Machines make work easier, but they are behind many serious accidents: crushing, cutting off of limbs and drawing-in. Knowing about guards and operating rules protects you better than luck.
Regulations on machines
- The regulation of the Minister of Economy of 30 October 2002 on minimum occupational health and safety requirements for the use of machines by employees at work (Dz.U. 2002 No. 191, item 1596). It is addressed to the employer, who makes machines available to employees.
- The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC concerns manufacturers. From 20 January 2027 it will be replaced by Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery. A new machine should have the CE mark, a declaration of conformity and operating instructions in Polish.
The CE mark means that the manufacturer declares conformity with EU requirements. It does not mean that you can work with the machine in any way you like.
Guards and protective devices
- A fixed guard closes off access to the danger zone, for example to gears, belts and shafts.
- A movable guard with an interlock stops the machine when you open it.
- Protective devices, for example light curtains, two-hand controls or pressure mats, stop the movement of dangerous parts.
Do not remove guards or disable safety devices to work faster. Guards are removed only by authorised persons during maintenance or repair, after the machine has been stopped and the energy disconnected.
Emergency stop and controls
- A machine has controls that are clearly marked and easy to recognise.
- The emergency stop button is clearly visible and easy to reach. Remember where it is before you start work.
- After an emergency stop, do not restart the machine without checking why it stopped.
Before cleaning, repairing and clearing jams
- Stop the machine.
- Disconnect the power supply (electricity, compressed air, hydraulics) and wait until the moving parts have stopped.
- Secure the machine against accidental start-up: a lock, a padlock, a tag with the name of the person who fitted it (a lockout procedure, known as LOTO).
- Only then clean or repair. After the work, check that nobody is in the danger zone and remove the lock.
Never clean or clear jams by hand while the machine is running.
Clothing and appearance near machines
- Wear close-fitting clothing, with no loose sleeves, scarves, ties or dangling cords.
- Tie back long hair.
- Remove jewellery, chains and watches.
- A loose glove or sleeve can be caught by a rotating part and pull your hand in.
Who may operate a machine
A machine is operated only by a person who is trained, authorised and familiar with the operating instructions. Equipment that requires qualifications, for example a forklift or an overhead crane, requires additional qualifications that the employer arranges. This course does not give them.
A damaged machine
If a machine behaves unusually, sparks, has a damaged guard or does not stop properly:
- switch it off and disconnect the power,
- mark it as faulty,
- report it to your supervisor.
Do not try to repair the machine if you are not authorised to do so.
Key points
- Do not remove guards and do not bypass safety devices.
- Before cleaning or repair, stop the machine and disconnect the energy, and secure it against being switched on.
- Operate only the machines for which you have authorisation and training.