News from MCM - Article 95

Simple Safety Tips: The Wheels of Industry - Machinery

It is not just the manufacturing industry that can't manage without machinery - there are machines in every workplace; from mincers in retail butchers to guillotines and binders in the office, from saws in woodworking mills to drills in engineering workshops.

Machinery is a significant cause of injury in many sectors: more than 30% of fatal injuries in the food and drink industries, 17% of major injuries in plastics and 17% of all injuries in printing. Machinery is so important it merits its own piece of legislation - the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Key facts about machinery

What's the problem?

• Machinery has moving parts that can trap, crush, sever or entangle parts of the body.
• Machinery has the potential to cause serious injury and fatalities.
• Machinery must be maintained in a safe condition and should only be used by employees who have received training, information and instruction.

Selection:

• Select the correct machine for the job - seek the supplier's advice.
• Machinery manufactured since 1996 must carry the CE mark.
• Make sure machinery is fitted with all the necessary safety devices; e.g. fixed guards, fences, interlocked guards etc.
• Carry out a risk assessment before installation and/or at first use. This will confirm that the fitted guarding is sufficient and identify what training is required.

Working with machinery:

• All machinery and any safety devices such as guards must be maintained in good condition and used at all times. Anyone who works with machinery must be trained in the correct method of use: not just how to use the machine, but also the correct operation of the safety devices, guards etc. Cleaning of machinery is often associated with accidents - safe working procedures are paramount.

Maintenance of machinery:

• A well maintained machine will work better, and is less likely to breakdown or clog. Maintenance work must be carried out safely, with the machine switched off or isolated to ensure it does not start without warning.

Records:

• Records are vital. Keep records of maintenance, operator training, breakdowns etc.
• Records will enable you to check that what needs to be done has been done.

December 2009