Free machine guarding compliance surveys

The HSE's reports from accident investigations often show a generally unsatisfactory standard of guarding, and an over-reliance on systems of work and the 'skill' of operators as the principal means of risk reduction.

Here in the UK machinery safety is covered mainly by 'The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998' (PUWER 98). These Regulations require that risks from machinery are controlled by engineering means where it is practicable to do so (regulation 11); that is to say by providing suitable guards, protection devices, warning devices and system control devices such as emergency stop buttons. In all circumstances these safeguards must be properly maintained (regulation 5) and appropriate information, training, instruction and supervision must be provided.

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be undertaken to ensure compliance with PUWER and other statutory health and safety Regulations. The assessment should identify clearly the hazards present and then establish the measures necessary to control the risks and hence satisfy the relevant legal requirements.

Procter Machine Guarding has considerable experience in the design, application and installation of close-fit and perimeter machinery guarding. As a first step to ensuring compliance with statutory health and safety Regulations, the company is offering a FREE service to organisations that operate potentially hazardous machinery, from pillar drills to automated production lines. After an initial telephone consultation, safety engineers can make an appointment to visit an organisation's premises and assess the machinery safeguards.

At the end of the survey the safety engineers provide a short written report that identifies areas of non-compliance and actions that can be taken to reduce risk, improve safety and comply with the Regulations. Importantly, Procter can also carry out any work necessary to bring the machinery up to standard.