Customer case study
Ensuring the safety compliance of industrial machines goes beyond meeting regulations. Adopting a methodical approach also improves operator safety, equipment availability and the long-term durability of production facilities. Thomas Constructions Mécaniques (TCM) applied this exact strategy when carrying out a major project for one of our customers, an internationally-renowned manufacturer of thermal and air-handling equipment.
This project involved safeguarding several McElroy machines, ensuring the compliance of a GEKA guillotine shear, and completely reworking the electrical wiring diagrams. The aim was to meet regulatory requirements whilst minimising downtime of the company’s continuous production process.
A project designed around risk analysis
Each modification was based on the SOCOTEC inspection report, the customer’s safety standards, on-site technical visits and a comprehensive engineering assessment conducted by the TCM design office. This analysis phase helped identify the best solutions to ensure safety, ergonomic design, easy maintenance and productivity.
Customised solutions for each machine
Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, TCM developed solutions tailored to each piece of equipment:
- Replacement of various sensors with custom-made safety components.
- Creation of new fixed and movable enclosures with interlocking mechanisms.
- Installation of light curtains to protect hazardous areas.
- Addition of two-hand controls and upgrade of safety circuits.
- Modification of the automation systems to ensure easy use for operators.
Safeguarding of the GEKA guillotine shear
A specific assessment was carried out on the guillotine shear. This information was then used to develop a new solution, comprising a secure lifting platform, a mechanical guidance system, a door fitted with a safety sensor and an operational control system, to prevent access to the hazardous area whilst ensuring seamless operation.
Compliance of technical documentation
Since upgraded machines must still be easy to maintain, TCM also fully updated all of the electrical wiring diagrams so that the technical documentation accurately reflects the on-site facilities following these changes.
End-to-end service
In addition to supplying safety equipment, TCM provided a full range of services: risk analysis, mechanical and electrical design, manufacture in its workshops, integration of automation systems, on-site installation, testing, commissioning and customer support.
Why choose TCM?
With its multidisciplinary design office, manufacturing workshop and extensive expertise in industrial automation, TCM provides manufacturers with fully customised solutions to bring their equipment into compliance with safety standards, retrofit their machinery and upgrade their production lines.
Do you have a similar project in mind?
Do you need to safeguard an existing machine, upgrade your production line or conduct a compliance audit? The TCM teams will support you from the design stage through to commissioning, developing a long-term solution that complies with regulations while meeting your specific industrial requirements.