A structure is only as strong as its weakest component. For instance, a house may be made with the best construction materials but built on an uneven foundation. Once that foundation starts to slip, the house will need serious intervention in order to save it. Similarly, if a high-quality chicken coop is built but the hasps are of poor quality, breaking in would barely be a challenge.
For those involved in designing and building industrial facilities, there are infinite considerations to be made. After designing the skeletal structure of a building, laying out the interior in great detail, and making the exterior both functional and visually appealing, it may seem as though industrial hinges and latches are just an afterthought. However, if poor choices are made in these areas, it can cause problems for a building.
At minimum, poorly-made hinges can become squeaky and/or rust. This can be challenging for an industrial facility. Consider a factory where myriad machines are kept and maintained. In order to keep the factory in working order, the complex machinery must be monitored and any repairs made immediately. Depending in the facility, this can take a large amount of time, and squeaky, rusting, and eventually failing hinges only add to the enormous burden of those responsible for a facility’s mechanical integrity.
Latches may be even more important to a given facility. The intention of door latches is to secure a door – this may mean keeping people or animals out and merchandise in. A faulty door latch can result in merchandise lost, especially if the latch holds the door closed against the outside world.
Industrial components: what you need to know
Moreover, in packed factories and other industrial areas, a latch that breaks can cause serious injury. Consider a warehouse with heavy metal doors secured by latches. In many areas, working areas are crowded, and if a door swings open, it can result in serious injury to a person. This is even more applicable in places where latches hold up doors that rest on the ceiling and can fall to the ceiling. Unlike swinging doors, which can cause concussions or contusions, garage-style doors like this one can cause death if the fall is from a high enough height.
Selecting a well-made item can be difficult, but one important thing to look at is building material. Stainless steel is often the best choice for outdoor areas or those with a good deal of exposure, as steel tends to be rust-resistant. Rust, though it sets in gradually, can eventually compromise a hinge or latch to the point of causing grievous bodily injury to workers.
Essentially, selection of hinges and latches shouldn’t be a rushed, last-minute decisions. These crucial components need to be evaluated carefully – though cheap, poorly-made components may be tempted, a well-made item will last substantially longer and will ultimately earn its worth by keeping the facility running smoothly and by not needing a replacement soon after it is installed.
Leave a Reply