While pipe bending is certainly one of the most crucial tasks to be handled in manufacturing projects, it does involve numerous risks concerning the safety and compliance requirements. Manufacturers fail to exercise appropriate safety measures at the workplace, leading to fatal injuries and accidents. Furthermore, not meeting the stringent industry standards and compliance regulations prove how riskier the situation is. Owing to these issues, the company can soon face lawsuits, which will ultimately culminate in monetary fines and permanent shutdown of every type of manufacturing operations.
So, instead of letting the situation escalate and end in such a disastrous manner, don’t you think it would be best to identify the risk factors, implement appropriate safety regulations, and meet all the stringent industry regulations? Obviously the answer will be yes, which is why we have prepared a detailed guide on safety measures and compliance to be maintained in all types of CNC tube bending operations.
What are the risks involved with CNC pipe bending operations?
First of all, we need to acknowledge the risks associated with CNC pipe bending operations before planning the security and safety measures. Below we have listed a few of them for your better understanding.
- Burns: Most CNC pipe benders produce a substantial amount of heat energy due to the friction between the pipes and heavy moving machine parts. If proper precaution is not taken, operators can get severe burns due to the heat, especially if they touch the heated surfaces with bare hands.
- Respiratory problems: Small particles are often produced during the pipe bending operations. These are mostly material residues generated due to surface etching caused by friction. If they enter the respiratory tract of people operating the machine, they can lead to different health problems.
- Toxic chemicals: Sometimes, toxic chemicals are often used in CNC tube bending operations. Prolonged exposure to these substances without any proper safety measure in place can lead to severe health consequences like heavy metal poisoning, skin diseases, and so on.
- Machine handling: Since the CNC tube bending machines are reinforced with heavy components, not exercising appropriate safety measures can lead to major accidents at the workplace. For instance, if the loading and unloading of the pipes are not maintained, it can lead to fatal injuries. Similarly, when operators are not trained appropriately, they can suffer from muscular and skeletal injuries while handling the machine parts.
- Poor workplace conditions: Another risk factor at most workplaces where CNC pipe bending operations are carried out is due to clutter and inadequate space for movement. Working in such conditions increases the risks of fatal injuries, material damage, and many other issues.
Safety standards and practices to be implemented for CNC pipe bending operations
Now that we have discussed the major risk factors in CNC tube bending operations, it would be best to pay our undivided attention to the safety measures that can reduce the injuries and accidents. Furthermore, exercising these measures will also help your business become compliant to the industry standards and global workplace safety regulations without any additional effort.
Conducting proper training and education
Firstly, most accidents take place due to operators and laborers not having enough knowledge about the pipe bending operations and training in equipment handling. As a result, they either make mistakes or fail to exercise caution while operating the pipe benders. This is why the first thing you need to do is ensure every single employee involved with the CNC pipe bending operations is properly trained and educated about the equipment parts, their functions, and the risks associated.
Personal protective equipment
Every employee should wear a proper set of personal protective equipment or PPE suitable for the manufacturing industries. It will include safety gloves, protective goggles, earbuds, masks, and so on. With the gear on, they can reduce being exposed to radiations, toxic chemicals, airborne particles, dust, and so on. Wearing PPE before entering the workplace should be strictly followed with proper disciplinary action imposed if anyone violates the rule.
Maintaining decluttered workplace
As already discussed, several accidents and injuries of personnel at workplaces of CNC pipe bending projects take place due to cluttered areas and minimal space for movements. If you want to implement appropriate safety measures and reduce the fatality, you should keep the area decluttered with enough spaciousness that people can move around freely.
Timely equipment maintenance and repair
Not being able to detect a defect with the CNC pipe bender will increase the risk of accidents. For instance, if any mechanical component is not functioning properly, it means there is some underlying issue, which if not addressed at the right time can lead to injuries. This is why timely maintenance and early repair of the problems in the CNC tube benders are crucial and also of the utmost importance.
Conclusion
Since CNC tube bending is one of the crucial components of several manufacturing projects, you need to exercise appropriate safety measures to reduce the risks of accidents and fatal injuries. Rest assured you will be able to increase the overall productivity, enhance employee satisfaction, and remain compliant with the global health and workplace safety standards and regulations.