client that we include these, but he is against it. If I go ahead and design the controls without E-Stops, can I be liable? Can I pass the onus on to him? There is also a variable speed pump on each outlet of these vessels. Similarly would it be mandatory to have an E-Stop on these?





RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
Thanks for your feedback. I definitely feel that an e-stop ought to be implemented. I am not sure about the pull cord, although it would be a sensible idea? However I have seen many of these kettles in operation and none of them have this protection. Perhaps it is time to start? Maybe no-one has fallen in yet?
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
Aside from OSHA, there are other agencies and regulations specific to certain industries that do have E-Stop requirements, such as MSHA (Mine Safety...), RIA (Robotic Industry Association) and NFPA79 (National Fire Protection Assoc.) which is a standard specific to metal working machine tools. I don't know of anything specific to food production machinery though and from personal observation if they exist, they are weak, because there is a LOT of violation of what should be considered basic safe practices in that bunch.
"Will work for (the memory of) salami"
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
If your VFD has a function called "safe stop" then I would be using this in line with the interlock on the door as well, but back up with actual lockable safety stops.
Maybe ask OSHA for advice.
My motto with safety:
If you think you should, then do it; if you should be doing it, do it.
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
RE: E-Stop regulations on VFD's - Grease Kettles U.S.
Best to you,
Goober Dave
Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies