Jigs, holders and push sticks

Where guards cannot give full protection, use jigs, holders, push sticks and similar aids where practical. They are often used together with guards to feed a work piece while keeping the operator's body away from the danger zone.

Information, instruction, training and supervision

Operators need training in the safe working methods for a machine. That does not mean guards and protective devices can be left out. It is not enough merely to tell operators not to go near dangerous parts as an alternative to guarding them. Operators must be trained in the hazards of their work and in how to use and maintain the safety devices, and they need safety reminders to keep them aware all the time. Training on the proper use of guards is needed before employees are allowed to use equipment. The supervisor should keep a list of all employees authorised to use a specific machine. Training should:

• make sure operators understand proper operation, safety procedures, hazard recognition and emergency shutdown procedures for each machine they are assigned to
• identify the multiple energy sources and explain the machine-specific lockout and tagout procedures to everyone assigned to work on the machine
• identify the PPE required and show how to wear it properly

Personal protective equipment

Select PPE for the remaining task-specific risk. Gloves can introduce serious entanglement risk near rotating parts and must not be prescribed as a generic machine safeguard; eye or face protection also needs selection for the hazard. The machinery designer should specify what is required. PPE is not the primary way of safeguarding, and it should complement the measures above.

Basic requirements for guards and safety devices

All guards and protection devices provided must:

• be suitable for the purpose for which they are provided
• be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength
• be maintained in an efficient state, in working order and in good repair
• not give rise to any increased risk to health or safety
• not be easy to bypass or disable
• be situated at a sufficient distance from the danger zone
• not unduly restrict the view of the operating cycle of the machinery, where that view is necessary
• be built or adapted so that they allow the work needed to fit or replace parts and for maintenance, restricting access to the area where the work is to be done and, if possible, without having to dismantle the guard or protection device

Further Reading

• Ambient factors in the workplace, ILO Code of Practice
• Buying new machinery (INDG271)
• Directive 2006/42/EC, the machinery directive
• Directive 2009/104/EC on the use of work equipment
• Graphical symbols: registered safety signs (ISO 7010:2011)
• Providing and using work equipment safely: a brief guide (INDG291)
• Safety and health in the use of machinery, ILO Code of Practice
• Safety of machinery: general principles for design, risk assessment and risk reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
• Safe use of work equipment, ACoP and guidance (L22), current HSE edition
• Supplying new machinery (INDG270)
• The health and safety toolbox: how to control risks at work (HSG268)
• The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, guidance on Regulations (L64), second edition, 2009

Summary notes for Element 9 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.