Brick setters are an essential part of the construction materials industry, responsible for laying bricks and other materials to form structures. However, as with any machinery, there is a risk of accidents and injuries. Ensuring the safety of brick setters is essential to protect workers and maintain a safe production environment. In this article, we will discuss the importance of machinery safety in the construction materials industry, provide tips for using brick setters safely, and explore the use of interlocks to comply with safety standards. We will also highlight common hazards associated with brick setters and relevant machinery safety standards.

Brick Setter Guarding: A Fundamental Part of Machinery Safety

 

Effective guarding is an important aspect of machinery safety, and this is particularly true for brick setters. The fast-moving parts and heavy loads of a brick setter pose a significant hazard, and proper guarding can help prevent accidental contact. Some common types of brick setter guarding include enclosing the moving parts within a casing or using a gaurd and interlock to restrict access. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen method of guarding is appropriate for the specific brick setter and application.

Making a Brick Setter Safe: Tips and Best Practices

 

In addition to proper guarding, there are several other steps that can be taken to ensure the safe use of brick setters in the construction materials industry. These include:

 

  • Proper training: Ensuring that all operators of brick setters are adequately trained on the safe use of the machinery is essential. This should include instruction on how to start and stop the brick setter correctly, as well as how to load and unload materials safely. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats, can help protect workers from potential hazards associated with brick setters.

 

  • Regular maintenance: Ensuring that brick setters are properly maintained can help prevent accidents and injuries. This includes regularly inspecting and replacing worn parts, as well as cleaning and lubricating the machinery as needed.

 

  • Clearly marked emergency stop buttons: Having easily accessible emergency stop buttons can allow operators to quickly shut down the brick setter in the event of an emergency.
  • Safe loading and unloading procedures: Ensuring that materials are correctly loaded onto the brick setter and that they are properly secured, can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Utilizing Interlocks to Comply with Safety Standards

 

Interlocks are a useful tool for maintaining machinery safety in the construction materials industry. Interlocks are devices that prevent the machine from operating if certain conditions are not met, such as the presence of a safety guard. By using interlocks, it is possible to ensure that brick setters are used safely and in compliance with relevant safety standards.

Common Hazards Associated with Brick Setters

 

There are several potential hazards associated with brick setters, including:

 

  • Crush injuries: The heavy weight of bricks and other materials can pose a risk of crush injuries if they are not properly supported or if they fall during the loading or unloading process.

 

  • Electrocution: Like any electrical machinery, brick setters carry a risk of electrical shock if not used properly.

 

  • Repetitive strain injuries: The repetitive nature of the work performed on a brick setter can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and other types of repetitive strain injuries.

 

  • Noise-induced hearing loss: The loud noises generated by brick setters can lead to noise-induced hearing loss if proper hearing protection is not worn.

The Importance of Machinery Safety in the Construction Materials Industry

 

In the fast-paced world of construction materials manufacturing, it is easy to prioritize production over safety. However, the importance of machinery safety cannot be overstated. Accidents and injuries involving brick setters and other machinery can have serious consequences, including lost productivity, damage to equipment, and, most importantly, harm to employees. By prioritizing safety and taking the necessary precautions, it is possible to prevent these types of incidents and create a safer work environment.

Statistics on Brick Setter Injuries

 

According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were over 1,500 reported injuries involving construction materials manufacturing machinery in 2020. While it is difficult to quantify the specific number of injuries caused by brick setters, it is clear that they can be a significant source of accidents and injuries in this industry.

At Fortress Safety, we have application experts who can help you with your specific machinery safety requirements.

Whether you need help with selecting the right safety equipment, implementing an interlock system, or developing a comprehensive safety plan, we are here to help.

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