Manual handling is an occupational risk that glass manufacturers and installers face on a daily basis. Glass units are getting bigger and so are the chances of Musculoskeletal injuries! With safety at the forefront of many businesses minds, the Smartlift glazing robot has gained many admirers for the way it successfully eliminates heavy manual handling and improves operational efficiency.
So why are Smartlift glazing robots the safe choice? Let’s take a look at the key safety features available across the range.
Feature 1 – Dual Vacuum System
All Smartlift glazing robots come with a dual vacuum system configured as follows:
- Vacuum Pump x 2
- Vacuum Motor x 2
- Filter x 2
- Vacuum Pressure Sensor x 2
- Vacuum Chamber x 2
The two circuits on the dual vacuum system can be identified by the colour of their hoses with one system in red and the other in blue. Each vacuum system can sustain the full safe working load capacity of the machine, so if one system fails, the other takes over.
Feature 2 – Vacuum Warning Alarm
All Smartlift glazing robots have between -0.6 and -0.7 bar of pressure stored in each vacuum chamber. When you engage the vacuum and begin to lift, if the pressure drops at any point the alarm will sound and a yellow warning lamp will illuminate. At this point the glazing robot will automatically re-build the pressure, once it reaches the desired level, the alarm will stop and the yellow light will turn off.
Feature 3 – Chassis Outriggers
All Smartlift glazing robots come with chassis outriggers which should be deployed whenever you are glass lifting. The outriggers are designed to stop the machine tipping over, should it become unstable due to terrain or uneven weight distribution.
Feature 4 – Trap Switch
When carrying glass it is very easy to focus on what is in front of you and neglecting what obstacles are behind…. All Smartlift glazing robots come fitted with a red trap switch which is located on the steering tiller. If you become trapped when reversing and your midriff hits the switch, the robot will automatically move forward to prevent any crushing injuries.
Feature 5 – Overload Switch
All Smartlift glazing robots are fitted with an overload switch. If you exceed the safe working load or work outside the lifting envelope the robot will naturally try to tip forward. To prevent this happening the overload switch is activated which in turn isolates all boom functions – You can retract the boom to its stow position to re-stabilise the robot.
Feature 6 – Isolator Switches
There are 3 isolator switches on a Smartlift glazing robot:
- Main Isolator Key – This cuts off power to the batteries – Effectively your on and off switch.
- Emergency Stop – This isolates all drive and boom functions in the event of an emergency.
- Drive Isolator – This isolates the forward and backward movements – It is good practice to isolate the drive function when you are lifting/installing to avoid anyone moving the robot.
Tyres
All Smartlift glazing robots come fitted with puncture proof tyres. The indoor models have solid rubber tyres which glide effortlessly across surfaces such as concrete. The outdoor models have foam filled all terrain tyres allowing the glazing robot to manoeuvre through construction sites and other outdoor settings.
Overview
Smartlift have adopted a safety-first strategy by including all of the above features as standard on each model.
Although the machine has you covered, always remember to plan your lift before carrying it out! Check your surroundings and ground conditions. Is your glass within the safe working load and can you operate the boom within the lifting envelope?
For any professional advice, please call 01977 643595 or email us at sales@cpslift.com.
Are you a glazing manufacturer or installer and looking for a safe way to manipulate glass? If so, why not explore the Smartlift model range here.
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