| performing a key process task outside the guarded area |
Description
Aggregate Industries’ Concrete Works identified that there were occasions when the press dispensers needed to be physically nudged to release concrete if they have ceased to weigh. The safe system of working (SSOW) for the removal of a blockage from the dispensers required the operator to stop and isolate the machine, enter the guarded area and remove the concrete manually, costing approximately 10 minutes downtime per occurrence, resulting in approximately 30 minutes downtime per press per shift A small air ram was fitted to each of the dispensers. Each air ram was designed to be adjustable so it gave just the right amount of force to nudge the dispenser releasing any concrete that had ceased to flow. The rams were activated using a manual push button that was located outside the guarded area.
Benefits
• Removed the requirement for operators to enter guarded area to solve dispensing issue
• Reduction in waste
• Estimated saving of £125K in operating costs.
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