INDG380 TREAD SAFELY - HSE

machinery safety
8
Tread safely machinery safety
Section 4 Keeping things safe
To prevent machinery accidents you must ensure
that machines are operated safely and properly
maintained. You also need to ensure that controls,
guards and safety devices are checked and
inspected at regular intervals.
Machinery accidents in the retread industry
usually occur because safeguards:
■ are provided but are inadequate; or
■ are provided but get removed or fall into
disrepair or disuse; or
■ are defeated or overridden.
What do I need to do?
■ Provide the correct safeguards in the first
place.
■ Make regular checks to ensure they are kept in
position and are working effectively.
■ Ensure safe systems of work are provided and
followed.
How can I do this?
■ Check your existing machines to make sure the
safeguards meet the standards described later
in this guide. If they don’t, upgrade them as
soon as possible.
■ Implement a system of routine checks at two
levels. Draw up two checklists for each
machine.
What to include in an operator checklist
In this checklist, set out the simple safety checks
that the machine operator should complete each
day or each shift. The operator should carry out
the checks at the start of the shift or as soon as
practicable after the shift begins. A copy of the
checklist can be fixed to the machine or next to
it for the operators to sign when they have
completed the checks. Some employers find it
helpful to include a diagram showing the
safeguards to be checked.
Train the operators how to carry out the
checks and make sure they understand what action
to take if their checks reveal a faulty or missing
guard, control or safety device. Explain their
responsibilities for completing the checks properly
and ensure they understand they will be held
accountable for doing them each day and for
completing them properly.
What to include in a machine
setter/maintenance fitter checklist
This checklist should contain the more detailed
checks that a competent machine setter or fitter
should carry out at least once a month. These
will require the person concerned to have
sufficient knowledge of the design, construction
and correct operation of the machine. Refer to
the manufacturer’s manual or get advice from an
engineer when deciding what these checks should
involve. Make sure the setter or fitter is competent
to carry out the checks properly. Provide the
necessary instruction and training and explain
their responsibilities.
Any system of checking can fall into disuse
over time so put in place arrangements for an
appropriate manager or supervisor to check and
monitor the system to ensure it continues to
operate properly.
Safe systems of work
Finally, provide machine operators with safe
systems of work for operating their machines and
use these as the basis for training the operators.
Make sure your routine workplace health and safety
checks include observation of how machines are
being operated in practice to confirm they are being
operated safely.
Remember:
✔ Make sure your machines have the
safeguards described in this guide.
✔ Use an operator’s daily checklist.
✔ Operate a more detailed monthly checking
system.
✔ Provide safe systems of work and ensure
they are followed.