Safety Practices During Machine Maintenance and Repair
When performing machine maintenance and repair, safety should be the primary concern. This is due to the potential for serious injury or death that is present in any situation that involves the use of powerful equipment. The safety measures a person needs to take depend on the type of machine being worked on and the activity that needs to be completed. In general, anyone who is working on or repairing a machine should be aware of the following safety practices.
The first step to take when performing any machine maintenance or repair work is to ensure the machine is turned off and unplugged. This will prevent a person from being injured by a live component. Additionally, even if the machine has been powered off, precaution should be taken to ensure metal parts are not still energized. To do this, the machine should be tested with an approved voltage tester.
In nearly all cases, protective clothing should be worn when performing machine maintenance and repair. This includes, at a minimum, gloves, goggles, and a face mask. If the machine contains sharp or dangerous components additional protective clothing may be required. As an example, a person repairing a lathe may need to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants to protect their arms and legs.
When performing machine maintenance or repair a person should be aware of their surroundings at all times. This means being aware of what other people are doing and also checking for any unexpected movements from the machine. Even if a machine has been powered down, small components may still be able to move or be animated. If at any point a person suspects the machine may be malfunctioning or unpredictable, the power should immediately be disconnected and a qualified technician should be called in for repair.
Additionally, a number of special cleaning agents may be required when performing machine maintenance and repair. It is vital that these agents are used with extreme caution and only in well-ventilated areas. This is because most of these cleaning agents contain strong toxins which can be extremely dangerous if they are inhaled. As such, a respirator should be worn when using these agents.
Finally, it is essential that any tools used during machine maintenance and repair are operated in a safe manner. This includes taking care to not get fingers or hands near the blades and other dangerous components of the machine. Also, any tools which require a power source, such as a drill, should be operated with caution. If a person is uncertain of how to use a particular tool they should not use it and seek advice from a qualified technician.
In conclusion, safety is of the utmost importance when performing machine maintenance and repair. Care should be taken to ensure the machine is powered off and unplugged before any repairs are attempted. Protective clothing should also be worn and care should be taken when using cleaning agents or tools. By following these simple guidelines, the risk of injury or death from an accident can be greatly reduced.
