Plant machinery comes in all shapes and sizes, from compact mini-diggers and forklifts to massive cranes and excavators. No matter the size though, maximising operator safety is important. Most plant will need some form of operator protective structure (OPS). We want to have a closer look at them here. Then, if you want to arrange tube manipulation to create potential life saving equipment, you can speak to us.

There are two different types of OPS, providing protection from various kinds of hazards.

FOPS

Firstly is fall on protective structures (FOPS). They prevent any falling objects from striking the operator, reducing the prospect of injury or fatality. This is a massive risk in various industries, including agriculture, construction, forestry, and even warehousing. If there is any chance at all of something falling and injuring the operator, the plant needs a FOPS.

As we said above, FOPS are important in various industries. However, there are different degrees of risk. So, the fall on structures can be one of two levels. The first is designed to offer protection against small items that could fall and strike the operator, such as hand tools and stones. The second protects the operator from large, heavy items like falling trees, structural members, or even hay bales.

ROPS

The second type of OPS is roll over protection systems (ROPS). Their job is to protect the operator if the plant overturns. It is a huge hazard in various industries, and has the potential to cause serious injury or even fatalities. There is a higher risk when using plant on uneven surfaces or dealing with heavy loads. Tube manipulation can be very useful here to create different ROPS.

An important thing to note is there are actually three different options for ROPS. The simplest is two post systems, but they are generally only suitable for small plant. Next we have four post systems. They are like open cabins, giving operators a higher level of protection. Finally we have enclosed cabins, offering the highest level of safety.

Just like with FOPS, it is important to consider the level of risk when deciding what ROPS to use. In addition, you must look to see if there is any legislation. There are rules for different plant in various industries, including site dumpers.

Additionally, it is vital to ensure that operators have the right training and experience. Most importantly, they need to use a seatbelt when operating plant with four post or enclosed cabin ROPS. It will prevent them from moving from the seat and maximise safety.

Talk to us about tube manipulation

Metal tubes can be a fantastic option for OPS systems. They are strong, durable, and lightweight. You can use them to create roll bars and various other systems. Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd can help, offering a range of services like bending and manipulation. Crucially, we work to retain the characteristics of the materials while also ensuring they have high tolerances.

So, if you need tube manipulation or other solutions, give us a call. We can give you more details and offer advice about various applications.