Machine Guarding

16 Jul Machine Guarding

“Why should we have to have a guard on that part of the plant? Anyone with any common sense should know not to go into that area when the conveyor belt is running!”

We’ve lost count of the number of times that we have heard this, or similar.

It’s this kind of attitude, and approach to safety, that can result in horrific injuries (or much worse).

If the human cost and financial cost (e.g. court penalties, etc.) of these potential machine incidents are not enough to start to make a difference, when will businesses wake up?

In most of these types of machine incidents that have happened in the last decade, and their resulting prosecutions, there are several common denominators:

1. Inadequate machine guarding;
2. No risk assessment undertaken;
3. No Safe Operating Procedure for the machine; and
4. Inadequate training for the machine operators in the use of the machine.

Guarding machinery

Here are a number of suggestions for your business to follow, so you don’t get into the same situation:

1. As the business owner, attend a training programme with your H&S manager and senior managers;
2. Train your staff;
3. Be prepared to involve your employees (after all, they may be a victim of an accident involving your machinery);
4. Review your accident registers over the past 2 years to identify any accidents or near miss accidents or trends involving machinery;
5. Set up a process to identify and to list all your machinery and equipment.
6. Examine each machine or article of equipment and using a check list, ask the following questions:
   1. Has a risk assessment previously been undertaken on the machine, to develop a level of risk based on the likelihood and consequences of an accident happening?
   2. Has this been recorded and communicated to the users of the equipment?
   3. Can this machine be opened when it is operational?
   4. What is the likelihood that a door or hatch that has prime movers or parts being opened or accessed?
   5. Are they fitted with cut-out/isolation devices to automatically stop and isolate the machine?
   6. Are the doors or hatches suitable and can be secured?
   7. Is there a risk of entanglement and crushing?
   8. Are there any impact or shear points?
   9. Can materials be ejected?
   10. Can there be a release of potential energy or hot fluids?
   11. Is there a risk of cutting, stabbing or puncture, leading to amputation?
   12. Are there extremes of temperature?
   13. Is there exposure to live electricity?
   14. Is there direct exposure to chemicals, suffocation or biological factors?
   15. Is there a risk to pressure or vacuum?

If you answer yes to any of the questions from 3-15, then you need to act ASAP.

Machine guarding

Here are a few ideas to consider when guarding machinery, but we suggest that you consult with a trained professional and use AS 4024 as a source of valuable information.

Also, the WorkSafe NZ website is a great source of information.

A priority for guarding machinery:

1. Permanently welded shut;
2. Interlocked with supporting mechanisms to prevent access until all movement of power drives blades etc. has ceased (micro disabling switches to be difficult as possible to defeat and not cause harm);
3. Bolted down (access would require a special tool or keys not normally available to the operator);
4. Presence detection systems (electronic eye and/or sensor beams that shut off the power source or warn of a presence that has broken a security light beam);
5. All guards must be following AS/NZS 4024.1503:2014 “Guidelines for guarding machinery”.

If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact Hasmate today.