What is my responsibility with regard to guards on machinery and equipment such as portable power tools?
Various Acts and Standards require that all dangerous machinery is to be properly guarded. People get hurt because there is no guard or the guard has been removed, disabled or modified in some way. When using machines staff must ensure that; • no one has defeated the guard • all materials to be used are clear of the working parts of the machine • guards are regularly checked and maintained in good working order • they have been trained to use the machine. Source: Occupational Health, Safety, & Injury Management. A Guide for the Principal or Manager. Department of Education and Training, 2000. Chapter 5.5, pages 4-6. Chapter 8.10, page 13. Chapter 5 of the OHS regulation – guarding clause 90 Australian standard AS4024.1 – 1996 Safe Guarding of Machinery Part 1: General principles.
