Actions should be taken in order to manage risks that could occur through cleaning and maintenance activity. Manufacturer’s instructions should make recommendations on how to safely undertake cleaning and maintenance of their work equipment and, unless there are good reasons otherwise, these should always be followed.
5 Top Tips for Clearing and Maintaining Machines Safely
There are recognised risks associated with machines that have blockages during their operation. You need to ensure that the clearing and maintenance operations are incorporated into your risk assessments. Use control measures such as guarding to prevent access, but also use warning signs as a visual prompt to stop people entering machines.
Introduce training – not just for the operation of machines, but to also cover the safe working practices for when things go wrong. Also make this a requirement for all general cleaning that is needed.
It is important to check guarding on a regular basis. Fixed guarding is usually best, but if removable guards are in place be sure to carry out daily checks to confirm they are present before work starts.
Ensure that machines are isolated before attempting to clear blockages. Carry out visual checks to make sure workers are not in the vicinity before resuming the operation. Physically ‘locking off’ the machine is also useful, to prevent the machine being started by another person.
Make sure there is adequate supervision for tasks. Workers may need to have someone there to ask about the correct procedure in the event of a blockage. A good level of supervision can also help prevent people cutting corners to get the job done quicker.
It is said that a new worker is as likely to have an accident in their first 6 months with you as during the whole of the rest of their working life. Training for new members of staff should therefore be immediate, comprehensive and thorough.
If you require more assistance please contact Walker Health and Safety Services today:
Web: http://www.walkersafety.co.uk/
Tel: 0845 834 0400
Email: info@walkersafety.co.uk