Environmental, Safety & Health

By Plant Engineering Staff November 1, 2008

Ergonomic manipulator

The zeroG4 Arm is an ergonomic manipulator for holding tools, parts and materials. The manipulator allows objects to be maneuvered as if in zero gravity with full range of motion. The unit uses a spring, cam and gimbal-based architecture to “float” objects while allowing them to be effortlessly maneuvered. The unit’s technology can help reduce workplace injuries, and enhance productivity by increasing the speed and accuracy of industrial tasks. The manipulator holds tools or parts from eight to 36 pounds.

Equipois Inc. : www.equipoisinc.com

Compact dust collectors, filters

PowerCore dust collectors and filters comprise a baghouse dust collection system that uses filter packs instead of bags. The dust collection system is 50% to 70% smaller than traditional baghouse systems, making them easier to maintain. The filter packs are easier to handle compared to traditional fabric filter bags; one 7-inch-tall filter pack replaces six 8-foot-long standard bags. The packs can be lifted out of the collector with one hand in minutes without the use of tools.

Donaldson Torit : www.donaldsontorit.com

Dust collector controller

The FDC dust collector controller for user-friendly pulse-cleaning control features a graphic user interface. The pulse cleaning control is designed for all types of cartridge and baghouse dust collectors. The control is suitable for retrofit use; the system cleans filters only when dirty. A pulse cleaning switch on the front of the enclosure allows the user to clean on demand when the high-pressure setting is reached and a dirty filter alarm sounds.

Farr Air Pollution Control : www.farrapc.com

Personal fall limiter

The TurboLite is a self-retracting personal fall limiter (lifeline) designed to protect those working at heights. The fall limiter is compact and lightweight at only 1.9 pounds; stops a fall within inches; and is a versatile alternative to shock-absorbing lanyards. Other features include engineered webbing for greater abrasion resistance and long service life; and a high-strength, impact-resistant nylon housing for durability. The unit does not require annual recertification, and it meets applicable OSHA and CSA requirements.

Miller Fall Protection : www.millerfallprotection.com

Absorbent mat

The chemical-resistant FAT MAT is a thick, absorbent mat for jobs requiring long life and high capacity. The mat has 16 layers of 100% polypropylene that are thermally bonded to allow the mat to absorb large volumes of liquid. Other features include a spun-bond top layer that stands up to heavy foot traffic; melt-blown fine fibers grip the floor to prevent slippage; perforations that allow users to tear off only what is needed; and can be wrung out and incinerated after use.

New Pig Corp. : www.newpig.com

Earplug verification software

VeriPRO earplug field verification software is designed to provide a real-world picture of employee hearing protection. The three-part process checks the effectiveness of a user’s earplug fit in each ear over a range of frequencies. The information is captured in reports, ensuring OSHA compliance. Unlike typical audiometric tests, the software uses a relative measurement of hearing level. The loudness of a tone in one ear is balanced to a tone in the opposite ear at a known level.

Sperian Hearing Protection LLC, Howard Leight Div. : www.howardleight.com

Vacuums

The VC20-U and VC40-U vacuums are designed specifically for mechanical and electrical applications. Suitable for dry and wet cutting, as well as grinding, drilling and wet and dry coring, they’re equipped with 1,200-watt power and automatic power filter cleaning technology. The valve opens automatically every 15 seconds, reversing air flow and shaking the filter clean, and automatic stop shuts the vacuums down when they’re full.

Hilti Inc. : www.us.hilti.com

Fire suppression system

The Vortex fire suppression system deploys a homogenous suspension of nitrogen and water to extinguish fires. The high-velocity, low-pressure mix leaves minimal residual water. The system is scalable for simplified system design and can be installed in either a sealed or open space. Capable of extinguishing small fires in large rooms and large, fuel-based fires, it is adaptable to applications from basic, single-zone coverage to broad networks of zones and varying hazards.

Victaulic : www.victaulic.com

Lock-out/tag-out box

The equipment Log lock-out box is designed to lock-out a variety of machine and energy sources. It comes with a lock and four lock-out tags with accompanying pull-straps. Applications include battery connectors, propane connectors, valves, electrical, cylinders and 12-volt dc starter batteries.

Liftow Ltd. : www.liftow.com

Warning pads for visually impaired

Ultra ADA pads are designed to alert the visually impaired of an obstacle, hazard or other impediment in their path. The flexible urethane pads have truncated domes on their surface to provide warning through sensation as people walk on them. The pads come in four standard sizes and three standard colors, including safety yellow. Custom sizes and colors are available.

UltraTech International Inc. : www.facilityprotection.com