1.7 Safety around Welding Robots
All the general instructions on welding and cutting safety apply to working with welding robots, but additional hazards are present in a robotic workstation.
1.7.1 Robot Motion Hazards
Robots are generally rather large and heavy, but often move very rapidly from one weld location to the next. Because of the force and speed involved, an operator must never enter the work envelope (working volume) of a robot when it is in operation. The robot could hit and severely injure a worker who enters that space.
Normally, the robot's work cell is fenced or equipped with an electric eye “kill switch” to prevent workers from entering the space while the machine is operating. When the work envelope must be entered to repair or adjust the robot, positioner, or job-holding fixtures, the power to the robot must be shut off and the switch locked or tagged to prevent it being mistakenly turned on.
1.7.2 Spark Hazards
Since the welding operator normally is stationed away from the actual weld site, spark hazards are less severe than in other forms of welding. Comfortable work clothes may be worn. However, goggles are suggested to protect against possible flying sparks. Be sure to keep all combustible materials stored a safe distance from the robotic work envelope.
1.7.1 Robot Motion Hazards
Robots are generally rather large and heavy, but often move very rapidly from one weld location to the next. Because of the force and speed involved, an operator must never enter the work envelope (working volume) of a robot when it is in operation. The robot could hit and severely injure a worker who enters that space.
Normally, the robot's work cell is fenced or equipped with an electric eye “kill switch” to prevent workers from entering the space while the machine is operating. When the work envelope must be entered to repair or adjust the robot, positioner, or job-holding fixtures, the power to the robot must be shut off and the switch locked or tagged to prevent it being mistakenly turned on.
1.7.2 Spark Hazards
Since the welding operator normally is stationed away from the actual weld site, spark hazards are less severe than in other forms of welding. Comfortable work clothes may be worn. However, goggles are suggested to protect against possible flying sparks. Be sure to keep all combustible materials stored a safe distance from the robotic work envelope.
