Working with machines

How do I work safely with machines?

Each piece of equipment should have a manual that states how you must work safely and what to do in the case of an emergency. Read the manual carefully and obey the safety rules.

A few general rules:

• Are you using the machine for the first time? Then ask permission from your supervisor.
• Before you start, make sure you know where the emergency stop button is.
• Keep the space around the machines clean, tidy and free of obstacles.
• Moving machine parts (axles, wires, cogwheels, etc.) must be shielded off with guards.
• During repairs and when replacing parts switch the machine off in such a way that it cannot accidentally be switched on again.
• Never carry out maintenance on machines with moving parts.
• Always use clamps when drilling in a piece.
• Do not remove metal fragments by hand but instead use a angle pick hook.
• Never use a compressed air pistel to clean machines and their parts but use a brush instead; loose metal splinters are dangerous and an air pistel can cause hearing damage.
• For grinding machines, the grinding stone must be sufficiently shielded and the space between the support and stone must be at least 3 mm.
• Report malfunctions and defects immediately to your supervisor even if you can solve the problem yourself.

Is the machine safe?

Machines have a CE marking when purchased. Are they safe then?

A CE marking is solely a test from the manufacturer.
For the user it is important to know that:

• the machine is placed in a safe environment;
• the machine is properly maintained;
• the machine is used for the purpose it was intended for;
• the work is performed in accordance with the instructions for use;
• for modified and self-assembled equipment and machines a risk analysis needs to be carried out; ask your supervisor or health & safety coordinator about this.

Which personal protection equipment should I use at my work?

Wearing personal protection equipment increases your safety. The health & safety coordinator can advise you about this.

A few regulations concerning personal safety:

• Wear good-fitting (work) clothing.
• Do not wear loose pieces of clothing (tie, belt, jewellery).
• Protect long hair from moving parts (e.g. from lathes, drilling or milling machines).
• Wear solid and closed footwear in mechanical workshops workplace (no trainers or sandals); you can obtain safety shoes from your supervisor or your health & safety coordinator.
• Always wear safety goggles when working in a mechanical workshop.
• Use the eye protection provided on the polishing machine in addition to the safety goggles.
• Wear ear protection in the case of bothersome or harmful noise.