Frederick Lawrence M.

Siervo
BSME SEP – 2A

1. Friction and abrasion hazards

Rough or moving surfaces adjacent to work stations can cause burns or removal of skin and
muscle.

Risk

 Failing to maintain guards and equipment in good condition

 Attempting to clear debris with machine running

Controls required

 Provide side covers and guards at work stations to prevent access to abrasive parts.
 Ensure machine can be cleaned and maintained without the need to run under power.
 Use materials that are resilient and retain smooth characteristics

2. Cutting or severing hazards

Knives may still move for some time after power has been disconnected. Moving knives can cut
or sever limbs, hands, feet or digits.

Risk

 Knives may still move after the machine has been switched off
 Poor handling when fitting, removing, or storing
 Operators impatient to free blockages to save time

Controls required

 Provide devices on self-propelled machines to disconnect the power if the driver leaves the
operator seat.
 Fixed or interlocked guards can prevent contact with moving knives when guards or other parts
are opened to gain access to the inside of the machine, e.g. when removing blockages via an
inspection hatch.
 Provide large cutting knives with tools and a knife guard to aid safe removal, handling and
storage.

3. Shearing hazards

Parts of machines that move past each other or stationary objects can cause a shear point
resulting in a crushing or cutting action.

Risk

 Entering or reaching into the danger zone with the machine working
 Failing to ensure guards or safety devices are in place
 Not securing the machine or removing residual energy before maintenance
Frederick Lawrence M. Siervo
BSME SEP – 2A

Controls required

 Use fixed guards to prevent access to shear points that are not ‘safe by position’. Fixed guards
must require the use of a tool to open or remove and their fixings should generally remain
attached to either the guard or machine when removed.
 If access is needed that precludes the use of fixed guards, use interlocking guards.
 If it is not practicable to use interlocking guards, use fixed distance guards and barriers secured
in position.

4. Crushing hazards

Crush points exist when two objects move toward each other, or when one object moves toward a
stationary object.

Risk

 Reaching into or entering crush areas with the machine operating

 Incorrectly hitching tractors to implements and trailers
 Failing to support machinery during repairs or maintenance

Controls required

 Protect crush points so that workers cannot get their arms or hands trapped. This involves
allowing adequate clearance around the moving parts.
 Prevent access to crush points using fixed guards or interlocked guards.
 Provide check valves and mechanical supports for hydraulic equipment that are easy to use from
outside the danger area

5. High pressure fluid injection hazards

Fluid released from a hydraulic system can be injected under the skin and lead to injury which may
need amputation or major surgery. Even pinprick punctures in pipework can cause major injury.

Risk

 Searching for leaks with bare hands

 Using incorrect pipe couplings and makeshift repairs
 Failing to replace damaged hoses

Controls required

 Include over-pressure protection in systems.

 Provide hose burst valves if there is a risk of injury from component failure.
 Consider the layout of components for maintenance, adjustment and setting purposes.
Frederick Lawrence M. Siervo
BSME SEP – 2A

6. Impact hazards

Machines can have fast moving parts that can strike a person, or eject machine parts and material
with considerable force

Risk

 Entering or placing body parts in the danger zone

 Failing to fit or maintain blades and flails properly
 Failing to fit or maintain protection against ejected material

Controls required

 Use fixed guards to prevent access to moving machine parts where possible.
 If guarding is not practical, fit safety devices such as trip bars that will detect the presence of a
person and stop the machine.
 Fit deflectors or skirts of suitable material and strength to prevent ejection of stones, wire or
other objects towards the operator and to protect possible bystanders.

7. Drawing-in and trapping hazards

Clothing, or parts of the body, can be drawn in by pairs of moving parts or moving and fixed parts.

Risk

 Reaching into discharge ends through the outlet chute

 Reaching in through inspection hatches
 Impatience to clear a blockage before machinery has stopped moving

Controls required

 Design intakes so that moving parts cannot be reached, or fit them with fixed distance guards.
 Fit controls to allow power to the intakes to be quickly isolated and make maintenance,
adjustment, cleaning or unblocking operations safe.
 Reverse drive mechanisms may allow blockages to be cleared without any intervention by an
operator