Hazards should be identified and eliminated at all stages of the machinery life cycle. This includes design, manufacture, commissioning, maintenance, repair, and testing. The best time to eliminate significant hazards is at the design stage.
There are two main types of machine hazards. They are mechanical hazards and impact hazards. Mechanical hazards include the dynamic forces of the movement of the machine.
Impact hazards involve the inertia of the body, which can be the result of an incorrectly adjusted work rests or an abrasive wheel. Machines can also have crush hazards, which result when the body is caught between parts of a machine or a fixed structure.
Minimizing hazards requires ongoing monitoring and oversight. Control measures can be mechanical or non-mechanical. Mechanical control measures involve a system or device, such as a safety switch or lock-out device.
Non-mechanical measures involve human behaviour and commitment. These include extensive training*, detailed instruction, extensive information, and rotation of employees.
A safe system of work is a formal work procedure that identifies safe ways to work. It can be used in conjunction with guards and other devices. However, it should not be the primary hazard control.
A hierarchy of controls is a series of controls that are divided into individual, group, and distance control measures. Each of these methods provides protection for a certain number of people. In addition, they can be adapted for different circumstances.
A flowchart can help you choose the right type of guarding for your particular needs.
*PBOSecure (trading as Cybersys Technologies Ltd in UK) has received UK OFQUAL (UK) Accreditations. Our Course Trainers with TÜV Rheinland are Technical Trainers, as well Technical Advisors. They have Successfully completed more than 60 Functional Safety study projects involving HAZOP, SIL Assessment, Safety Requirement Specification (SRS) and SIL verification. Currently delivering training for a very broad range of attendees, in open courses and in courses for single companies, ranging from a few attendees to more than 50 in multiple sessions. PBOSecure Training is attended by engineering and maintenance personnel, HSE/OHSE Staff members as well as risk management and loss control experts. Participants receive a comprehensive workbook and certificate after successfully completing the Training.