Best Safety Practices in Manufacturing
Ensuring safety in the manufacturing sector is important. It serves several vital purposes such as safeguarding workers, adhering to legal requirements, minimizing expenses, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening a company’s reputation. Prioritizing safety creates a better working environment for employees and contributes positively to a company’s financial performance.
WATCH this exclusive episode on “Best Safety Practices in Manufacturing” with expert opinion from Muthu Sekkar, COO, Hailstone Innovations Pvt. Ltd; Sanjay Singh, Associate Director – Engineering, CDE Asia Limited; Arun Jain, Business Head – Oxyfuel, Messer Cutting Systems India; and Ranjith Kumar, Dy. General Manager, Schmersal India.
Speaking about the role of safe manufacturing practices in enhancing productivity, Muthu Sekkar said, “I would like to emphasize that safety, quality, and productivity are closely intertwined and should not be compromised. This principle forms the foundation of any organization. Regardless of our interests, it is crucial to establish a safe working environment where employees adhere to safe practices. This fosters a sense of security for employees and their families, knowing adequate protections and safety measures are in place. This assurance brings peace of mind.”
Muthu Sekkar further said, “By minimizing employee attrition, especially among skilled and trained individuals, we can enhance productivity. When employees stay with the company for longer periods, productivity naturally improves. However, we must remain vigilant against carelessness’ threat to safety. Carelessness erodes the safety culture. Employees need to understand that cultivating a safety culture is a core responsibility of the company and should be ingrained from the beginning.”
Speaking about incorporating safety into the design of manufacturing processes and equipment, Singh, said, “Based on my knowledge, in the ancient past, spanning thousands, five thousand, or even ten thousand years ago, it is unlikely that there were organized factory-like operations as we know them today. Instead, people would come to certain locations to work and produce goods. However, these places were often like battlefields from my understanding. When delivering goods on a large and challenging scale, safety becomes paramount. It is crucial to prioritize our safety, as by doing so, we also protect others. Safety should be preached and advised regularly, from day to day and hour to hour. Those with expertise in safety should be encouraged to take a leading role and guide others.”
Further speaking about prioritizing safety Singh said, “Considering the potential difficulties and repercussions of accidents, it is essential to strive for a safe environment daily. By prioritizing the safety of our people, we can also safeguard the well-being and profitability of our business.”
Talking about preventative maintenance, Kumar says, “Safety plays a significant role in maintenance processes. In the present day, if we inquire with end users who work with older legacy systems, their major concern revolves around the uncertainty of machine failures. They also worry about the potential accidents resulting from such failures.”
Kumar further states, “Within the realm of safety, there exists a concept known as Safety 4.0, which encompasses the integration of safety practices in Industry 4.0. As part of Safety 4.0, intelligent components or sensors provide users with accurate information regarding potential failures and the lifecycle of various components. This enhanced system empowers users by allowing them to anticipate failures and make informed decisions. Consequently, it leads to an improved work environment and increased productivity for the individuals involved in these processes.”
When asked about safety measures by Messer Cutting Systems India, Jain said, “For enhanced safety measures, a technology known as the Three Pipetting Torch or Nozzle Mixing Technology is recommended. This torch facilitates oxyfuel mixing within the nozzle, minimizing the risk of flashback. In the event of a flashback, the primary danger is confined to the nozzle, which is designed to withstand such occurrences without bursting.”
He said, “To safeguard our systems and personnel from flashback destructive effects, it is crucial to utilize the appropriate flashback arrestor devices. It is important to note that a single flashback arrestor cannot be universally applied to all applications. The selection of the right flashback arrestor should be based on each application’s specific requirements. Furthermore, the regulators used in the system must be carefully chosen, taking into account factors such as the correct pressure and flow requirements. In addition, they must be tested with the appropriate tests. It is crucial to avoid using a regulator designed for one gas with a different type of gas, as this can compromise safety and efficiency.”
“Messer offers more than just products when it comes to safety. We provide safety training, ensure safety in gas equipment, conduct safety assessments, create safety posters, and offer a range of other safety-related services,” Jain concluded.
