Painting robots are an important part of the automotive industry, responsible for applying paint and coatings to car parts and finished vehicles. As with any machinery, it is essential to prioritize safety in the use of painting robots to prevent accidents and injuries.
Common hazards of painting robots
Some common hazards associated with painting robots include:
- Chemical exposure: Painting robots often work with hazardous chemicals, such as paints and solvents, which can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
- Moving parts: The arms and other components of painting robots can pose a risk of crush injuries if proper precautions are not taken.
- Fire and explosion: Painting robots may work with flammable materials, increasing the risk of fire or explosion.
Interlocks for safety compliance
Interlocks are safety devices that can be used to help comply with safety standards and prevent accidents. In the case of painting robots, interlocks may be used to shut off the robot’s power supply if a door or panel is opened while the robot is in operation or prevent the robot from moving if a person or object is in its path
There are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure the safe use of painting robots:
- Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with painting robots, including gloves, goggles, and respirators
- Regularly maintain and inspect painting robots to ensure they are in good working order
- Train all employees on the proper use and maintenance of painting robots
- Statistics on injuries caused by painting robots
- According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an average of 1,360 non-fatal injuries per year caused by industrial robots from 2011 to 2017. While these statistics do not specifically pertain to painting robots, they demonstrate the importance of prioritizing safety in the use of all industrial machinery.
If you have questions about machinery safety requirements for painting robots or other applications, the experts at Fortress Safety can help.
Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in application-specific safety solutions, and we can assist you in selecting the best products and systems for your needs.
