There are lots of ways to minimise the risk of accidents occurring in facilities that specialises in structural steel fabrication. Read on to find out more.
Inspect the overhead pulley systems regularly
Many structural steel manufacturing facilities have overhead pulley systems, that allow for the quick and easy transportation of long, heavy pieces of structural steel. These pulley systems help to keep a facility's floor space free, whilst still ensuring that the structural steel can be moved from one processing department to another in a quick and efficient manner.
However, if a facility's overhead pulley system is poorly-maintained, there is a risk that it could malfunction and release a heavy steel component whilst it is in motion. If this should happen, the steel component could fall onto the head of an employee who is working on the ground below the pulley system. Due to the steel's weight, the impact of it hitting their skull could leave them with long-term damage.
Even if the steel does not fall directly onto the employees standing underneath the pulley system, it could still injure them. For instance, if it lands on and crushes a large piece of metal machinery, the shards of metal that subsequently fly into the air could strike a nearby staff member and lacerate their skin. The best way to prevent these type of accidents from happening is to regularly examine the condition of the overhead pulley system, and to immediately repair any defects that are found during these inspections. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of the pulley system malfunctioning and causing an accident.
Replace the safety gear that laser cutting operators wear on a regular basis
All employees who are responsible for the operation of laser cutting machinery in a structural steel fabrication facility are provided with a selection of safety gear, such as heat-resistant gloves and protective eyewear. This safety gear plays a critical role in keeping these employees safe whilst they use the machinery to cut the structural steel. However, if the condition of these items deteriorates and the employees continue to wear them, these individuals may be at greater risk of being injured by the laser machine.
For example, if the protective coating on their safety goggles wears off, their eyes might end up damaged by the laser beam. Likewise, if their heat-resistant gloves become frayed and torn, the wearer may sustain burns if they accidentally put their hands too close to the machinery's laser beam. This is why this safety gear must be periodically replaced before it deteriorates to the point where it can no longer protect those who wear it from the laser cutting machine.
To learn more about safe structural steel fabrication, contact services such as Ready Steel.