Be Aware of These 6 Industrial Ceiling Fan Safety Hazards

Workers' protection is of paramount importance in any industrial setting. This holds true, especially in a warehouse or distribution center warehouse where heavy machinery, such as industrial ceiling fans, is used.

The most important thing is to ensure you and your employees stay safe around the rotating blades of industrial fans. However, it's important to remember that we should also consider some additional safety hazards when working with industrial fans.

In this article, we'll go over the six problems with using fans.. Don’t worry we will also suggest some solutions to keep your workplace safe when using these fans.

Close Proximity to Rotating Blades

Close or direct contact with the fan blades poses a threat to your workers. Dangers include:

• The wind could carry dust or debris, which can be harmful, especially if it gets in the eyes.
• Forceful gusts of air can cause out balance and accidents.
• Direct contact with the fan blades may cause serious injuries.

What to do:

Installation methods for large industrial ceiling fans and floor fans or high-velocity blowers should be different. Large industrial ceiling fans should be installed up high on the ceiling, It's also worth noting that industrial fans can move in much air. Hence, there is no need to go full blast on your fan—you can set it at a relatively slow speed. With this, you'll reduce the likelihood of:

• Debris getting in people's eyes
• Accidents due to strong wind gusts
• Injuries from direct blade contact

Industrial ceiling fan integration with sprinkler systems

Large industrial ceiling fans are common in warehouses and distribution centers. Additional safety measures, such as sprinkler systems, are often installed as part of a hazard assessment. This ensures the overall safety of the structure.

Sprinklers are essential for preventing fires. However, they can get in the way of finding and installing the best industrial ceiling fan for your workplace. The sprinklers need to be considered when deciding where to put the fan.

Installing HVLS fans near fire sprinkler systems:

The following are the most important factors to consider when installing huge industrial fans in sprinkler-equipped buildings:

1. The maximum allowable size for the fan's diameter is 24 feet (7.3 meters).
2. Put the HVLS fan centered of a square formed by four sprinklers.
3. Keep at least 3 feet (0.9 m) of space above the HVLS fan and the sprinkler deflector.
4. Ensure all HVLS fans are networked and set to shut off immediately upon receiving a water-flow signal from the alarm system. This is per the standards released by the National Fire Protection Agency Association (NFPA) 72.

Dislodged Parts or Components

Some parts of a large industrial ceiling fan may become dislodged during installation. Components can get loose or broken on these fans due to several factors. One reason is long-distance transport, where parts are subjected to vibrations, bumps, and extreme weather conditions.

Damaged or missing parts can pose safety risks. It can also cause operational issues for the fan.

What to do:

For gearless industrial fans:

Gearless fans use sensors to track real-time performance data and make instantaneous power adjustments. This allows you to cut down on repair and upkeep costs.

Projectile injuries

Floor fans and industrial blowers are likelier to have foreign objects fly into their blades than other fans.

Due to their low height, floor fans or industrial blowers have a higher chance of objects coming into contact with their blades. This could lead to projectile injuries. A "projectile injury" happens when something is forcefully launched or propelled and hits a person or object, causing harm. Hence, floor fans could pose a risk of injury to people nearby.

Because of their elevated placement, HVLS ceiling fans are well out of reach for any potential "projectiles", This arrangement aids in reducing the possibility of things colliding with the fan blades. In other words, HVLS ceiling fans lower the risk of projectile injuries.

Good installation practices for additional safety

When installing a fan, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Many manufacturers and distributors offer professional installation services, which is especially helpful for larger buildings that need several fans.  If you need help setting up your fan, AmeriWind can do that for you, too.

Employing all the fan company supplied safety equipment is vital to ensure a flawless installation. This includes the blade retainer links, safety cables, and mounting hardware with guy wires. Make sure wires are installed safely and effectively. Installing an HVLS fan requires knowledge of applicable building regulations and strict adherence to the manufacturer-provided installation manual.