You probably know someone who got seriously hurt at work. We know what you’re thinking: accidents happen. However, most workplace incidents are avoidable. Industry standards go a long way in protecting everyone’s safety. Those standards include guidelines for success, such as:

• Equipment design
• Employee training
• Safety procedures

PRG takes safety seriously. That’s why we’re committed to industry standards, specifically, as accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Who is ANSI? 

ANSI is a not-for-profit organization that accredits standards. Working across hundreds of industries, ANSI defines best-practices for the manufacture and implementation of U.S. products, services, processes and systems.  
Companies who subscribe to ANSI do so voluntarily.

How standards are made:

ANSI standards are developed by a variety of interested people. Industry experts, thought leaders and members of the general public all contribute. In short, standards represent the best advice from all interested parties. Consider standards a blueprint for safe processes and well-designed equipment.

The safety standard: ANSI B65/NAPIM 177.1-2007

Developed in partnership with the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM), the safety standard specifically applies to prepress, printing, binding and finishing systems, as well as standalone platen presses. ANSI B65/NAPIM 177.1-2007 for three-roll mills has been revised from the original 1997 standard. It outlines the most recent updates in equipment design, training and safety procedures.
If you haven’t reviewed the standard in a while, it’s worth your time to take a look. 

Equipment

The ANSI standard requires that workers have constant control over a press. This requirement means that employees need to be able to stop a mill at any time. For small mills (under 19”), an emergency stop switch or e-stop must be accessible from all sides. Larger mills require e-stops on both feed and apron sides. In addition, the standard discusses the best operational functionality during wash-up and braking.

Training

Before operating mills, all employees must be trained. The standard also calls for periodic refresher training.

Safety

The ANSI standards also discuss safety for equipment operators. Common-sense guidelines include:

• Never reach across rolls from feed or apron sides. 
• Spatula length must be at least ½ the diameter of the rolls. 
• Never retrieve anything that falls into a mill while the mill is running. 

Other requirements involve basic housekeeping:

• Clear walkways of obstruction.
• Clean up spills.
• Keep all rags away from your mill.
• Keep used rags in approved containers.
• Clean mill controls regularly.

These are simple steps that ensure our safety and well-being!

Compliance Matters

Standards lead to well-trained employees, better equipment, less maintenance and a superior product. ANSI standards aid not only safety but the overall health of your business.
PRG is always ready to share our knowledge of ANSI standards with our customers. However, there’s one thing we’ll never know: the number of accidents, incidents or even fatalities prevented through compliance to ANSI standards.
That’s fine with us. We assume it’s fine with you, too.

For more information about ANSI, watch PRG’s webinar, Understanding ANSI Compliance.