If the nature of your business requires machine operation on a daily basis, it’s important to make all employees aware of the dangers when using various equipment and heavy machinery.
The relevant training for each new piece of equipment must take place to ensure all staff know how to operate safely and responsibly. This will help to minimise the risk of workplace accidents.
Knowing what Materials Can be Used
When you first acquire a new piece of machinery, be sure to understand exactly how it’s designed and how to operate it safely.
Identify what materials will be used with the machine, whether that be sheet metal, wood, oil etc. These days you can get replacement parts like Exhaust Manifold 3973422 easily online. Then, learn the risks of each hazard, the severity of any possible injuries or accidents and the likelihood of the occurrence when working with these particular materials and the machine.
Essential Maintenance Knowledge
Your machinery should be properly maintained to ensure that equipment is safe to use and is working as it should be. If your machinery isn’t looked after or checked regularly, it could result in potential accidents for the user.
Routine maintenance also helps to prolong the life of your machinery, helping things to run as smoothly as possible. For instance, keeping moving parts supple with lubricant from suppliers such as RS will help to keep your machinery in good working order.
Understanding Potential Hazards
The hazards your staff could become exposed to are dependent on the type of machinery and equipment you have on site. Common hazards include:
- Moving parts – this can cause various injuries such as cutting, severing, puncturing, crushing, trapping etc.
- Hot or cold machinery
- Noise
- Vibration
- Radiation
- Gas or liquid pressure – injuries caused by compressed air, paint sprayers, pneumatic systems or injection of hydraulic systems
When introducing a new piece of equipment, it’s important that each machine undergoes a risk assessment before its first use.
Risk Management
Proper risk management is essential when using dangerous machinery. As an employer, you must reduce the likelihood of potential health and safety risks where possible.
All employers are responsible for machine safety. Carrying out a risk assessment is legally required by health and safety laws. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties and potential prosecution.
A risk assessment identifies and helps to reduce the risks of any hazards to your employees. These employees should check that the machine is well maintained and safe to use and know how to operate the machinery correctly and in line with manufacturer instructions.
Be sure to make your employees aware that they must not use a machine that has a danger sign on it. They must also wear the appropriate PPE and protective devices to keep them safe.
It is essential that safety training is given to anyone operating machinery that can pose any sort of risk to the user. Not only does training mitigate employee risk but also increases awareness, improves efficiency and promotes compliance with safety regulations. It is an essential component of creating a safe and productive workplace and overall reducing liability.
