Machinery safety - H&S at work

There is an absolute requirement upon organisations to ensure that machinery is designed so that it is safe in normal operation. This means that all dangerous parts must be guarded. It must not be possible for the operator to be injured by exposure to dangerous parts.

It is not acceptable for organisations to argue the operator made a mistake or failed to comply with instructions. Machinery guarding should be such that operator error is anticipated in original designs.

Safe Systems of Working

Where machinery is in operation systems of working must be put in place that prevent danger to operators or other persons who may be exposed.

Permit to work systems should be in place where individuals may have to enter hazardous environments. Safe systems should be designed to ensure that people exposed to the work activities are not at risk.

Operator training and supervision

Training should take account of the nature of the hazard, the experience of the operator and any other points of vulnerability such as young people, pregnancy or disability.

Supervision should be such that best practice is always complied with. It is just not acceptable for supervisors to argue that procedures were ignored by operators.

Machine maintenance and Inspection
Depending upon the use equipment is put to it should be regularly inspected and maintained. Such maintenance should be part of systematic schedules of work. In some cases, particularly lifting equipment and air receivers there is a statutory duty to carry out inspections.