Sheetmetal Curving Rolls

Transcription

1 Sheetmetal Curving Rolls - hand operated Introduction Risks & Hazards Pre-operational Safety Operating Safety Maintenance Operating Procedures Introduction The information contained in this SOP is general in nature. It is advised that operators are referred to the relevant manufacturer's manual for specific operating information. Sheet steel forms easily with the proper tools. The tools required to form a piece of sheet steel into a pipe vary depending on the thickness or gauge of the steel. Thinner steel sheets are formed into a pipe with a hand sheet metal curving roller, while heavy gauged steel sheets require the use of large power rolls. A roll uses three or four rolls to hold and bend the sheet metal. The two front rolls are called pinch rolls and they feed the sheet steel into the bending rolls, which curve the steel sheet. Also called roll bending or plate rolling process it used in many fields, exhaust pipes, pressure vessel tanks, fire extinguishers, hot water boilers and fuel filters. Identified Risks and Hazard General hazards that may arise when folding sheetmetal with folding machines include: cuts from sheetmetal finger damage from clamp bars Specific hazards that may arise when rolling sheetmetal with curving rolls include: Hands can become caught between the rolls and be severely damaged. Injury due to manual handling of large sheets Entanglement of clothing Sheet metal curve rolling machines can be dangerous, because it is not generally practicable to have the rollers guarded with a solid structure (e.g. fixed guard). The operator s hands can get caught and drawn into the counter-rotating rollers, usually during the initial feeding of the work piece. A large proportion of injuries are associated with the operator wearing gloves. Additionally, it is not uncommon for a person walking past the machine to slip, trip or fall and find that their hands have been caught in the machine.

2 Hazard Control All workplace hazards can be controlled by a variety of methods. The goal of controlling hazards is to prevent workers from being exposed to occupational hazards. Some methods of hazard control are more efficient than others, but a combination of methods usually provides a safer workplace than relying on only one method. There are five general categories of control measures: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. The following measures should be part of this machine/equipment's Safe Operating Procedures at your workplace. Pre-operational Safety The following safety checks and precautions should be carried out when preparing to set up, operate or maintain curving rolls:- Always gain a demonstration of the curving operation from the supervisor before using the curving rolls. Operators must obtain training and instruction in the safe and proper use of

3 the curving rolls on a regular basis. The work area should be clean and free of scrap metal and other obstacles. Make sure the floor area around the curving rolls is tidy. Check the rolls for any damage and ensure all guards and measuring devices are firmly secure and in place. Always use the appropriate curving rolls for the type of metal being rolled. Check the maximum capacity of the curving rolls and ensure the sheetmetal thickness does not exceed the limit. Never put wire or rod through the curving rolls. This machine is not designed to curve these metal sections and damage to the rollers will result. Never roll wet material through the rollers or clean them with water. It will cause oxidation and damage the rolls. Operating Safety Precautions Make sure all other persons keep clear of the curving rolls at all times. Do not remove guards from the curving rolls. Guards must be fitted at all times. Do not put your hands through the back of the curving rolls. Keep your hands away from all moving parts. Do not put your hands or fingers under the sheet to be rolled. It is potentially dangerous for one person to insert the sheet while another person operates the crank. Daily Maintenance If the working surfaces of the curving rolls or apron become damaged, notify the supervisor Seek assistance when removing rolls, as the larger rolls are particularly heavy.

4 Keep the folder well greased with good quality grease. Isolating and Lockout Switches Electrically operated machines should be fitted with a flush green on or start switch and a red stop switch that has a raised mushroom shaped head for fast emergency contact. As well as start and stop switches, all machines must have an isolating switch, which enables the main power supply to be switched off when the machine is being set up, adjusted or when maintenance is being carried out. Safe Work Zones The following Safe Work Zones for this machine are derived from a state government education authority guide. Click here for a description of the zone requirements described in this diagram.

5 Operating Procedures and Precautions Make all adjustments to the pressure or angle settings prior to use. Always remove metal work piece from the rolling mill when setting it up. Align the leading edge of the metal with the rollers and begin to turn the handle so the rollers take up the work piece. Always support the work piece while rolling and roll it through the mill until it is released on the other side ask another person for assistance when supporting large pieces. Of particular importance, the use of gloves with fingertips is permitted when using this machine. Work pieces are to be held far enough back from the edge being fed into the rollers to allow for in-feed speed. Prior to rolling any material make sure the rolls have been adjusted to suit the material thickness being rolled. Remember, different metals and different thicknesses will all bend differently, so the curve rolls may need to be adjusted accordingly. The wearing of loose fitting clothing is prohibited. The questions in the SOP knowledge test are general in nature. The manufacturer's manual is to be used to develop specific questions relevant to this tool or machine.