Plug and Play: Practical Tips for Using On/Off Foot Switches Safely and Efficiently in Your Workspace
On/off foot switches for industrial machine control give today’s operators a safer, more practical means to engage with their equipment. As a result, properly-integrated foot pedals can help streamline the overall workspace and facilitate better efficiency throughout your operations.
From basic on-off foot switches to specialized welding foot pedals and potentiometer foot controls, SSC’s products are engineered to promote both safety and efficiency in virtually any factory or jobsite. Our company is the leading American manufacturer of standard and custom on/off foot switches, offering better productivity and ergonomics than other controls.
How to Use Industrial Foot Switches Efficiently and Effectively
In almost every factory setting or industrial workspace, a primary goal is to prioritize safety. You should make sure the foot pedal and all interconnected equipment is in good working condition and compliant with relevant safety standards. Also, you should regularly inspect the devices for damage, need of maintenance, or incorrect setups that can lead to malfunctions. If you find that your foot pedals exhibit excessive wear or potential for premature failure, consider upgrading to one of our robust heavy-duty foot switch options.
You should install foot pedals in a comfortable and easily-accessible position for operators. Carefully consider ergonomics to minimize worker fatigue during prolonged use and long shifts. Also, ensure that the bottom surface of the foot pedal has a non-slip traction pad or is otherwise properly secured to the floor – and the surrounding area is kept clean and free of debris – to help prevent accidents, especially in environments where floors may become oily or wet.
Finally, when you integrate new foot pedals or any types of new machine controls into your workflow, you must provide comprehensive training to operators on the correct and safe use and maintenance of the devices.
Safety Information and Tips for Foot Switch Setups
Foot switches should be installed only by a qualified electrician according to all local and national electrical and safety regulations. Here are some other crucial setup and safety tips:
Point-of-Operation Safeguards and Avoiding Pinch Points
To prevent personal injury, do not use foot switches on any machines that lack effective point-of-operation safeguards. The use of foot switches on machines that do not have point of operation and pinch point protection can result in serious injury to the operator.
Point of operation and pinch point guarding devices must be properly installed before a foot switch is used. A pinch point is any arrangement that allows for the possibility of a worker’s body or clothing to be caught and injured between moving machine, equipment, or workpiece parts. Essentially, foot switches should be utilized so that it is impossible for the operator’s hands and fingers to remain within the point of operation during the machine cycle.
Compliance with Safety Regulations and Standards
It is the responsibility of the user to select the foot switch which is suitable for his or her application, and to ensure that its use and installation complies with all Federal, State, and Local safety, electrical, mechanical, and health regulations, including OSHA, ANSI, NEMA, or other relevant national standards.
The Importance of User Safety and Training
As with the adoption of any new industrial equipment, thorough training and education for employees is crucial. Only the user and machine operator can be aware of all conditions and factors present during installation, operation, and maintenance of the foot switch and surrounding work area. Therefore, it’s ultimately up to each user to determine which foot switches and which point-of-operation safeguards can properly be used in a particular application or work station.
Choosing the Right Foot Switch for Your Unique Application
Foot switches can be used to control many industrial processes, which often leave the operator’s hands free to perform other functions. The type of foot switch suitable for each application will vary, depending on the type of control required, the degree of protection required, manufacturing methods, workplace conditions, regulatory requirements, and various other factors.
Quality American Manufacturing Services for Custom Industrial Equipment
Since 1993 SSC has stood as the nation’s premier manufacturer of standard and custom on/off foot pedals for various industrial uses. We offer uniquely engineered foot controls designed to maximize safety as well as efficiency throughout the workplace. Based in Mentor, Ohio, SSC specializes in premium industrial foot switches and controls that are manufactured in the USA.
