How a Simple Safeguarding Device Prevents Welding and Riveting Injuries

Detect-A-Finger^® reduces amputations with failsafe sensing probe

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5,000 American manufacturing workers suffer injuries involving amputation or limb loss every single year. In all, amputations rank in OSHA’s top three serious workplace injuries.

Rockford Systems, a leader in machine safeguarding technologies, recognizes that these devastating, life-altering injuries are typically avoidable with the right safety equipment in place. The company’s Detect-A-Finger® drop-probe device, for example, is designed to prevent a riveter, welder or other small machine from cycling if it encounters fingers in the point-of-operation area, therefore preventing contact between the operator and dangerous moving parts.

Simplicity is the key to Detect-A-Finger’s success. Whenever an operator initiates a machine cycle, typically through an electric foot switch, the Detect-A-Finger sensing probe is automatically released, ensuring that safeguarding can not be deactivated or overlooked by the operator. If the probe detects anything more than the material thickness, it halts the machine from cycling. However, if an operator’s fingers or hands have not entered the point-of-operation area, the sensing probe will drop into its preset position, and the Detect-A-Finger’s control unit will allow the machine to cycle to maintain ongoing machine productivity and performance.

Simple Mounting, Advanced Safety

With its compact design, Detect-A-Finger easily mounts on most machines, regardless of brand, providing fabricators with an invaluable way to enhance both safety and productivity. Depending on space and preference, the drop probe assembly can be mounted on either the left or right side of a machine, while the head and control unit are normally mounted on the machine frame or custom-fabricated brackets. The aluminum probe rod is shaped to fit around the tooling, allowing parts to be formed safely at high speed to achieve maximum output.

Protection For Most Machinery

Accidents occur on all types of manufacturing equipment, which is why Rockford Systems offers its proven Detect-A-Finger system to safeguard virtually every machine found on a plant floor.

The RKC-000 Detect-A-Finger model is for smaller machines, including riveters, eye letters, stalkers, staplers, crimpers, and fastening and assembly machines. Available now online for $868.00 (USD), this version is ideal for retrofitting machines to meet new safety standards.

The RKC-500 Detect-A-Finger model is exclusively for welders. The unique design of its sensing probe module allows it to be attached to a welder arm, whether it is fixed or moving. Depending on the type of welder, a single-stage or a two-stage foot switch may be required. It may also be applied to mechanical foot pedal-type welders, although the mechanical pedal must be removed and replaced with an air cylinder. The RKC-500 is available for $1,053.00 (USD).

The DAF-100 Detect-A Finger is the premium version for both riveters and welders. Featuring an adjustable stroke up to four-inches, it comes with the control box, drop-probe assembly, aluminum sensing probes, and other necessary components. The DAF-100 is available for $1,998.00 (USD).

All Rockford Systems Detect-A-Finger versions are designed for compliance with OSHA 29 CFR, Subpart 0, 1910.212 general requirements for all machines.

About Rockford Systems, LLC.

Headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Rockford Systems, LLC delivers innovative machine safeguarding solutions for organizations working with industrial machinery. As a trusted adviser since 1971, Rockford Systems helps organizations interpret and apply complex Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) machine safety standards for a broad array of industrial applications. In addition, Rockford Systems provides complete Safety Life-Cycle Management Solutions, including on-site surveys, customized engineering integration, over 10,000 safeguarding products, expert installation services, training and technical support, and ongoing compliance validation. Rockford Systems has improved the profitability of many of North America’s largest companies by increasing compliance, reducing worker risk, enhancing productivity and decreasing costs.

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