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Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 22
2-6 Safety Devices and Interlocks
This section includes information on safety devices and procedures that are inherent to the
large dehumidifying dryer. This manual is not intended to supersede or alter safety standards
established by the user of this equipment. Instead, the material contained in this section is
recommended to supplement these procedures in order to provide a safer working
environment.
At the completion of this section, the operator and maintenance personnel will be able to do
the following:
• Identify and locate specific safety devices.
• Understand the proper use of the safety devices provided.
• Describe the function of the safety device.
Safety Circuit Standards
Safety circuits used in industrial systems protect the operator and maintenance personnel
from dangerous energy. They also provide a means of locking out or isolating the energy for
servicing equipment.
Various agencies have contributed to the establishment of safety standards that apply to the
design and manufacture of automated equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and the Joint Industrial council (JIC) are just a few of the
organizations that have joined with the plastics industry to develop safety standards.
Every effort has been made to incorporate these standards into the design of the large
dehumidifying dryer; however, it is the responsibility of the personnel operating and
maintaining the equipment to familiarize themselves with the safety procedures and the
proper use of any safety devices.
Fail Safe Operation
If a safety device or circuit should fail, the design must be such that the failure causes a
“Safe” condition. As an example, a safety switch must be a normally open switch. The switch
must be held closed with the device it is to protect. If the switch fails, it will go to the open
condition, tripping out the safety circuit.
At no time should the safety device fail and allow the operation to continue. For example, if
a safety switch is guarding a motor, and the safety switch fails, the motor should not be able
to run.
Safety Device Lock-Outs
Some safety devices disconnect electrical energy from a circuit. The safety devices that are
used on the large dehumidifying dryer are primarily concerned with electrical power
disconnection and the disabling of moving parts that may need to be accessed during the
normal operation of the machines.
Some of the safety devices utilize a manual activator. This is the method of initiating the
safety lock out. This may be in the form of a plug, lever or a handle. Within this lockable
handle, there may be a location for a padlock. Personnel servicing the equipment should
place a padlock in the lockout handle.