Safety
Safety in Control Systems
General Safety Considerations
- Always disconnect power when servicing or reconfiguring a system.
- Be careful of live wires that can cause electrocution. Use proper insulation materials.
- Be aware of chemical hazards related to batteries and other components.
Machine Safety
- Familiarize yourself with the safety instructions and guidelines of each machine you operate.
- Use guards and shields to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.
- Keep systems well maintained to avoid malfunctions that could lead to accidents.
Electronic and Microelectronic Part Safety
- Always use ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection when working with sensitive electronic parts.
- Understand the thermal properties of components and ensure adequate cooling is in place.
- Dispose of batteries and electronic waste responsibly to prevent chemical hazards.
Software Safety in Control Systems
- Include safety mechanisms in software to prevent malfunctions that could lead to accidents.
- Use secure coding techniques to prevent hacking and unauthorized use of control systems.
- Regularly update and patch software to fix potential vulnerabilities.
Fire Safety
- Be mindful of electrical fire safety, including not overloading circuits and using surge protection devices.
- Have a working fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires nearby when working on control systems.
- Follow guidelines for safe storage and disposal of flammable substances related to control systems.
Ergonomics
- Be mindful of ergonomic design principles when designing control systems to prevent operator strain and injury.
- Consider accessibility and inclusive design to make control systems usable by as many people as possible.
Emergency Procedures
- Have a plan for emergency shut down of systems to minimise damage and danger in case of malfunction.
- Establish clear evacuation procedures in case of accidents involving control systems.
- Regularly review and repeat emergency drills to ensure everyone is familiar with procedures.