DRO1113 Topic 8 - Work Equipment Hazards

Lesson Outcome

• Understand suitability, maintenance, inspection, and operation of work equipment.
• Recognize user responsibilities and specific risks associated with hand-held and mechanical tools.
• Identify practical safeguards against equipment hazards.

Introduction to Work Equipment Safety

• Employers and self-employed individuals must ensure work equipment is suitable, maintained, and inspected.
• Equipment must conform to safety standards before use, ensuring its integrity and purpose align with operational environments.

Suitability of Work Equipment

• Safe equipment type must be provided by employers under user law.
• New machinery should bear 'CE' marking indicating compliance with safety regulations.

Use and Maintenance of Equipment

• Only designated individuals can perform repairs or modifications, or trained operators with requisite skills.
• Adopt a hierarchy of controls to mitigate risks through elimination, physical controls (guards), or safe systems of work.

Maintenance and Inspection

• Routine maintenance ensures equipment operates safely as intended.
• Maintenance frequency is guided by manufacturer instructions, usage, environment, and equipment type.

Types of Maintenance

• Preventative Planned Maintenance: Scheduled regular checks and repairs.
• Condition-Based Maintenance: Maintenance as needed based on equipment condition.
• Breakdown-Based Maintenance: Reactive repairs following equipment failures.

Safe Operation and Working Environment

• Equipment should have accessible controls, be stable, properly lit, and marked with adequate warnings.
• Key operational safety features include:
  • Clearly marked start and stop controls.
  • Emergency stop features accessible from the operating position.
  • Controls designed to prevent accidental activation.

Hazards of Hand-held Tools

• Risks from broken handles, incorrect usage, slipping tools, and poor-quality handles.
• Potential injuries from electrocution, burns, and flying particles during operation.
• Sufficient training and safety inspections are imperative for effective risk management.

Safety Considerations for Hand-held Tools

• Ensure tools are high-quality, ergonomically designed, and regularly inspected.
• Proper training in tool usage and safety practices is essential.

Hazards of Hand-held Power Tools

• Risks include mechanical entanglement, flying debris, electrical shocks, and manual handling injuries.
• Safety controls must be implemented, such as guarding and operator protection from vibrations.

Safety Controls for Power Tools

• Proper guarding to shield operators from hazards like point of operation and rotating parts.
• Continuous pressure controls that deactivate power when not engaged are crucial for safe operation.

Mechanical Machinery Hazards

• A wide range of mechanical hazards exists, requiring classification and appropriate risk measures.
• Safety features like two-handed controls and hold-to-run controls minimize operator risks.

Guard Construction Requirements

• Guards must be fit for purpose, addressing identified risks effectively.
• Design factors include strength, visibility, ease of maintenance, hygiene, and compatibility with equipment operation.

Conclusion

• Thorough assessment of hazards is critical for minimization of risks associated with manual handling and equipment use.
• Responsibilities of workers in safely handling and maintaining equipment are vital to prevent accidents and injuries.

This quiz focuses on understanding the hazards associated with work equipment and the necessary control measures. You will explore topics like the suitability, use, maintenance, and inspection of various tools and machinery, as well as user responsibilities. Prepare to deepen your knowledge about both hand-held tools and mechanical machinery.