Designing Machinery: the synergy between Mechanical and Electrical Engineers
May is Electrical Safety Month, used to highlight the importance of electrical safety in all aspects of our lives, but especially of note for industrial settings.
Within industrial workplaces everyone is aware of The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which applies to all electrical equipment used in industrial settings including machinery.
C J Timms and Bennett Engineering both understand that ensuring the safety of machinery installations requires a collaborative effort between mechanical and electrical engineers. This partnership is crucial in designing and maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant machinery.
The manufacturing sector remains one of the highest with incidences of electrical injuries and also sees the most enforcement actions related to breaches of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (alongside the construction sector). Both CJ Timms and Bennett Engineering have long served the manufacturing sector with our services and expertise.
Engineering disciplines collaborating
Mechanical and electrical engineers bring unique expertise to the table, and our collaboration is essential for the safe installation and operation of machinery. As mechanical engineers, Bennett Engineering focuses on the design, development, manufacture and ease of maintenance of machinery, ensuring that all mechanical components function correctly and efficiently. On the other hand, the electrical engineers at CJ Timms ensure that all electrical systems are safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards.
By working closely together, as experienced professionals, we can identify potential safety issues early in the design process and implement solutions that address both mechanical and electrical requirements. This integrated approach not only enhances safety but also improves the overall performance and reliability of the machinery.
“There are times when I will be at a manufacturing site and will be asked about machinery within the workplace; if it’s an electrical issue then our engineers can and will deal with it. Whereas if it’s a mechanical area that needs to be addressed then we’ll bring in Bennett Engineering.” Says Roger Timms, MD of CJ Timms.
Modernisation of machinery
With regular use of machinery or with the changes in production processes there is often a need for machine modernisation. Modernising existing machinery can improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure compliance with current safety standards. However, this process requires careful planning and execution to ensure that all safety requirements are met.
At Bennett Engineering, we specialise in designing bespoke machinery that meets the unique needs of our clients. Our mechanical engineers work diligently to ensure that every aspect of the machinery is designed with safety in mind. What we never do is discount the existing machinery on site.
“Our approach to a customer’s challenges isn’t to jump straight into designing new machinery. By spending time understanding what the issues are means we can find the best way to support the customer. Sometimes that’s with machine modernisation because what is there just needs to be updated or have a facelift to meet today’s requirements be that legislation wise or for production output.” Says Craig Harbron, Engineering and Operations Director of Bennett Engineering.
Ensuring compliance with UK Electrical Safety Standards
Compliance with UK electrical safety standards is non-negotiable. The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and other relevant standards set out the requirements that must be met before electrical equipment can be placed on the market in Great Britain. These regulations are designed to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe and reliable. So whilst as mechanical engineers we might not think that machinery is electrical equipment when we are designing it we know that it actually is and needs to comply to all standards.
C J Timms provides comprehensive electrical inspection and testing services to ensure that all machinery installations comply with these regulations. Their team of qualified engineers conducts thorough inspections and tests to identify any potential safety issues and ensure that all electrical systems are up to standard. This includes providing Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), which outline the safety and condition of the electrical systems.
Designing with safety in mind
At Bennett Engineering, safety is at the forefront of everything we do. Our mechanical engineers design machinery with both mechanical and electrical safety in mind, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly. By collaborating with C J Timms, we can provide our clients with machinery that is not only efficient and reliable but also safe and compliant with all relevant regulations.
Electrical Safety Month is a reminder of the importance of safety in all aspects of our lives, especially in industrial settings. At C J Timms and Bennett Engineering, we are committed to ensuring the safety of the machinery we modernise or design and manufacture for bespoke applications through close collaboration between mechanical and electrical engineers. By working together, we can design and supply bespoke machinery that meets the highest standards of safety and compliance.
