Warnings
2
TCM Operation Manual
Warnings
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Operators of TCM Series Materials Testers must heed the following warnings at all times.
Crush Hazard—Allow only one person to handle or operate
the system at a time.
Operator injury may result if more than
one person operates the system. Before working inside the hazard area be-
tween grips or fixtures, ensure that no other personnel can operate the
computer or any of the system controls.
Crush Hazard—Take care when installing or removing a
specimen, assembly, structure, or load string component.
Installation or removal of a specimen, assembly, structure, or load string
component involves working inside the hazard area between the grips and
fixtures. Keep clear of the jaws of a grip or fixture at all times. Keep clear of
the hazard area between the grips or fixtures during actuator or crosshead
movement. Ensure that all actuator or crosshead movements necessary for
installation or removal are slow and, where possible, at a low force setting.
Hazard—Press the Emergency Stop button whenever you
consider that an unsafe condition exists.
The Emergency Stop
button removes power or electrical drive from the testing system and
brings the hazardous elements of the system to a stop as quickly as possi-
ble. It does not isolate the system from electrical power—other means are
provided to disconnect the electrical supply. If you are concerned that safe-
ty may be compromised, stop the test using the Emergency Stop button.
Investigate and resolve the situation that caused the use of the Emergency
Stop button before you reset it.
Flying Debris Hazard—Make sure that test specimens are
installed correctly in grips or fixtures in order to eliminate
stresses that can cause breakage of grip jaws or fixture components.
In-
correct installation of test specimens creates stresses in grip jaws or fixture
components that can result in breakage of these components. The high en-
ergies involved can cause the broken parts to be projected forcefully some
distance from the test area. Install specimens in the center of the grip jaws
in line with the load path. Insert specimens into the jaws by at least the
amount recommended in your grip documentation. This amount can vary
between 66% to 100% insertion depth. Refer to supplied instructions for
your specific grips. Use any centering and alignment devices provided.
Hazard—Protect electrical cables from damage and inadver-
tent disconnection.
The loss of controlling and feedback signals
that can result from a disconnected or damaged cable causes an open loop
condition that may drive the actuator or crosshead rapidly to its extremes
of motion. Protect all electrical cables, particularly transducer cables, from
damage. Never route cables across the floor without protection, nor sus-
pend cables overhead under excessive strain. Use padding to avoid chafing
where cables are routed around corners or through wall openings.
Electrical Hazard—Disconnect the electrical power mains be-
fore removing the covers to electrical equipment.
Disconnect
equipment from the electrical power mains before removing any electrical
safety covers or replacing fuses. Do not reconnect the power source while
the covers are removed. Refit covers as soon as possible.
High/Low Temperature Hazard—Wear protective clothing
when handling equipment at temperature extremes.
Mate-
rials testing is often carried out an non-ambient temperatures
using ovens, furnaces, or cryogenic chambers. Extreme tempera-
ture means an operating temperature exceeding 60° C (140° F) or
below 0° C (32° F). Use protective clothing such as gloves when handling
equipment at these temperatures. Display a warning notice concerning low
or high temperature operation whenever temperature control equipment
is in use. You should note that the hazard from extreme temperature can
extend beyond the immediate area of the test.
Hazard—Do not place a testing system off-line from comput-
er control without first ensuring that no actuator or crosshead
movement will occur upon transfer to manual control.
The actuator or
crosshead will immediately respond to manual control settings when the
system is placed off-line from computer control. Before transferring to man-
ual control, make sure that the control settings are such that unexpected
actuator or crosshead movement cannot occur.
Robotic Motion Hazard—Keep clear of the operating enve-
lope of a robotic device unless the device is deactivated.
The
robot in an automated testing system presents a hazard because its move-
ments are difficult to predict. The robot can go instantly from a waiting state
to high speed operation in several axis of motion. During system operation,
remain outside of the operating envelope of the robot. Deactivate the ro-
bot before entering the envelope for any purpose, such as reloading the
specimen magazine.
Hazard—Set the appropriate limits before performing tests.
Operational limits are included within the testing system to sus-
pend motion or shut off the system when upper and/or lower bounds of
actuator or crosshead travel, or force or strain are reached during testing.
Correct setting of operational limits by the operator, prior to testing, will
reduce the risk of damage to test article and system, and associated hazard
to the operator.
Rotating Machinery Hazard—Never operate the machine
with the covers removed.
If a cover must be removed, first dis-
connect equipment from mains power. Do not reconnect any power supply
while the covers are removed. Refit covers as soon as possible.
Explosion Hazard—Wear eye protection and use protective
shields or screens whenever any possibility exists of a hazard
from the failure of a specimen, assembly, or structure under test.
Wear
eye protection and use protective shields or screens whenever a risk of in-
jury to operators and observers exists from the failure of a test specimen,
assembly, or structure, particularly where explosive disintegration may oc-
cur. Due to the wide range of specimen materials, assemblies, or structures
that may be tested, any hazard resulting from the failure of a test specimen,
assembly, or structure is entirely the responsibility of the owner and user of
the equipment.
Hazard—Ensure components of the load string are correct-
ly pre-loaded to minimize the risk of fatigue failure.
Visually
inspect highly stressed components such as grips and threaded adapters
prior to every test for signs of wear or fatigue damage.
Always maintain a clean work area free of debris or obstruc-
tions.
Remove load from any samples and ensure machine is not
moving before cleaning or removing debris from the machine.
Hazard—From Stored Potential Energy.
If power is lost while
a sample if under load, the crosshead may remain in its current
position. In this case, it can only be moved by restoring power. Until such
time, a stored potential energy in the sample may present a hazard.
Ensure adequate lighting of work area. Install machine in an area
that will not allow the user to become distracted.
Hazard—Risk of electric shock.
Never operate machine with
covers removed.
Hazard—Risk of electric shock.
Do not replace the mains power
cord with an inadequately rated cord.
Hazard—Risk of tipping over.
User must take proper precau-
tions to assure unit does not tip over. See manual for securing
information.
!
CAUTION:
User-performed maintenance is not required, and should
not be performed on the TCM Motorized Test Stand. If maintenance is
required, please contact AMETEK for service.
IMPORTANT:
When the machine has been installed and before it is ready for use, the final user’s Authorized Environmental Health and Safety Officer must conduct the final Risk Assess-
ment on the machine, including all such safety measures (shields, guards, etc.) to satisfy the requirements of the Machinery Directive and EHSR (Essential Health and Safety Requirements).
The user’s Authorized Environmental Health and Safety Officer must take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the operator, other people, machines and property by providing
guards, shields, screen, adequate lighting, adequate ventilation. Factors affecting required safety measures include industry, application, material under test, and location of use.
