Though it’s easy to forget, especially if you’ve been working around machinery for a long time, every machine is potentially dangerous. Your employer should be taking active steps to reduce risks, but ultimately, as a machine operator, it’s up to you to make sure that you are working each and every time safely. Here are some vital machine operator safety tips.
Make sure all the guards are in place.
From circular saws to specialized cutting tools, modern equipment is equipped with guards to protect you from the worst hazards. If a guard is missing, turn off the machine and replace it or report the situation to management immediately.
Follow your training and certification.
If you have not been signed off on a particular machine, don’t use it. Otherwise, you’re putting not only yourself at risk but also those around you.
Avoid loose clothing, hair, and jewelry.
Many machines can grab onto loose items, potentially dragging you into their moving parts.
Inspect each machine both before and after you use it.
Also, learn the machine’s typical operational noises and movements, which will help you identify any problems that develop during use. If you notice anything strange, shut the machine down immediately and report the issue to management.
Use the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) at all times.
From earmuffs to work gloves, each item is designed to help protect you if something goes wrong.
Stay with your machine at all times during operation.
Leaving it unattended opens up the possibility of someone else interfering with it. In addition, if the machine malfunctions, you need to be close by to turn it off right away.
Avoid distractions.
Stay focused on the task at hand rather than being drawn into conversations, phone calls, or anything else that could pull your focus. Also, be careful not to distract your coworkers when they are working with machinery.
Only use equipment in the manner and for the tasks for which it was designed.
Don’t try to alter a machine’s operation or to have it do something unusual.
Unless you are trained and certified in repairing a specific piece of equipment, don’t try to fix a broken machine yourself.
Turn it off and report it to management.
Working with machinery carries an element of risk. But following basic safety tips can help reduce machine operator safety risks, creating a safer workplace for everyone.
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