Principles, Standards and Implementation

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Regulations

Essential Health & Safety Requirements

The Directive gives a list of Essential Health & Safety Requirements (referred to as EHSRs) to which machinery must comply where relevant (Figure 2). The purpose of this list is to ensure the machinery is safe and is designed and constructed so that it can be used, adjusted and maintained throughout all phases of its life without putting persons at risk.

Figure 2: Machine Must Meet EHSRs

The Directive also provides a hierarchy of measures for eliminating the risk:

(1) Inherently Safe Design—Where possible, the design itself will prevent any hazards.

Where this is not possible; (2) Additional Protection Devices, e.g., Guards with interlocked access points, non-material barriers such as light curtains, sensing mats etc., should be used.

Any residual risk which cannot be dealt with by the above methods must be contained by; (3) Personal Protective Equipment and/or Training. The machine supplier must specify which is appropriate.

Suitable materials should be used for construction and operation. Adequate lighting and handling facilities should be provided. Controls and control systems must be safe and reliable. Machines must not be capable of starting up unexpectedly and should have one or more emergency stop devices fitted. Consideration must be given to complex installations where processes upstream or downstream can effect the safety of a machine. Failure of a power supply or control circuit must not lead to a dangerous situation. Machines must be stable and capable of withstanding foreseeable stresses. They must have no exposed edges or surfaces likely to cause injury.

Guards or protection devices must be used to protect risks such as moving parts. These must be of robust construction and difficult to bypass. Fixed guards must be mounted by methods that can only be removed with tools. Movable guards should be interlocked. Adjustable guards should be readily adjustable without the use of tools.

Electrical and other energy supply hazards must be prevented. There must be minimal risk of injury from temperature, explosion, noise, vibration, dust, gases or radiation. There must be proper provisions for maintenance and servicing. Sufficient indication and warning devices must be provided. Machinery shall be provided with instructions for safe installation, use, adjustment etc.