Mechanical Equipment
You may use a wide range of mechanical equipment is the metals and engineering industry, including guillotines, power presses, brake presses and angle grinders. Mechanical equipment can be hazardous. It may cause sprains and strains, open wounds, fractures, amputations and even death.
Metal guillotines are used to cut sheets of metal. They usually have clamp fitted to hold the sheet of metal being cut, as well as a blade. The most common metal guillotine injuries are crushed or amputated fingers. Other injuries are from fingers jamming under the sheet of metal being cut, and strain injuries while handling large and awkward sheets of metal.
Power presses are large machines used to stamp, cut or form metal material. Power presses are fitted with a physical guard or a light beam guard to protect the operator's hands.
Serious injury such as amputated fingertips may result from a power press with out a guard or one that does not work properly. The dangers of operating a power press are outlined in the case study Young Worker Injured by Power Press.
Angle grinders are hand held tools with a rotating disc used for grinding metal. They are designed for grinding and not as a cutting tool. They can be dangerous if not kept in good order and if not used safely. If the disc is damaged or over tightened it can shatter or explode, sending pieces flying across the workshop.
Most angle grinder injuries are from metal particles lodging in the operator's eye. The most serious injuries are from kickback where the disc is thrust violently away from the object it is grinding and back towards the operator. Kickback can result in severe cuts to hands, arms, head, torso and legs. An example of the dangers of angle grinders is highlighted in the case study Young Worker Using an Angle Grinder.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries from mechanical equipment are to hands and fingers, which may be cut, sprained, dislocated, broken, crushed or severed by machinery or tools. These injuries can cause lengthy periods of time off work and sometimes they can cause permanent disability.
Eye injuries caused by mechanical equipment accidents include being hit by an object (for example, small particles such as metal shavings as well large objects or pieces of equipment), heat, radiation, hitting an object and falls, trips and slips.
 | | When mechanical equipment hazards cannot be eliminated to increase protection you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) |
Personal Protective Equipment used in the metal and engineering industry includes safety glasses or goggles, earplugs or earmuffs, protective gloves, overalls or other close fitting clothing, safety shoes or boots with steel toe-caps to protect your feet if any items are dropped.
Your employer should:
have a maintenance program to make sure all equipment and machines are in safe working order;
have a system in place for locking out and isolating machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs;
train you to operate any item of mechanical equipment before you use it and make sure you are supervised when you use it - if you are still not sure how to use it ask questions; and
provide the personal protective equipment you need to wear and tell you how to wear and use it correctly.
An example of the hazards associated with not locking out and tagging machinery during maintenance are outlined in the case study The Hazardous Maintenance of Machinery.
What you should do
When you are operating any mechanical equipment you should follow safe work procedures as instructed by your employer or supervisor. This may include:
wearing clothing that will not catch in moving parts;
wearing the personal protective equipment provided by your employer;
operating the machinery and equipment correctly and safely;
keeping all guards in place;
making sure guards removed during cleaning are replaced before you use the machine;
switching off machinery and equipment when not in use and locking out and isolating machinery before any adjustment, cleaning or maintenance is done;
concentrating on the job as distractions might cause injuries; and
keeping the area around the equipment or machinery clean.
| | Keep all guards in place - they are fitted to protect you from moving parts. |
