Machinery Safety
Most industries and business sectors will employ the use of suitable machinery in order to operate safely, efficiently and competitively.
As different industries evolve, new and innovative technologies require the increased use of machinery to optimize performance and maintain all necessary standards.
In accordance with the use of any item of machinery, the safety and security of those operating and using any machinery will be paramount. All machinery use must be regularly monitored and maintained to achieve manufacturers safety protocols.
In the first instance, any item of machinery being used must confirmed to be appropriate, relevant and fit for purpose in respect of the task in-hand.
Fundamental machine safety will require all manufacturers safeguards to be in place and in good working order. Any questions or issues arising in respect of the status of safeguards must be noted, addressed and reported to the appropriate personnel.
Maintenance of any machinery is a key safety issue and must be attended to regularly, professionally and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There may be additional maintenance issues that can arise following excessive use, damage, or outside interference with processes or machine performance.
The use of appropriate personal safety equipment and clothing must be clearly set-out, and procedures instituted to ensure that such guidance and advice is correctly followed.
Documenting all appropriate safety guidance, safety procedures, monitoring and safety legislation will ensure that a high standard of machine safety is achieved and continually updated.
Machinery Testing
Machinery safety testing ensures that manufacturers safety standards are maintained and complied with correctly.
Testing will follow a designated process set out by manufacturers, and this can often be underpinned by specific industry or legal requirements. These may differ from country to country, and this aspect will require noting in order to conform with all necessary standards for machine use.
Reporting systems must be established which enable machine operators to identify and feedback any concerns that might arise during the use of machinery. A risk assessment will be established to identify the needs, requirements and safety concerns of any testing regime, including matters arising from the operation and performance of any machinery.
Maintenance schedules must be established and documented, in order for them to be incorporated in to any risk assessment and subsequent safety testing protocols.
Manufacturers will often stipulate that maintenance should be performed by approved, accredited specialists, and certification which confirms compliance with manufacturers recommendations is essential and should also be obtained.
The correct certification protects all parties and ensures there is a formal record of dates, times and personnel associated with any maintenance program, in addition to anyone operating the relevant machinery.
Details of good-practice, correct procedures and responsibility for machine safety must be acknowledged issued to users and operators of any machines.
In order to ensure machine safety testing is compliant and up to date, it is often a requirement that a single point of contact is established and supported by managerial responsibility at a senior company level.
This supervision can ensure that machine safety testing is both suitable and appropriate for any item of machinery.