MACHINE SAFETY

 

Click on any of the following links for detailed information.

 

·       GUARDING

Ø    Requirement

·       MACHINE OPERATION

·       OPERATING CONTROLS

·       PHYSICAL HAZARDS

·       LOCKOUT

Ø    Procedure

Ø    Lock removal

 

GUARDING

Requirement

Where a person may contact a moving part, the employer must ensure that an adequate safeguard is installed. A safeguard is not required if the machine stops automatically before a worker contacts the moving parts.

 

For a cutting machine where a safeguard is not practicable, the employer must implement a written procedure and a push block or other device.

 

The employer must provide interlocks when opening a door exposes moving parts.

 

A worker must not make a safeguard ineffective unless the machine is locked out, removal of the safeguard is necessary for the work, and the safeguard is replaced before leaving the machine. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 87)

 

 

MACHINE OPERATION

A machine must be installed, assembled, adjusted, maintained and repaired to comply with manufacturers specifications or engineer certified specifications.

 

When a defect in a machine is identified, the machine must not be operated until it is repaired.

 

The operation of a machine must not exceed manufacturers or engineers’ specifications. The employer must ensure that the operator of a machine is competent.

 

Where there is the potential for entanglement, long hair must be confined, and loose clothing and jewelry not be worn. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 84 - 86)

 

OPERATING CONTROLS

Operating controls must be adequately identified and located to prevent accidental operation. Where there is not a clear view of the machine from the control panel, an alarm system must be installed to warn of imminent start up. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 88)

 

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

There must be adequate space around a machine to operate and repair it safely. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 86)

 

LOCKOUT

Lockout of a machine, equipment, tool, or electrical installation is required before installation, assembly, startup, operation, inspection, servicing, testing, cleaning, adjusting, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling.

 

The employer must ensure that a machine or equipment has a means of isolating all sources of energy accessible by an employee and that means is readily identifiable.

 

No person may work on equipment until it is in the zero energy state, locked out and tagged. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 51 - 52)

 

Procedure

There must be a written procedure for locking out and energizing a machine.

 

If lockout and de-energization is not practicable, a written procedure must be implemented to protect workers. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 51- 54)

 

Lock removal

Only the person that applied a lock and tag may remove it. If the original worker is not found, a competent person may remove the lock. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 53)

 

Back to top

 

Continue by clicking any item on the menu bar on the left.