Machinery Automation & Robotics BladeStop bandsaw safety device

While bandsaws are an essential tool in the meat processing industry, they also pose a high risk to health and safety. Bandsaw accidents can result in injuries such as cuts, muscle damage, nerve damage and amputations.

In collaboration with Meat and Livestock Australia, Machinery Automation & Robotics has developed a solution to bandsaw injuries. BladeStop is designed to reduce risks of serious injury by mechanically stopping the bandsaw blade when the unit senses that a person has come into contact with the blade.

On sensing contact with the operator, the blade stops operating within 15 ms, which can mean the difference between a small skin cut and an amputated finger.

According to the company, the product can reduce production time lost to injuries, insurance premiums, operator turnover and training costs, and product spoilage.