In every manufacturing industry, worker safety has been the most concerned area of every employer. Manufacturers nowadays are manufacturing equipment that provides safety and peace of mind to the concerned user. However, the notion of manufacturing jobs is quite hazardous. From the records, one can see that job injury were quite common and were on the rise during that time. Even a century ago, workers used to go along and do all the hazardous tasks repetitively for hours. These exhausted labourers were the victim of accidents and mistakes. These caused many permanent injuries.
In recent times the need for labour is quite high. But with all the risk and uncertainty, one does not come forward for manufacturing jobs. Previously the workers were made to do everything by hands, including bending and welding the wire. But now, with the advancement in technology, safety in the manufacturing process can be seen.
Industrial automation in the Steel plant
The safety of the equipment and worker are both critical in any Steel manufacturing unit. For example, the manufacturing unit handles cranes that carry thousands and thousands of kilograms of scrap steel at very high temperatures. Therefore building the right safety is necessary before one handles the equipment. In addition, one can ensure safety with the automation system.
Technologies involved in industrial automation
Automation in steel plants happens to be one of the best ways to incorporate safety. With the operational technology and convergence of information systems, the automation process in the Steel plant can provide the user with precise positioning capabilities. The built-in safety feature and the repetitive motion of the system prevent the operator from any injury and the equipment from any damage. Furthermore, industrial automation in the Steel Plant can enhance the diagnostic and analytics of the whole system. Therefore, it helps the operator to simplify the troubleshooting, operation and maintenance of equipment.
One of the most powerful aspects of automation in Steel plants is the ability to know from them. Any sophisticated automated system would provide the ability to get to know and rather learn from the technology. One can do this by logging events that occur according to the automation system. For example, the operator would know about the start or the stops and any faults present in the machine. It helps the user to learn about the system and also allows the operator to understand whether there is any scope of improvement or not. In one word, it provides insight into the operator's use. Trainers, managers, and even operators can review the data from the automated system to identify the opportunities for any potential training to improve the efficiency and safety of the user.
The technologies involved in the automated Steel Plant are stated below.
- No-fly zone Technology: This technology helps to limit any risk that occurs due to collision. It increases the safety of the personnel as well as the equipment. The no-fly zone Technology allows the operator to designate a particular area the host operations, and the crane operation is entirely or limitedly restricted. The system can be quite complex or simple. Depending on that, one can and any existing or new crane controls in the Steel manufacturing mill.
- Side pull-off-centre pick and snag prevention technology.: One can use this technology to ensure that the loads get lifted safely during the manufacturing process. Swinging loads are not that dangerous for the employees. But it can be dangerous for the equipment as it causes damage that requires unscheduled downtime and costly repairs. But thanks to technology! It can detect any side pull, load misalignment, or any wrong condition. In such conditions, it provides the operator with various audible or visual warnings before the occurrence of any dangerous situation. In addition, the preventive feature provides the operator with the ability to call for situation correcting before any lift.
- Automated diagnostic technology: This technology helps in easy and quick programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and monitoring your entire system from the gearbox to the controls. In addition, advanced diagnostic provides the user with critical information about the equipment status, positioning, and motion, and the energy used to keep the products and the system functioning safely and effectively. Whether one uses a human-machine interface or tablet and laptop to manage the equipment, the automated technology can provide the user access to any information related to the equipment for 24 x 7. Therefore one can address issues faster and ensure safety while increasing uptime.
Conclusion
If one makes proper investment in manufacturing automation, then the safety of the workers may improve. While switching to the automated manufacturing process, companies can craft different parts with little or negligible error. With an improved level of precision, the company can be more productive.
When the machine does most of the work, the workers do not have any scope of being fatigued the way they would previously feel. The workers also do not know how to handle any dangerous equipment like sharp parts. Now with automation, the worker's safety has got the utmost priority. Most manufacturing units combine manufacturing automation with safety experts, which results in a safer manufacturing job.
With the proper safety right into the equipment process and system that the operator would be using, one can keep themselves better informed and safe. It also helps the operator to understand what goes on through the steps of operation.
