Element 9: Work equipment

9.1 General requirements

Work equipment must be suitable for the task and place, in good condition, and used only by trained people. General requirements:

• Provide suitable equipment
• Prevent access to dangerous parts
• Restrict the use and maintenance of equipment with specific risks to people designated and trained for it
• Provide information, instruction and training about specific risks to everyone at risk, including users, maintenance staff and managers
• Maintain equipment, and carry out maintenance safely
• Provide emergency stop controls, stability, lighting, markings and warnings, and a clear workspace

Study tip: Maintenance is itself a hazardous activity.

Practice questions for 9.1

9.2 Hand-held tools

When choosing hand-held tools, whether powered or manual, consider: requirements for safe use; condition and fitness for use; suitability for the purpose; and the place of use (including whether there is a flammable atmosphere, which needs tools that do not spark).

Hazards include: flying particles, cuts, entanglement, electric shock, noise, vibration, dust, burns and unexpected movement. Controls include: right tool for the job; guards; keeping tools sharp and in good repair; inspections; training; PPE; and safe storage.

Study tip: A damaged hand tool should be taken out of use and tagged.

Practice questions for 9.2

9.3 Machinery hazards

Contact with machinery can cause crushing, shearing, cutting, entanglement, drawing in, impact, stabbing, friction or abrasion, ejection of parts, and exposure to noise, vibration or dust. ISO 12100 (Table B.1) lists mechanical and other hazards and their consequences.

Typical equipment: manufacturing and maintenance machinery (such as a bench grinder or pedestal drill); agricultural and horticultural machinery (such as a cylinder mower, strimmer or brush cutter, and chainsaw); retail machinery (such as a compactor); and construction machinery (such as a cement mixer and a bench-mounted circular saw).

The use of aerial drones in the workplace creates its own hazards, for example collision, loss of control and falling parts.

Key terms

• ISO 12100: The standard on safety of machinery and general principles for risk assessment and risk reduction.

Study tip: For each machine you study, name the hazard, the likely injury and the control.

Practice questions for 9.3

9.4 Control measures for machinery

Guards: fixed guards (kept in place by tools or fasteners), interlocking guards (the machine cannot run unless the guard is closed, and stops if it is opened) and adjustable or self-adjusting guards (adjusted to fit the task or moved by the material).

Protective devices: two-hand controls (hands must be away from danger to start), hold-to-run controls (the machine runs only while the control is held), sensitive protective equipment such as trip devices (light curtains and pressure mats) and emergency stop controls.

Other methods: jigs, holders and push-sticks to keep hands away; information, instruction, training and supervision; and personal protective equipment. Each has advantages and limits, for example guards can be bypassed and PPE depends on the user.

Guards and devices must be compatible with the process; strong enough and maintained; allow maintenance without being removed; not increase risk or restrict the operator's view; and not be easily bypassed.

Study tip: Fixed guard first, then interlocking, then devices, then information and PPE.

Practice questions for 9.4