Wood & metal working machinery

In addition to direct contact with rotating machine parts and blades, there is the risk of flying objects, entrapment of loose clothing, dust or aerosol inhalation, eye injury, cuts to hands, electrocution, and noise induced hearing loss.

Managing hazards

Machinery may only be operated by trained personnel and in accordance with manufacturers instructions and legal requirements. All machines must be fitted with appropriate guards, electrical protection and emergency stop devices. Hot surfaces or other dangers should also be labelled where the hazard is not obvious.

In addition to the machine itself, consideration should be given to handling of raw materials, machine emissions (dust, swarf/turnings, waste lube oil, noise etc), and the effect they may have on others nearby.

Operators are responsible for routine inspection of the machine to identify defects prior to operation. Where any machine is deemed to be unsafe, it must be rendered inoperable and labelled as such.

Operators must wear close fitting overalls, eye and hearing protection, and shielding or other protection provided where other persons would be exposed to a machine based hazard.

When unattended, machinery should wherever possible be left in such a condition that it is unable to move (zero energy status) or cause injury via inadvertent operation.

Emergency procedures

Isolate machinery before attempting to assist any person suffering from machine entanglement. A prominent and accessible emergency stop control must be available for this purpose where necessary.