Safeguards devices

Table 1.4 Safeguard devices for the methyl isocyanate (MIC) tank employed in the Bhopal Union Carbide process.

As may be clear from Sections II and III, the proportions of the various fission product isotopes that might be released if there were a reactor accident, must depend to some extent on the type of reactor, the kind of accident that happens to it, its containment, and how safeguard devices perform. There is such a variety of reactors and such a plurality of failure modes, that one would be rash to attempt to make a single statement, however broad, intended to cover all such releases. Yet, if some coherent... 

Some safeguard devices are routinely tested. For example, most plants will bench test the set pressures of their relief valves every 2 years, at least. However, even this program has two potential weaknesses. First, the performance of a relief valve depends not only on its set pressure but also on its capacity, i.e., how quickly it can remove vapors once it is open. It is uncommon for rehef valve capacity to be checked, in spite of its importance. Second, if the rehef valve fails between tests, there is no way of knowing this. (Some safeguards, particularly electronic shutdown systems can test themselves, but mechanical equipment cannot.)... 

Tripping devices for a machine that require simultaneous application of both hands to operate the control, so that the hands of the operator are kept out of the point-of-operation area while the machine is operating. A two-hand-control device protects only the hands of the machine operator (and not other individuals) when used as a safeguarding device. See also Hostage Control Device. 

Muting— The deactivation of a presence-sensing safeguarding device during a portion of the robot cycle. 

Not surprisingly, there are special rules about securing and handling radioisotopes, the disposal of radioactive wastes, and how to respond to a spill of radioactive materials. Everyone working with these substances must be trained in their use and be completely familiar with appropriate protocols. Devices and instruments that generate ionizing radiation must be used only by trained operators. Safeguarding devices should never be overridden. 

Use of simple safeguarding devices fixed and adjustable interlocked guards trip devices... 

V. R. Harwood, Safeguarding Devices Against Stress Caused by In-Circuit Testing, Hewlett Packard Journal, vol. 35, no. 10, October 1984. 

Some safeguarding devices are used to detect the presence of people and to trip the machines they safeguard. The main two to be described here are photoelectric safety systems and laser scanners, which are both types of active optoelectronic electrosensitive protective systems. Pressure sensitive devices such as pressure mats and trip bars are other types of trip device. 

Presence-sensing safeguarding device a device designed, constructed, and installed to create a sensing field or area to detect an intrusion into the field or area by personnel, robots, or other objects... 

There are uses for PSDI as safeguarding devices, and they should be carefully evaluated to assure that they meet regulations for worker protection and are able to control the machine in a safe manner. This technology and new devices should be employed in safeguarding if possible. 

The recent rise in the use of expolosives in terrorist activity poses new challenges to industry and law enforcement. This challenge is being met by the use of sophisticated chemical detection devices to screen for bombs and more rigorous explosive inventory safeguards and controls. Plans have also been proposed to tag explosives with isotopes to make them easier to trace if misused. 

The most common device installed in hydraulic systems to prevent foreign particles and contaminations from remaining in the system are referred to as hlters. They may be located in the reservoir, in the return line, in the pressure line, or in any other location in the system where the designer of the system decides they are needed to safeguard the system against impurities. 

The Competent Authority to which the incident was originally reported usually takes on the role of monitoring and evaluating how the incident is dealt with. When all actions are complete, including any necessary Field Safety Correction Actions, the manufacturer must submit a final report to the Competent Authority. Under a safeguard clause. Competent Authorities may take unilateral action to remove a device from their market, if they believe that it poses an unacceptable health risk, but the Commission must be informed of such actions. In less-urgent situations, concerns may be referred to the Committee for Medical Devices for consideration. 

The safe operation of such processes depends on the design and provision of engineered safety devices, and on good operating practices, to prevent a dangerous situation developing, and to minimise the consequences of any incident that arises from the failure of these safeguards. 

Finally, current design of hazardous waste incinerators includes various safeguards, such as process monitoring devices (to monitor parameters such as temperature, air flow, and operating... 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the term used for a variety of physical devices used to protect the body from hazards. Industrial hazards include impact, excess noise, heat, cold, and noxious chemicals of many different kinds and actions. The type of PPE we are concerned with here, of course, is equipment that can provide protection against hazardous chemicals. Protection may be required specifically for the face and eyes, skin, and the respiratory system, and each may need a different kind of safeguard. However, as previously stated, except in emergencies and special circumstances, PPE should not be relied on as the primary or sole approach to protection. Primary attack at the source by administrative and engineering means must always be considered paramount. 

Safeguard— Any device, system, or action that would likely interrupt the chain of events following an initiating event or that would mitigate the consequences. 

The available regulatory quantitative measures are published by the government agencies with the responsibility of safeguarding health and safety. The FDA was established in 1938, to inspect food for humans and animals, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. The EPA was established in 1970, to protect human health and the environment, with... 

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