Mechanical  Hazards  –  Part  1  Peter  Coulahan  

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Mechanical Hazards – Part 1

Peter Coulahan University College Dublin Safety Officer

Module OSH10010!

Part 1 Mechanical Hazards

Part 2 Mechanical Hazards: Practical risk reduction measures

Mechanical Hazards

Learning Outcomes   Describe the different types of hazards and

risks associated with machines

  Explain, and provide the rationale for, the methods used to reduce the risk of injury in the use of machines

  Be able to identify common hazards associated with machines

  Assess whether suitable safety devices are fitted and are operating safely

Part 1 1.  Definitions

2.  Recognising mechanical hazards

3.  Non mechanical hazards

Definitions For the purpose of this presentation a machine or a mechanical device is considered to be a device that performs one or more functions, e.g. cuts wood; moulds plastics; carries product on a conveyor, etc. When used in the workplace such machines become work equipment.

Definitions When we consider mechanical hazards

we are concerned with the hazards posed by

the moving parts of a machine / work equipment.

For the purpose of this presentation mechanical

hazards are defined as those hazards that are

associated with the moving parts of a machine.

Mechanical  Hazards  –  Part  1  Peter  Coulahan  

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Recognising Mechanical Hazards If a machine looks dangerous then it probably is………..

Recognising Mechanical Hazards   Can I come into contact with a moving part?

  Can I become entangled in a moving part?

  Can I become trapped between moving parts?

  Can I be struck by a part or product of the machine?

Recognising Mechanical Hazards In Running Nips

These are usually associated with belt drives, chain drives, rolling drums and conveyor systems.

Recognising Mechanical Hazards In Running Nips

Recognising Mechanical Hazards Entanglement Hazards

  These occur when there is a risk that clothing

or a body part could become entangled in a

moving part.

  The risks increase as the speed of the moving

part increases and also as its surface

roughness increases.

Recognising Mechanical Hazards Entanglement Hazards

Mechanical  Hazards  –  Part  1  Peter  Coulahan  

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Recognising Mechanical Hazards Entanglement Hazards Power Take Off (PTO)

Recognising Mechanical Hazards Shearing Traps

These types of hazards

are found where a trap

point exists between a

moving part and a

stationary part of a

machine.

Recognising Mechanical Hazards Crushing And Impact Hazards

These types of hazards

exist where there is a

potential for a person to

be struck or crushed by

a machine.

Recognising Mechanical Hazards Cutting / Contact Hazards

These types of hazards

exist where body parts

can come into contact

with sharp or rough

moving parts.

Recognising Mechanical Hazards Cutting / Contact Hazards

Mechanical Hazard Injury

A worker using this machine became entangled in the protruding bolts and was dragged into and then thrown over the machine resulting in his left forearm being ripped off at the elbow.

Mechanical  Hazards  –  Part  1  Peter  Coulahan  

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Mechanical Hazard Fatality

A worker died when he became entangled between the cylinder and the feed on this machine. ‘X’ marks the spot where he was standing when he was pulled into the machine.

Non Mechanical Hazards

Non  Mechanical  Hazard!

Source! Consequences!

Hot  and  cold  parts! Engines,  freezers,  boiler  plant,  furnaces!

Burns,  frost  bite,  heat  stress,  heat  stroke!

Electrical  parts  !

Generators,  electrical  motors,  all  electrically  operated  plant!

Shocks,  burns,  electrocuFon!

RadiaFon! Plant  that  produces  electromagneFc  waves,  welding  arc  flashes,  laser  beams!

Burns,  cancer,  damaged  eye-­‐sight,  blindness!

Non Mechanical Hazards

Non  Mechanical  Hazard!

Source! Consequences!

Toxic  exhaust,  toxic  content  leakage  and  dangerous  material  spills!

Plant  that  exhausts  toxic  fumes  as  a  by-­‐product,  plant  that  uFlises  toxic  materials!

Toxic  effect  injuries  such  as  burns,  dermaFFs,  respiratory  illnesses,  cancer!

Pressurised  gases    or  liquids!

Hydraulic  lines! PenetraFon  of  skin  by  hazardous  liquids  or  gases,  generaFon  of  air  bubbles  in  bloodstream!

VibraFon  and  noise! VibraFng  type  machines,  heavy  engineering  plant!

VibraFon  white  finger,  hearing  loss!

Consider this scene……

Part 1 Mechanical Hazards

Part 2 Mechanical Hazards: Practical risk reduction measures

Mechanical Hazards