28 Essential Machine Safety tips that you need to know.
Machine Safety is a set of procedures, rules or standards designed to protect persons working with the machine or in the area where the machine is in use.
When we talk about machine safety, we are talking about how to prevent Hazards from machines from causing injury to persons at work or even at home.
When people apply machine safety while using any of the machines, it’ll guarantee protection while working with the machine. There are so many importance attached to machine safety when you practise them very well.
What is a machine or a machinery?
A machine is a mechanically, electrically or electronically operated device for performing a task. Examples of machines
- Excavators.
- Grader
- Loader.
- Washing machine
- Paper machine.
- sewing machine.
- Poker vibrator.
- Bulldozer.
- Forklift
- Backhoe
- Skid steer loader.
- Compactor.
- Dump truck.
- cranes
- Blender.
- Lifting equipment.
Importance of machine safety
The health and safety executive of HSE UK highlighted the importance of machine safety and how the maintenance of the machines can assist in maintaining the safety of the machine users. Machine safety has a lot of importance that it gives mostly to individuals who are using the machine and others in the environment of its use. The individuals exposed to machines may be operators, carpenters, drivers, clients, and others. Machine safety ensures that the machine does not injure anyone while at work. With machine safety in mind, people will know what to do during the work process to prevent the machine from causing harm to them. Machine safety helps prevent accidents for people using the machine and others within the area.
The Few ways by which machines cause injury to people at work
- People get struck by moving parts of the machine.
- The trapping of part of the body between belts, rollers and pulley drives.
- Sharp edges from a machine causing injuries
- Rough surfaces from a machine causing abrasion
- Sharp edges from a machine causing puncture.
- Crushing of people between two moving parts of a machine.
- Shearing of body parts from two moving parts of a machine
- Steam or water from machine emissions can cause burns and scalds.
- Electricity from a machine can cause burns and shock.
28 Essentials Machine Safety tips that you need to know.
- Do not remove the machine guard in any machine except if you want to repair the machine.
- Ensure that you read the operating manual of any machine before you use the machine.
- Do not operate a machine if the safeguard is damaged.
- Always inspect any machine before use.
- Put all damaged machines out of service.
- Train all workers in any machine they want to use and document the training.
- Unauthorised personnel should not operate any machine.
- Ensure that all machine operating controls are designed not to cause accidental operation.
- Engage the emergency stop when necessary and ensure they are in good condition.
- Train all supervisors for machine use that is under them to enable them to know about the safety of their use.
- Keep all work areas clean and tidy.
- Engage in good housekeeping when you’re using the machine.
- All control switches in the machine should be marked so that it can be visible to know them.
- Do not entertain any form of distraction when using the machine.
- Isolate all machines from energy sources during maintenance.
- Manage all risks to harm in the machine before making use of them.
- Confirm shutting down a machine before you walk away.
- Make sure you wear PPE before operating any of the machines.
- Do not wear any jewellery, necklace, ring etc when operating a machine.
- Do not leave any machine unattended during any course of your work.
- Lubricate the machine properly without tampering with the guards.
- Do not try to create a new hazard when using any machine. Find a way to control the hazards inherent in the machine.
- If you notice any malfunctioning in the machine, report it to your supervisor and discourage others from using it.
- Do not allow incompetent personnel to work on any machine, whether for repairs or use.
- Put safety signs and warnings and make them visible in the areas where you are using the machine.
- Know when to use the lock-out tag-out procedure and apply it accordingly.
- Do not allow the vulnerable workers to operate any machine in the workplace. Vulnerable workers can be the new starters, young people, and people with disabilities without adequate training and supervision.
- Do not allow children to operate any machine.
Also read:
- The Significance of the Fire Extinguisher Pressure Gauge Pointer.
- 39 Top Home Safety Tips Everyone Should Know.
- Safety concerns for artistes working in the entertainment industry
- A step-by-step guide on how to write a work-at-height risk assessment
- Ten Essential Skills Every hse Officer Should Master for Workplace Safety
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Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
