Page 98 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

21 Safe Systems of Work
It is the Company's Policy to undertake a Risk Assessment for each type of machine, in order to
identify how people could be at risk from using particular machines. Copies of such assessments,
detail the necessary requirements and precautions with which operators should comply, will be
posted close to where the relevant machine is located. However, the general rules which apply
to the use and operation of all the Company's plant and machinery are as follows –

a) Only trained and authorised employees are permitted to operate machinery.
b) Machinery is only to be operated provided that it is in full working order and that all guards
and other precautions are in place.
c) The emergency stop button and safety guard operation must be checked prior to any work
taking place.
d) Where machinery requires operators to wear personal protective equipment it must be worn.
e) Machine operators should ensure that long hair is tied back and loose clothing such as open
sleeves or ties are not worn. In addition, jewellery such as bracelets, chains, loose or large
rings are not to be worn when operating machines.
f) Glasses or goggles of the correct grade are to be worn by all personnel in the area who could
be at risk during machine operation. The grades are stipulated against the type of machine.
g) With machines containing fluids under pressure a serious risk of fluid injection into the body
exists so particular care must be taken when handling pressurised systems.
h) Never permit cutting oils to remain in contact with the skin. (See Section 42 on Health &
Hygiene.)
i) All machine operators will make themselves responsible for reading the manufacturers
handbook or Company safe working practices and ensure that they fully understand all the
safety features provided.
j) It is the responsibility of individuals to report any malfunctions immediately, under no
circumstances must production override safety considerations and operators must never use,
or be made to use, faulty machinery.
SAFETY GUARDS MUST NEVER BE REMOVED BY OPERATORS.

21.1 Machinery Guarding
All machinery should be supplied with the required safety guards. No machine is to be put into
operation before such safeguards are fitted. For some older machines it may be necessary to
manufacture guards to ensure the safety of operatives. All Company machines will be subject to risk
assessment to confirm that adequate precautions are in place. Copies of these risk assessments
will be available at the work place to inform operatives of the safe system of work and the precautions
necessary for each type of machine.
Where Guards are required - The Company will fit guards to machinery by type in the following priority
order:

1. Fixed Guards, (including fence and distance guards)
2. Interlocking Guards
3. Automatic Guards
4. Trip Guards (Photo electric light guards)
• No guard should be removed for any reason, except as authorised by the written procedures
or a Manager, and where suitable safety considerations are enforced.
• All machines are to be isolated from their power source, with a lock-off system if possible,
and made safe prior to any maintenance work commencing.
• No machine shall be started unless the guards are in place and in good working order.
Defective or missing guards must be reported to the Works Manager or Foreman
immediately and the machine must not be operated until the problem has been resolved.
• All drive belts must be enclosed completely by a fixed guard.

Page 97 of 142