A recent issue of Canadian Occupational Safety magazine contained a pull out safety poster of Machine Safety dos and don'ts. It contained some great tips and we thought it was worth sharing here. DO
- train all machine operators on proper machine operation and safety procedures.
- inspect machinery before each use-ensuring that safeguarding systems are in place and working properly.
- follow all machine operating and maintenance instructions.
- use appropriate personal protective equipment-such as safety glasses or goggles, respiratory protection and hearing protection.
- keep hands away from all moving parts-at all times.
- exercise good housekeeping. Clean all tools after each use and store them properly.
- keep work area clean and well-lit.
- ensure hazardous energy is isolated and controlled if access to hazardous parts is needed.
- wear loose clothing, jewelry, neckties or other garments and accessories that can become entangled with moving parts on the machine. Long hair must be tied back.
- distract an operator while operating a machine.
- leave machines running without supervision. Turn the power off completely before leaving the work area.
- use your hands to remove material from the machine; use a vacuum cleaner, brush or rake.
- remove, disable, deactivate or try to work around machine guards and safety devices. They're here to protect you.
- use machines with missing or disabled guards or protective devices.
- try to access areas of a machine that have hazardous moving parts while the machine is running.
- use a machine for anything it is not designed to do.
