Industrial Pump Safety Tips

Cortech understands that, for the most part, industrial pumps make applications a breeze when you have the right one. However, when you have a pump that works efficiently to tear apart solids found in liquids, there are many dangers that can come with those pumps as well. Maintaining a safe working environment for your employees is one of the most important things you can do for your company. If your employees work with or are around industrial pumps, keep these common hazards in mind to make sure that they are protected against them.

1. Noise Risks – If you have ever been around an industrial pump, especially a highly powered one, you know that they can be extremely loud. Studies have shown that constant exposure to an environment with a noise level that is above 85 decibels can cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), which is permanent damage to a person’s hearing. This type of noise can drown out imperative noises from things like fire alarms. For this reason, it is very important to monitor the noise level in your area and do what you can to protect your employees from the noise.
2. Consistent Breaks – Besides the fact that you would be following federal labor laws, it is extremely important that you allow your employees to have regular breaks. Having a regular break from an area with excessive noise can greatly benefit a person. It gives a person’s eardrums rest from the constant vibration caused by the noise and allows them to stabilize after harsh treatment. This is required for the long term health of the eardrums.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Following the previous areas of concern, protective gear for the ears is one important type of equipment that your employees should have. However, there are many types of PPE your company should consider. You never know when something is going to fall on an employee or get in the way of an employee carrying out his/her duties. In addition, the simple vibrations that industrial pumps cause can be hazardous. They can lead to hand-arm vibration (HAV), which may lead to the onset of conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Vibration White Finger (VWF). Be sure that your employees are equipped with the proper PPE to keep them safe around the heavy machinery used in your application.
4. Chemical Handling – Companies using an industrial pump are often around harsh, abrasive chemicals as well. If this is the case in your application, it is important to protect yourself and your employees from these chemicals. Industrial chemicals have been known to cause things like skin irritations, third degree burns and long-term health problems such as asthma and cancer. It is imperative that your employees have the proper PPE to keep them protected against these dangers.

Cortech can help your company be more prepared in protecting your employees against any of the possible dangers that come with working with industrial pumps. If you have any questions or concerns about what your employees are up against, contact Cortech to discuss the risks that are associated with industrial pumps and what you can do to be sure they do not affect your valuable employees.