But you can’t come in. Some sections of web handling equipment are inherently hazardous. This includes in-running nips, entanglement hazards, knives, and high-voltage static-control strips. In the past five years, I have seen increased compliance in guarding the equipment to current applicable safety standards. Where a risk assessment determines a severe injury could result, there is frequent exposure to the hazards and little possibility of avoiding the hazard, we must implement a high safety category.
That involves a combination of fixed guards and safeties. The safeties may include interlocked gates, light curtains, scanners or other devices.
These devices are there for a reason and should not be defeated. That makes our job of commissioning and servicing equipment more complicated, but safer.
Our shareholders and corporate management have publicly stated that safety is the first priority. Let’s take them at their word and work safely. We don’t need to take shortcuts for the shareholders. No more defeating safety devices to get close to the machine.
Where we need to work live for troubleshooting, we need a safe work plan signed off by management.
Work safely!