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Automotive manufacturing

RC-14 Robot Weld Cell - Weld Tip Change Isolation

Full energy isolation of RC-14 for weld gun tip change and reamer service. Entry into the cell.

11 isolation points · Bleed, Block, Disconnect, Switch, Valve
This is a worked example, not an approved procedure

It refers to equipment that does not exist and illustrates the elements 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii) requires a procedure to contain. It is not a document to adopt. Under (c)(4)(i) the employer must develop and document energy control procedures specific to their own machines, and under (c)(6) must inspect them at least annually.

The isolation plan

11 points, in sequence

Isolate & lock Isolated, locked and tagged as part of the isolation.
Apply & verify A physical state applied and then verified — not a lockable energy isolating device.
Must stay energised Deliberately left live. Removing this supply would create a hazard rather than remove one.
Not an isolation device Tagged for information. It does not isolate energy and must not be relied on as if it did.
10
RC-14-MAIN-DISC Isolate & lock Disconnect

Cell main 480V disconnect at the control panel. De-energises robot controller, weld supply and positioner.

20
RC-14-WELD-PWR Isolate & lock Disconnect

Spot weld power supply disconnect, 230V. Separate from the cell main.

30
RC-14-POSITIONER Isolate & lock Disconnect

2-axis positioner drive disconnect. Positioner can rotate under load if energised.

40
RC-14-SERVO-BUS Isolate & lock Bleed

Servo drive DC bus discharge point. STORED ELECTRICAL - capacitors hold charge; allow discharge dwell before access.

50
RC-14-CDA-SUP Isolate & lock Valve

Compressed dry air supply to the cell at the FRL. 90 psi to grippers, clamps and tool changer.

60
RC-14-CDA-BLEED Isolate & lock Bleed

CDA bleed downstream of the FRL. Relieves cell header. Confirm zero on the gauge.

70
RC-14-GRIPPER-BLEED Isolate & lock Bleed

End-effector gripper actuator bleed. TRAPPED AIR remains at the actuator after header isolation.

80
RC-14-WELD-H2O Isolate & lock Valve

Weld gun cooling water supply valve. Isolate after the gun has cooled.

90
RC-14-ARM-SUPPORT Apply & verify Block

J2/J3 axis mechanical support stand. GRAVITY LOAD - arm drops when brakes release. Fit before any brake work.

100
RC-14-FUME-EXT Must stay energised Valve

Weld fume extraction. Must REMAIN RUNNING while anyone is in the cell. Do not isolate.

110
RC-14-GATE-INTLK Not an isolation device Switch

Interlocked access gate. NOT an energy isolating device - control circuitry only. Must not be relied on.

Deliberately incomplete

What your site must supply

This example is structurally complete and factually generic. The things below are the things only you can know — and they are exactly what makes a procedure yours.

  • Your own asset and isolation-point tag numbers. The tags shown are illustrative and refer to equipment that does not exist.
  • The actual location of every disconnect, valve and vent on your equipment.
  • Measured stored-energy magnitudes and the dwell time required to dissipate them.
  • Your verification method for each point, and who is authorised to perform it.
  • Any additional energy sources present on your equipment and absent here.

Author this properly, once

Setyr holds procedures like this as living documents — bound to real isolation points, with lock registries, group lockout, person-in-charge custody and periodic review built in.