C6.5 Machinery Controls

Question 1

PUWER reg 18

Answer 1

ensure sfarp that control systems of equipment are safe
make allowance for failures, faults, constraints in planned circumstances of use

control system is safe if it does not create risk to H&S
any fault or failure doe not increase risk
it does not impede operation of any control

fail to safe
accessible stop & emergency stop controls

Question 2

PUWER Reg 14

Answer 2

controls for starting or making a significant change in operating conditions

equipment with one or more controls to start the equipment and change speed / pressure / operating conditions where this would result in change to H&S risks

Question 3

control positions

Answer 3

accessible
easily identifiable
clearly visible
cannot be inadvertently operated
shrouds or locking facilities on buttons / levers
foot operated if person’s hands occupied while machine is operating
emergency stops accessible from different positions

Question 4

PUWER Reg 15

Answer 4

Stop controls

readily accessible controls to bring equipment to a safe condition in a safe manner

bring equipment to a stop
accessible dangerous parts made stationary
switch off sources of energy
works in priority over a control that start or changes the operating condition

Question 5

PUWER Reg 16

Answer 5

emergency stops

work equipment provided with one or more readily accessible emergency stops

Question 6

emergency stop types

Answer 6

mushroom headed buttons
bars
levers
kick plates
pressure sensitive cables

Question 7

PUWER Reg 17

Answer 7

controls visible & identifiable

all controls visible & identifiable
no control positioned where person exposed to risk
when person at the control, they can see no-one is in a place where they are at risk

Question 8

ergonomics considerations

Answer 8

consider at design stage

controls suit a variety of worker sizes
controls suit a variety of work positions
reach
strength
hand span
position & posture of worker
standing / sitting
height & layout of controls
group controls having similar function
space between controls to prevent inadvertent operation
lighting levels
control direction of movement is logical, e.g. forward to go forward
force required to operate a control
clear and obvious stop / emergency stop controls
control size v clothing / footwear

Question 9

PUWER Reg 20

Answer 9

Stability

where necessary for safety machinery is stabilised by clamping or other means

prevent overturn / fall
bolted / fastened down

Question 10

PUWER Reg 21

Answer 10

Lighting

ensure suitable & sufficient lighting is provided where work equipment used taking into account the operation being carried out

Question 11

lighting requirements

Answer 11

lighting so that machinery movements, controls, displays can be seen
machinery integral lighting
no dazzle, harmful shadow
local lighting - no glare or disturbing shadows
lighting in regular maintenance areas
lighting of internal parts requiring inspection