A Guide to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Frames
6.2 Avoid prolonged use of the console or keyboard and mouse
Prolonged use of devices with a touch-screen or a keyboard and mouse may lead to Repetitive
Strain Injury. Users should be made aware that excessive use of the keyboard and mouse or the
Touch-screen should be avoided, and frequent rest breaks are recommended.
6.3 Program “Hold”
’Hold’ and ‘pause’ functions are available in some programs. While a ‘Hold’ or ‘pause’ is in
progress, the stand may appear to be inactive, but then may start moving again without
warning. Do not attempt to adjust the grips or remove the sample until the test is completed.
An operating test stand should never be left unattended. Always disconnect the machine from
the mains power supply when not in use to avoid inadvertent actuation of the machine by
untrained personnel.
6.4 Finishing a test
At the end of testing it is good practice to remove the last sample from the grips. Do not leave
a sample under tension or compression in a force testing frame, or under torsion in the case of
a Vortex stand when the power is turned off. This could present a hazard should an attempt be
made to recover the sample either before or after power is re-applied to the test frame.
6.5 Console or computer failure and operation of the front panel jog buttons
If the Console or controlling computer fails or becomes inactive, it is still possible to control
the movement of the crosshead or rotary platen in the case of a Vortex stand by using the jog
buttons on the front panel of the test frame. Operate the jog buttons to recover a trapped
sample. Once the sample has been removed, switch off the test frame and contact your local
Mecmesin distributor for advice before using the test frame again.
6.6 In the event of a mains power failure
If the mains power should fail, the test frame will stop moving, but the Console can still
operate from its internal battery for some time. Some sample data may be lost depending upon
what the system was doing when the power failed.
page 7
