Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Offi ce – document shredder
Application of safeguards (Figure 11.19)
➤
enclosed fi xed guards surround the cutters with 
restricted access for paper only, which prevents fi n-
gers reaching the dangerous parts
➤
interlocks are fi tted to the cutter head so that the 
machine is switched off when the waste bin is 
emptied
➤
a trip device is used to start the machine automat-
ically when paper is fed in
➤
machine should be on PAT schedule and regularly 
checked
➤
general ventilation will cover most dust problems 
except for very large machines where dust extrac-
tion may be necessary
➤
noise levels should be checked and the equipment 
perhaps placed on a rubber mat if standing on a 
hard refl ective fl oor.
Manufacturing and maintenance – bench top 
grinder
Application of safeguards
➤
wheel should be enclosed as much as possible in a 
strong casing capable of containing a burst wheel
➤
an adjustable tool rest should be adjusted as close 
as possible to the wheel
➤
adjustable screen should be fi tted over the wheel 
to protect the eyes of the operator. Goggles should 
also be worn
Figure 11.20
Typical bench-mounted grinder.
➤
only properly trained people should mount an abra-
sive wheel
➤
the maximum speed should be marked on the 
machine so that the abrasive wheel can be matched 
to the machine speed
➤
noise levels should be checked and attenuating 
screens used if necessary
➤
the machine should be on the PAT schedule and 
regularly checked
➤
if necessary extract ventilation should be fi tted to 
the wheel encasing to remove dust at source.
Manufacturing and maintenance – pedestal drill
Application of safeguards (Figure 11.21)
➤
motor and drive should be fi tted with fi xed guard
➤
the spindle should be guarded by an adjustable 
guard, which is fi xed in position during the work
➤
a clamp should be available on the pedestal base to 
secure work-pieces