Workplace Safety in the Recycling Plant
At two ground-level conveyor belts, employees at Lindenschmidt manually place residual materials. In emergencies – such as circulatory problems, unconsciousness, or tripping – there is a danger that employees could fall onto the moving conveyor belt. In such cases, an immediate system stop is vital to save lives.
The goal was therefore to establish a system that maximizes workplace safety, reliably detects emergencies, and does not impair ongoing operations.
The Solution: RFID-Based Safety
Employee protection at the conveyor belt. (Image: deister electronic)
Lindenschmidt relies on a multi-level, redundant safety concept that expands classical measures such as safety lines, pressure-sensitive mats, and optical sensors with a modern component: RFID-based employee protection.
All employees in the danger zone wear an active RFID transponder. As soon as it enters the RFID reader’s safety zone (between 0.5 and 5 meters), the conveyor belt is automatically shut down via the emergency stop circuit. The readers are compact, mounted directly above the belts, and work as simply as conventional smoke detectors.
Since its introduction in 2020, the system has been running reliably in continuous operation without disruption.
Lindenschmidt relies on a multi-level, redundant safety concept that expands classical measures such as safety lines, pressure-sensitive mats, and optical sensors with a modern component: RFID-based employee protection.
All employees in the danger zone wear an active RFID transponder. As soon as it enters the RFID reader’s safety zone (between 0.5 and 5 meters), the conveyor belt is automatically shut down via the emergency stop circuit. The readers are compact, mounted directly above the belts, and work as simply as conventional smoke detectors.
Since its introduction in 2020, the system has been running reliably in continuous operation without disruption.
Employee protection at the conveyor belt. (Image: deister electronic)
Extension: Passive PPE Solutions
Meanwhile, deister electronic also offers solutions for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with passive RFID transponders. These washable transponders require no batteries, cannot be forgotten, and, thanks to special “body transponders” attached to jackets, ensure high reading accuracy.
This makes the technology even more user-friendly and safe.
Benefits: Safety and Operational Continuity
The advantages for Lindenschmidt are clear:
- Maximum employee safety: Automatic shutdown saves lives in hazardous situations.
- Reliability: Trouble-free operation for years without maintenance.
- Sustainable protection: Easy to integrate into existing safety concepts and expandable.
Safety officer Mr. Langenbach summarizes:
“We carry out regular audits. In five years, no error has occurred – the devices simply run without service or support. Installation and configuration were quick and easy.”
About Lindenschmidt KG
For 60 years, the medium-sized waste management company in Kreuztal-Krombach has been providing reliable services. It operates a modern fleet, its own treatment plant for hazardous waste, and an authorized specialist laboratory. With certifications under KrWG, the German Water Resources Act, ISO 9001:2008, and expertise under §61a, the company is well equipped for professional operations with experienced staff.
Lindenschmidt KG demonstrates how modern recycling with innovative RFID technology not only contributes to the environment but also ensures employee safety at the highest level. This makes the company a pioneer in industrial workplace safety in recycling operations.
