Plant and equipment should always be made safe before use and theres no better way of doing so but with maintenance and proper machine installations. Adelaide-based experts will show you how.
The Safe Isolation of Machinery
It is highly critical to ensure moving machinery or equipment has stopped before isolating electrical and other power supplies. Keep in mind that the majority of maintenance work should be done with the power off. If the work is near unguarded, overhead electrical conductors, like near an overhead traveling crane, be sure to cut the power off first. Locking off machines is also another effective method of safely isolating machinery. This should be done since the power could be accidentally switched back on. Plant and pipelines that contain pressured fluid, gas, steam or hazardous material should also be isolated. Its isolating valves should be locked off. On the other hand, there are other factors that you need to consider:
Release steam or any stored energy, such as compressed air or hydraulic pressure that could otherwise cause the machine to move or cycle. Support parts or moveable components that could fall. For instance, the blades of down stoking bale cutters should be supported and guillotines with blocks. Before any maintenance work is done to your machinery, Adelaide-based Rush Engineering suggests allowing components that operate at high temperatures time to cool. Mobile plant should be placed in neutral gear, applying the brake and chocking the wheels. Carefully clean out vessels containing flammable, liquids, solids, gases or dusts, and be sure to check them out before any hot work is done to prevent explosions. You may, however, need specialist help and advice to do this safely with your machinery Adelaide, to prevent any serious injuries, has implemented provisions that prohibit entering tanks and vessels where serious hazards are possible. This can be very high-risk work and if needed, get specialist help to make sure that adequate precautions are taken. Always clean and check vessels containing toxic materials before any work starts.
The Dos and Don'ts of Machine Maintenance Do:
- Guarantee maintenance is implemented by a competent or qualified person. This person should be someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to carry out the work effectively and safely.
- Maintain equipment at a regular manner. Make use of the manufacturers maintenance instructions as a reference, especially if there are safety-critical features.
- Have guidelines and practices that allow workers to report damaged or faulty equipment.
- Get hold of or provide the proper tools for the maintenance person.
- Schedule maintenance at equal intervals to minimize the risk to other workers and the maintenance person wherever possible.
- Be sure that maintenance is done in a safe and ordered manner. Moving parts should be isolated or locked and flammable, explosive or toxic materials should be dealt with properly. Machine design should permit routine adjustment and lubrication without removal of safeguards.
Dont:
- Disregard maintenance
- Downplay reports of damaged or unsafe machinery
- Operate faulty or damaged equipment
