The PBL is a Blocking Device for Light Curtain Safety
Blocking Device for Prevention of Unexpected Restart (Video)
Safety Light Curtains – Photoelectric Sensors – Light Barriers – Perimeter Access Control
Safety light curtains are designed to protect personnel when operating in close proximity to hazardous machinery.
They are reliable, easy to install, cost-effective and enable a convenient and intelligent environment for easy personnel access.
However, when entering a light curtain guarded space, protection against unexpected restart cannot always be guaranteed.
How can I protect personnel from machinery restarting unexpectedly?
Mechanical Blocking Device for Personnel Protection
Installation to Light Curtain
The blocking device is mounted beside the safety light curtain or light barrier
Deactivation in Normal Operation
When access is required, the light curtain is deactivated
Key Extraction
The personnel key is extracted; rotating the blocking plate
Prevention of Unexpected Restart
The light curtain beam is blocked preventing machine start up
Padlocking
Two-padlock lock out
Proactive Inhibit Functions
Proactive inhibit functions are a risk reduction measure to prevent start-up whilst performing whole body access into a safeguarded space (ANSI B11. 19-2019). There are a number of preventative measures which can be implemented for safeguarded spaces to prevent unexpected restart of hazardous machinery, however some are not always practicable.
Preventative Measures
Good Visibility of the safeguarded space and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those entering it.
“What happens when obstacles or machinery block visibility?”
Presence Sensing Devices to detect personnel within a safeguarded space.
“What about large safeguarded spaces – doesn’t this become costly?”
Mechanical Measures to block safety circuits from closing (Proactive Inhibit Functions).
Design in measures with allow operators to stop a machine from the inside.
Preventative Measures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Good Visibility of the safeguarded space and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those entering it.
“What happens when obstacles or machinery block visibility?”
Presence Sensing Devices
Presence Sensing Devices to detect personnel within a safeguarded space.
“What about large safeguarded spaces – doesn’t this become costly?”
Proactive Inhibit Functions
Mechanical Measures to block safety circuits from closing (Proactive Inhibit Functions).
Reactive Inhibit Functions
Design in measures with allow operators to stop a machine from the inside.
Type 2 Body Protection (EN/IEC 61496-1/-2) | Single Beam | Type 4 Body Protection (EN/IEC 61496-1/-2)
The Fortress Photo-Electric or Light Curtain Blocking Device
Common Configurations
PBL2A-1-1-CLSL-MP1 | PBL4A-1-1-CLSL-MP1 |
PBL2A-1-1-CLSL-MP3 | PBL4A-1-1-CLSL-MP3 |
PBL2A-3-1-CLSL-MP3 | PBL4A–3-1-CLSL-MP3
Where are our devices used?
Packaging Technologies Robotics Food and Beverage Manufacture
Pharmaceuticals Automotive Production Conveyor Systems
Is the Light Curtain Blocking Device compatible with My Light Curtain?
The world of safety light curtains and light barriers is expansive. This is why Fortress have designed our blocking device with every eventuality in mind.
Installation Orientations | Light Curtain Dimensions | Detection Resolution |
Light Curtain Guards and Coverings | Muting | Washdown | Offset Mounting
