Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Figure 11.9
Typical range of hand-held power tools.

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Work equipment hazards and control
167
or lightly damaged parts for proper operation and 
performance of their intended functions. Check 
movable parts for proper function, whether there is 
binding or for damaged parts. All parts must be cor-
rectly mounted and meet all conditions necessary to 
ensure proper operation of the equipment
➤
damaged protection devices and parts should be 
repaired or replaced by a competent service centre 
unless otherwise stated in the operating instructions. 
Damaged switches must be replaced by a compe-
tent service centre. Do not use any tool which can-
not be turned on and off with the switch
➤
only use accessories and attachments that are 
described in the operating instructions or are pro-
vided or recommended by the tool manufacturer. 
The use of tools other than those described in the 
operating instructions or in the catalogue of recom-
mended tool inserts or accessories can result in a 
risk of personal injury.
11.9 
Mechanical machinery hazards
Most machinery has the potential to cause injury to 
people, and machinery accidents fi gure prominently 
in offi cial accident statistics. These injuries may range 
in severity from a minor cut or bruise, through various 
degrees of wounding and disabling mutilation, to crush-
ing, decapitation or other fatal injury. Nor is it solely pow-
ered machinery that is hazardous, for many manually 
operated machines (e.g. hand-operated guillotines and fl y 
presses) can still cause injury if not properly safeguarded.
Figure 11.10
Range of mechanical hazards.
Scissor lifts
Trap against fixed structures
Radial flow fans
Rotating spoked wheels
Band saw blades
Axial flow fans