Basic H&S Guidelines

Section 11 – Machine Safety and Noise

The machinery that is used in factories may present a wide array of safety and health hazards to
the workers. These hazards may be physical, electrical, thermal, auditory, or of other nature. The
two basic principles of hazard control that should be considered in the reduction of machine
hazards are: (1) elimination or reduction of the risk by fitting safety devices or guards to the
machines, and (2) protection of the workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
that is specific for the particular risk.

11.1 General Guidelines for Machine Safety

• All machinery and lighting should be
connected to their power source with
appropriate industrial connections.
• The machinery should be grounded (e.g.
third prong).
• Permanent electrical wiring should be
encased in a metal conduit.
• Individual machines should have their
own emergency power shut-off switch
within easy reach of the usual operator
position.
• All gear boxes should be enclosed, and
only opened with special tools.
• There should be machine safety training
for all workers before they are allowed
to operate any machine. This training
should include a list of the required PPE
and the emergency shut-down
procedures.
• There should be regular inspection and
maintenance of all production machinery
to ensure that all safety devices and
mechanisms are effective, and
inspection and maintenance records
should be maintained by the factory.
• Appropriate lockout/tagout procedures
should be implemented during all
equipment maintenance and repair work
(refer to Section 20).
• Working tools should be provided with
appropriate protective devices to prevent
injury to workers from squeezing, cuts or
burns.
• Local exhaust ventilation for the
extraction of dusts or solvent vapours
should be provided by separate systems,
and the ductwork should be identified by
different colours.
• Eye protection should be worn by
workers when there is risk of injury from
flying particles or dust, splashed
chemicals, or persistent glare or
ultraviolet radiation.
• Workers who operate mobile equipment
or forklift trucks or lift heavy items
should wear certified steel-toed safety
shoes.
• Appropriate gloves should be provided to
protect workers’ hands from
mechanical, chemical or thermal
hazards.

Electrical safety should be a continuing concern when operating equipment. Electric current
flowing through the body can cause shock, burns, and breathing difficulty. The alternating current
at electrical mains (240 volts AC) is sufficient to cause fatal exposures. Flash burns can be caused
by opening switches, removing fuses or shortening cables. Ignition hazards may result from
electrical faults, short circuits, poor contacts, overloaded cables or connections, and other faulty
equipment.

Social & Environmental Affairs Page 57 of 127 Feburary 2010