Minimum Safety Features in Carcass Cutting & Breaking
Posted by Keagan Leamy on 5th Sep 2023
FREUND saws are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, robust power, and exceptional safety features. What sets FREUND apart is its provision of two distinctive safety features that are unmatched by competitors: the Two-Hand Anti-Tie Down and Blade Motor Brakes. These safety features are not mere luxuries but should be considered as the fundamental requirements for operator safety. Without them, it's not a question of if an accident will happen, but rather when it will occur.
FREUND's commitment to safety sets it apart as an industry leader, prioritizing the well-being of operators above all else.
Two Hand Anti-Tie Down (2HATD)
The term "two-hand anti-tie down" indeed refers to a safety mechanism commonly found in machinery, particularly power tools like saws, to enhance safety during operation. This mechanism is designed to ensure that the operator uses both hands to activate the machine, reducing the risk of accidental or unauthorized starts.
If one hand is removed from the controls for any reason, the machine stops, ensuring that the operator cannot use a workaround to keep the machine running while one hand is free. It's a critically important safety feature and an absolute must in any breaking room.
Here's how it works:
- Two-Hand Activation: To start the machine, the operator must simultaneously press two separate buttons or triggers, each with one hand. This ensures that the operator has both hands safely away from the dangerous parts of the machine.
- Continuous Engagement: Once both buttons or triggers are pressed, the machine starts and continues to run as long as both buttons or triggers remain engaged. This requires the operator to maintain control with both hands throughout the operation
- If either hand disengages (releases one of the buttons or triggers), the machine immediately stops, and it won't restart until both buttons or triggers are released and then simultaneously re-engaged. This prevents the operator from accidentally or intentionally tying down one of the controls to bypass safety measures.
Motor Brakes
Motor brakes are essential safety features in saws, ensuring that the blade comes to an immediate stop when the operator disengages. Freund offers two types of motor brakes, depending on the saw's size and power, both guaranteeing instant blade stoppage, eliminating the risk of accidental injury:
- Electric Motor Brake (EMB): This method halts the blade instantly by briefly reversing the motor direction.
- Mechanical Motor Brake (MMB): In this system, a mechanical brake is employed to bring the blade to an immediate stop via a brake pad clutch system. This method not only safeguards the motor and gearbox but is generally considered the superior solution for blade stoppage and injury prevention. Being mechanical it is reliable and fail safe and set during routine maintenance.
The choice between EMB and MMB may depend on factors like saw size, power, and operational requirements, but MMB is generally regarded as the more reliable and durable option for ensuring blade safety.