If you’ve been working with machinery for some time, you’re probably pretty comfortable around it. You might even forget that all machines could possibly be dangerous. With any luck, your employer is doing everything reasonably possible to reduce the risk for injury, but ultimately machine operators are their own last line of defense. Here are some top safety tips for machine operators.
1. Don’t Cut Corners
You should have been trained on the proper use of each machine. If not, stop using it and request training. Once you are trained, avoid the temptation to skip steps or remove protective equipment. Saving a few seconds is simply not worth the risk.
2. Check Yourself
Before you start working with any machine, check your hair, clothes, and even jewelry. Loose items are a potential hazard, as the machine could grab hold of them and drag you into a moving part. Also make sure that you are using the right personal protective equipment (PPE), such as work gloves or steel-toed boots.
3. Check the Machine
Perform a visual inspection of each machine before turning it on and after you finish using it. Make sure all the relevant guards are in good repair and properly positioned. Look for bent or broken areas, worn out belts or cords, and other potential hazards. When the machine is running, keep an ear out for any unusual noises and look for any strange movements. If you’re not certified to repair the machine, don’t try. Shut it off immediately and report the issue to your manager.
4. Use Machinery Properly
One of the biggest safety tips for machine operators is to use each machine only for its designated tasks, and only in the way you were trained to use it. Attempting to change the way a machine operates or using it for a novel task could be highly dangerous. Always stay with the machine while it is operating. You never know when it might malfunction and need to be turned off, and you don’t want someone untrained to happen upon a running piece of machinery. Don’t allow anything else to pull your focus, such as a conversation or a phone call. If you must take care of another task, turn the machine off first.
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