General recommendations for selection of the safety measures required for risk reduction

Use of machines

   1.   

MIN

§3.1
item
1a)

OSH

§51.2

item

1

Machine:

1) was installed, located and is used in a way, which:

a) minimises the risks for safety and health of employees, in particular by ensuring sufficient space between moving parts and moving or fixed elements in its environment

Installation, dismantling and operation of machines, including their maintenance are carried out in accordance with the requirements of occupational safety and health and ergonomics, taking into account the instructions set out in the operations and maintenance manual. The location and method of installation and the use of machines shall take into account minimising the occupational risk, in particular by:

1) ensuring sufficient space between moving parts of the machines and moving or fixed elements in its environment;

·     appropriate selection of machine installation place in accordance with the operation and maintenance manual,

·     proper machine location and use in terms of ensuring sufficient space around it,

·     possible contact with machine moving parts

·     each workstation should be provided with safe and convenient access, and its free height along the entire length should not be less than 2 m (The height of access can be reduced to 1.8 m, provided it is properly protected and signed using safety signs compliant with the Polish Standard, if this is justified by design considerations of machines or other equipment).

·     passages between machines and other equipment or walls intended only for the operation of these devices should have a width of at least 0.75 m; if these passages are intended for two-way traffic, their width should be at least 1 meter

·     providing access, including access paths, to places where operation activities are carried, appropriate to the anthropometric dimensions of the operator, type of activity and the tools used to achieve an acceptable level of risk

   2.   

MIN

§3.1
item
1b)

OSH

§51.2

item

2

Machine:

1) was installed, located and is used in a way, which:

b) ensures safe delivery or disposal of used or produced energy or materials

Installation, dismantling and operation of machines, including their maintenance are carried out in accordance with the requirements of occupational safety and health and ergonomics, taking into account the instructions set out in the operations and maintenance manual. The location and method of installation and the use of machines shall take into account minimising the occupational risk, in particular by:

2) ensuring that all used or produced materials will be delivered to and disposed from the working station in a save way.

·     quality and proper installing of incoming and outgoing energy systems in terms of possibility of contact with hazardous energy medium,

·     providing safety features protecting power supply and discharge system against damage or wear

·     relocation of workstations considering sources of hazards

·     the use of guards, insulation, etc.

·     proper fastening of lines conveying media under pressure (e.g. using hangers, hooks, supports etc.).

·      use of enclosures, screens, guards in places of expected ejection of steam, water, liquid metals, plastics and other media under pressure.

   3.   

MIN

§3.1
item
2

Machine:

2) is installed or dismantled in safe conditions, in particular in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;

·     accuracy and compliance with the manufacturer’s requirements for installation and dismantling of the machine,

·     accuracy and compliance with the manufacturer’s requirements for maintenance of electric power,

·     appropriate employees’ qualifications and authorisation to carry out works as part of procedures of temporary machine installation and dismantling

   4.   

MIN

§3.2

A machine which can be exposed to lightning strike is protected from its consequences;

·     accuracy and compliance with the manufacturer’s requirements and regulations for a lightning protection system of the machine,

·     inspection of lightning protection system, identification of faults and worn elements

   5.   

MIN

§4.1

A self-propelled mobile machine is operated by the personnel who are propely trained in its save operation;

·     assurance of the validity of licenses and authorisations, and periodic health tests of the personnel designated to operate the self-propelled mobile machine.

·     establish and update the list of work particularly hazardous activities carried out in the workplace

·     ensure that access to places were particularly hazardous work is carried out is restricted only to authorised and properly trained personnel

·     provide personnel with up-to-date safety instructions for permanent use

   6.   

MIN

§4.2

When the machine moves across the area where work is performed, the employer determined the traffic rules and enforces their observance;

·     accuracy and compliance with the requirements of traffic rules, based on the requirements related to the plant operation, taking into account the general provisions on the movement of vehicles and self-propelled machinery (once, at the first inspection);

·     validity and compliance with the effective traffic rules,

·     proper operation of traffic signals and completeness, readability and visibility of traffic signs within the premises

   7.   

MIN

§4.3

The employer took organizational actions to prevent the employees from entering the area of work of self-propelled machines;

·     suitability of developed safety rules in the area of operation of self-propelled machines, based on the regulations, manufacturer's recommendations and requirements related to the use of the machine;

·      providing the employees with necessary safety measures to fulfil the abovementioned principles (barriers, signs, warning signs, lighting of the area, etc.) (once, at the first inspection);

·     effectiveness in reducing the risk of the implemented safety rules with regard to staying in the working area of self-propelled machines;

·     suitability for use of related safety measures;

·      observance of the effective rules by the employees and use of the available safety measures.

Machine’s control devices

   8.   

MIN

§9.2

OSH

§52.3

Control elements which have an impact on the safety of the employees are visible, identifiable and appropriately marked. This includes:

– marking of control elements (their purpose, function) in clearly legible letters in Polish or with understandable symbols;

– red control elements for emergency stop;

– no other red control elements exist (it is allowed to use red stop control elements for normal stop, provided that it does not create significant differences in the handling of emergency situations).

Control elements of machines that may affect safety are visible, identifiable and labelled in accordance with the requirements of the Polish Standards.

·     compliance with the requirements of the provision of safety-related control devices, based on the documentation;

·     correct function of control devices regarding an accuracy of their position change,

·      appropriate colours of control elements and their labelling in terms of visibility, durability, clarity, language and suitability

·     labelling with clearly legible letters in Polish

·     marking with intelligible symbols

·     appropriate location of labelling (above the elements, on the elements, under the elements)

·     start (enable) – green or white (grey or black is also acceptable)

·     stop (disable) – red or black (white or grey is also acceptable)

·     emergency stop – red on a yellow background, distinguished by shape (mushroom-shaped button).

   9.   

MIN

§9.2

Safety-related control elements are located outside the hazardous areas in such a way that their use does not pose any additional hazards.

·     compliant with the requirements, the location of safety-related control elements outside hazardous areas,

·     safety-related control elements are located outside hazardous areas, i.e. no closer to the hazardous areas than the safety considerations require and no further than it is required by inspection of processes to which they are designed.

·     preventing operator from contact with hazardous elements of machines and equipment:

- moving parts of the drive

- tools

- sharp edges and corners

- live parts

- hot surfaces

- aggressive chemicals

  10.  

MIN

§9.2

OSH

§52.4

Safety-related control elements do not pose hazards related to their accidental tripping. This includes:

- control elements for starting the operation do not protrude beyond the cover or are covered (unintended start-up of the machine is prevented).

Control elements do not pose any hazard, in particular caused by their unintended use.

·     compliant with the requirements of design and installation of safety-related control elements in a way that minimizes the risk of their accidental tripping,

·     operation of safety-related control elements – prevention from their accidental tripping,

·     location of safety-related control elements in places with the lowest possible likelihood of accidental tripping;

·     placing buttons in cabinet depressions or in flanges

·     placing buttons in cabinet depressions or in flanges

·     maintain a sufficient distance between control elements (to prevent unintentional start-up of a few of them)

·     enclosing the pedals

·     ensuring adequate minimum activation force (5 N)

·     use of a double-acting control lever (requiring performing two different movements to enable)

·     use of a confirming button (manual or foot control)

·     mechanical lockout position interlock (e.g. locks, key locks).

  11.  

MIN

§10.1

OSH

§54.2

The machine operator can check from the main control panel if there is anyone in the danger zone (if needed). If there is someone, the safety system automatically sends an audible or optical warning signal before starting the machine.

Multi-operator machine is equipped with audible or visual signalling devices, which automatically send signals alerting about start-up of the machine. These signals are received by all work stations at this machine.

·     if warning signalling is not used before the start-up of the machine (single-operator machine), it is possible to check from the main control panel if there are any people in the hazardous areas,

·     if warning signalling is used before the start-up of the machine (multi-operator machine), the warning signal system compliant with the requirements is provided before machine start-up, including the suitability of the equipment and its correct location,

·     appropriate condition and efficiency of the signalling system (respectively visual and audible),

·     visibility and audibility of the signalling in all workstations of the machine;

·     appropriate time for signalling activation before machine start-up, which is sufficient for the personnel to leave the hazardous area;

  12.  

MIN

§10.2

OSH

§54.1

An exposed employee has time or means to avoid hazards caused by starting or stopping of the machine

In the case of operating the machine by team, or if it poses hazard for the surrounding area, an easily perceived and understood warning and alarm signalling is provided

·     if engineering control measures are not used to prevent a hazard (concerns also single-operator machines), ensure a possibility of avoiding the hazard resulting from starting and stopping of the machine by immediately moving away from the hazardous area,

·     if engineering control measures are used to prevent a hazard (concerns also multi-operator machines), use safety measures in compliance with the requirements to avoid the hazard resulting from starting and stopping of the machine,

·     functionality of visibility, accessibility of available safety measures

Machine control system

  13.  

MIN

§12

The machine’s control system ensures safety and its selection takes into account possible damage, faults and limitations that could have been predicted for assumed conditions of the use of the machine.

·     accuracy of the design and construction of the control system

·     efficiency and suitability for the conditions in which the machine is operated

·     periodic maintenance and replacement of wear components of the control system

·     appropriately fail-safe (e.g. power failure or fluctuations, short circuit between conductors, contactor failure, relay or distributor failure, safety switch disconnection failure, broken spring, software malfunction).

  14.  

MIN

§12.1

Start-up of the machine is possible only by deliberate tripping of the control system made for this purpose.

·     start-up of the machine is possible only by tripping of the control elements made for this purpose

·     tripping of other machine control devices does not start the machine from standstill.

  15.  

MIN

§12.2 item 1

Restart of the machine after its stop, regardless the cause of the stop, is possible only by a deliberate tripping of control system made for this purpose (provided that it is not caused by a normal operating cycle of an automation device).

·     when the machine is stopped due to disturbed power supply (applies to all types of power supply and includes the loss and return of power supply, deviation from the nominal value exceeding limit values, and other, such as wrong phase sequence of power supply cables) or tripping of the safety-related equipment (tripping of protective devices, activation of sensors of physical parameters and other safety-related equipment) it is possible to start the machine by pressing control elements made for this purpose

·      tripping of other machine control devices does not start the machine from standstill.

·     preventing unintended start-up in the following circumstances:

- after rectification of a control system fault

- after power is supplied following a power failure

- following an emergency stop

- after start-up of protective equipment in hazardous conditions (interlocking, electro-sensitive protective equipment)

- after closing of interlocking movable guards in hazardous conditions

- immediately after connecting the machine to a power source (without activating a start-up signal via a control element).

  16.  

MIN

§12.2 item 2

The control, in the case of significant changes to the machine operation parameters, in particular the speed and pressure, provided that the operation parameters change does not pose any hazard, is possible only through a deliberate tripping of the control system made for this purpose (provided that it is not caused by a normal operating cycle of an automatic device).

·     If significant changes in machine operating parameters are caused by an automatic cycle, the scope of automatic changes does not exceed the limits of the machine and others, e.g. related to the technological process (based on the analysis of the automatic control program);

·     If significant changes in machine operating parameters are caused by manual control, the changes to the machine’s operation parameters result from tripping of the control elements made for these purposes, and such changes cannot be made automatically or introduced by tripping of control elements not made for these purposes.

  17.  

MIN

§13.1

OSH

§52.1

The machine is equipped with a control system designed to stop it completely and safely.

The machine is equipped with a control element designed to stop it completely and safely.

·     equipping the machine with a control system designed to stop it completely

·     functionality of the control system related to the complete and safe stop of the machine

·     control elements should be located so that the operator can see the stopped elements

·     activation of the machine stopping system should not cause any hazard, e.g. effects of rapid action of inertia forces, as well as the presence of other residual energy (loosening, tools and objects slipping in holders, breaking of tools, collision of materials and workpieces, loss of stability of workpieces, etc.).

  18.  

MIN

§13.2

Each work station is equipped with a control device intended to stop the whole machine or some parts of the machine, depending on the type of hazard, so that the machine remains safe.

·      each of work station of the machine should be equipped with a control element designed to stop the whole machine or its part, depending on the hazards concerned

·     ensuring functionality of the control elements designed to stop the machine available at each work station of the machine, relevant to the scope of operation of such elements.

  19.  

MIN

§13.3

The control system designed to stop the machine takes precedence over the control system designed for its start.

·     The stop function (STOP) should have a priority over the function start (START).

  20.  

MIN

§13.4

Power supply of relevant drives of the machine is disconnected in the case of stopping the machine or its hazardous parts.

·     application of the principle of disconnecting the power supply of appropriate drives of the machine in the case of stopping the machine or its hazardous parts

  21.  

MIN

§14.1

OSH

§52.2

The machine, because of the hazards it poses, depending on the time for its stopping, is equipped with an emergency stop device.

If it is necessary due to the hazards the machine poses and its nominal stopping time, it is equipped with an emergency stop device.

·     equipping the machine with a control system for emergency stopping

·     functionality of emergency stop using all control devices for emergency stopping in turn (locking the emergency stop device after operating it, the machine does not start automatically after unlocking the device).

·     The emergency stop device should efficiently shut down all of hazardous movements of the machine regardless of the type of machine operation.

·     Emergency stop controls should be:

·     - easily accessible

·     - located in all places and positions occupied by operators (i.e. the control panel, the place of feeding and receiving materials),

·     - located in places which are not visible from operator stations.

·     Ensuring appropriate emergency stop time (in the case where the design of the machine includes wear components affecting that time, such as the friction elements of the brakes).

  22.  

MIN

§14.2

The machine is equipped with protection measures against the emission or ejection of substances, materials or objects.

·     protection measures against the emission or ejection of substances, materials or objects fitted on the machine

·     ensuring protection by:

·     - relocation of work stations considering sources of hazards

·     - the use of guards, insulation etc.

·     - proper fastening of lines conveying media under pressure (e.g. using hangers, hooks, supports, etc.).

·     - use of enclosures, screens, panels in places of expected ejection of steam, water, liquid metals, plastics and other media under pressure.

  23.  

MIN

§14.3

The machine posing a risk of falling objects or their ejection is equipped with safety measures relevant to the existing hazard.

·     safety measures protecting from falling or ejected objects fitted on the machine

·     clamping of tools and workpieces in suitable holders, fixtures or tables with mounting holes

·     use of guides and rests for workpieces

·     fitting the machine with suitable devices preventing workpiece ejection

·     use of position stops protecting against crossing the extreme positions and falling of machine and equipment parts (from slides, guides, etc.)

·     use of position stops of handled materials and products (moved from conveyors, cranes, etc.).

·     provision of appropriate mechanical strength of guards, screens, enclosures of danger zones (allowing absorption of the energy of ejected objects and tools).

  24.  

MIN

§14.4

The machine posing a hazard resulting from the emission of gas, vapour, liquid or dust is equipped with suitable housing or exhaust ventilation equipment located near the source of the hazard.

·     suitable housing and/or ventilation devices located near the source of emission provided for the machine,

·     functionality and effectiveness of housings and exhaust ventilation equipment.

  25.  

MIN

§15.1

The machine and its parts, if it is required for ensuring safety and health of the employees, are fixed with suitable clamps or other similar devices in order to ensure their stability.

·     structural stability of the machine

·      fitting the machine with elements suitable for fixing it in the place of operation, and, in the case of mobile machines, with adjustable devices to ensure machine stability,

·     make sure that conditions are appropriate to maintain the stability of the machine (e.g. no additional loads affecting the stability, presence and correct condition of fasteners, etc.),

·     and in the case of mobile machines functional tests of stabilising equipment and confirmation of personnel qualifications for ensuring machine operational safety

  26.  

MIN

§15.2

Suitable protective measures are used in the case of a risk of separation or disintegration of a part of the machine causing hazards to the health and safety of employees.

·      use of appropriate protective measures in the case of risk of separation or disintegration of a part of the machine,

·     appropriate selection of guard designs in places of anticipated zones of separation or disintegration of parts of machines

·     selection of appropriate materials for their construction, characterised by

- appropriate mechanical properties,

- resistance to corrosion, abrasion resistance, etc.

- suitability for the existing conditions (pressure, speed, temperature, humidity, etc.),

·     Protective devices of machines

  27.  

MIN

15.3

OSH

§55.1

OSH

§55.2

OSH

§55.3

Guards or other protective equipment is used to prevent access to a hazardous zone or to stop the movement of dangerous parts in the case of a risk of direct contact with moving parts of machines which can cause accidents. This includes:

- no contact with moving parts of the transmission is possible;

- opening of a guard without any key or tool stops the movement of dangerous elements;

- guards are used or the access to moving parts of the machine is prevented in places where no access during normal operation is required.

- breach of the detection zone of the protective equipment stops the movement of dangerous elements;

- the two-handed control unit which starts the machine in fact requires simultaneous pressing of both buttons;

- the release of one of the two-handed control unit button stops the movement of dangerous elements;

- the release of one of the two-handed control unit button requires the release of the second button, in order to restart the machine.

Moving parts and other machine parts which, in the event of contact with them pose a threat, are at least 2.5 meters from the floor (platform) of the work station covered or equipped with other effective protective devices, except in cases where the fulfilment of these requirements is not possible due to the function of the machine.

Belts, chains, bands, gears and other drive elements and parts of the machine posing a risk of falling, located above work stations or passageways at a height of over 2.5 meters from the floor are covered at least from the bottom with permanent guards.

Guards used in the machine prevent direct access to the danger zone. Partial guards (made of mesh, perforated metal sheet, bars, etc.) are located in such a distance from the hazardous elements, that with their size and shape of holes it is not possible to touch these elements. Safety distances are in line with Polish Norms.

Verification

·     Confirmation of the use of guards and other protective devices preventing access to hazardous zones or stopping the movement of dangerous parts in the case of hazards caused by moving parts of machines, based on the documentation and inspection of related equipment (once, at the first inspection);

·     Visual inspection to verify the functionality and efficiency of guards and other protective devices preventing access to hazardous zones or stopping the movement of dangerous parts in the case of hazards caused by moving parts of machines.

·     Analysis of accidents and non-injury incidents related to the using and functioning of guards and other protective devices in order to confirm their suitability, their correct installation, function and determination of additional needs in this regard.

Examination

·     Measuring the machine overall system stopping performance (the time between the detection of violation of a hazardous area by protective equipment until the stop of the machine) in the case of protective equipment used in the implementation of a safety function (safety-related control function of automatic stopping).

  28.  

MIN

§15.4

OSH

§56.1

OSH

§56.2

OSH

§56.3

OSH

§56.4

OSH

§57

Guards and protective equipment of suitable properties are used. This includes:

1) guards and protective equipment have a strong (durable) construction;

2) guards and protective equipment do not pose any hazards;

3) guards and protective equipment cannot be easily removed or excluded from the application;

4) guards and protective equipment are situated at a sufficient distance from the hazardous area;

5) guards and protective equipment do not limit the field of vision of the operation cycle of the machine;

6) guards and protective equipment allow to perform actions aimed at fixing or replacing parts and maintenance, leaving only limited access to the area where the work is to be performed;

7) guards and protective equipment limit access only to the danger zone of the machine operation;

8) access to the hazardous area is possible only through the activation of a protective device (there is no possibility of circumvention).

Protective equipment used with the machines meets the following general requirements:

1) it provides safety to the employee working directly with the machine, as well as the people in its vicinity;

2) it operates reliably, has appropriate strength and durability;

3) it operates automatically, regardless of the will and attention of the operator, whenever it is appropriate and possible;

4) it is not easily removable or cannot be removed without tools;

5) it does not impede a process operation and does not restrict a possibility of tracing its course, and does not cause an additional physical or psychological load to personnel.

Protective equipment of the machine is designed in such a way that:

1) removal, opening or turning off of the protective equipment immediately stops the machine or its dangerous elements or it is impossible to remove or open the guard of covered elements;

2) refitting, closing or disabling the protective device does not automatically start the machine.

The use of the machine without the required protective equipment or with its improper application is prohibited.

Protective equipment meets the requirements of the Polish Standards.

The machine or tool and their protective equipment are maintained in a good condition and cleanliness ensuring their use without undermining safety and health of the employees and are used only for operations and under conditions for which they are intended

·     Confirmation of the required characteristics of guards and protective equipment items and their location and installation in all areas of risks (generally, next to moving parts of the machine, transmission drive elements, areas that do not require access and that contain various elements of the installation and equipment accompanying the machine), based on the documentation, taking into account the compliance with used protective equipment and its location with the standards harmonized with directive 2006/42/EC and other similar documents, and the inspection of the equipment associated with it (once, at first inspection);

·     Visual inspection of guards and protective equipment items and their location and installation in order to confirm the functionality and effectiveness of operation and maintenance of required performance;

·     Analysis of the possibilities of circumvention of guards and protective equipment, taking into account the analysis of reported cases of such events, in order to confirm the performance and accuracy of the location of guards and protective devices.

·     Guards should meet the following requirements:

·     use of materials suitable for the process conditions (resistance to temperature, corrosion, abrasion, suitable strength, impact resistance etc.).

·     no sharp edges and corners

·     reliable connection with the machine during its operation (protection against unexpected opening, falling away, repositioning, etc.)

·     location relative to a danger zone (movable parts) maintaining the safety distance specified in the Polish Standard

·     a possibility of convenient observation of the work process (selection of the appropriate shape and position, use of transparent materials or openings in the guard)

·     selection of the guard type depending on the frequency of access to the danger zone (fixed guard, movable interlocking guard, movable locking guard, movable automatic, controlling guard)

·     matching to the number and location of danger zones (local guard, full barrier guard).

Other safety measures

  29.  

MIN

§16.1

Workplace and work station or stations for maintenance of machines are adequately illuminated.

·     Appropriate installation, location and the required properties of local lighting,

·     Appropriate local lighting (considering good working order, functionality and appropriate location, compliant with regulations and standards and results of lighting measurements)

·     Appropriate illuminance at a work station near the machine (considering good working order, functionality and appropriate location compliant with regulations, standards and results of lighting measurements)

  30.  

MIN

§16.2

Protection is provided to very hot or very cold parts of the machine in order to avoid the risk of touching or approaching them.

·     Ensuring the compliant installation, location and properties of safety measures protecting from very high or very low temperature,

·     Fitted guards, covers or screens

·     Insulation materials applied (inside or outside the equipment).

  31.  

MIN

§16.3

The warning devices of the machine are unambiguous, easily identifiable and understandable. This includes:

– information elements (lamps, indicators, backlit buttons) are operational and visible.

·     Ensuring the installation, positioning, visibility and audibility, colours and labels compliant with the requirements,

·     Light and/or acoustic signals to indicate hazardous situations (machine start-up, change of parameters, failure) should be selected so that the generated signals are unambiguous and can be easily noticed and distinguishable from other signals

·     Use intermittent light signal (flashing) to indicate a higher risk or a more urgent need for action

·     Use a continuous signal to indicate a lower hazard

·     Use a sound signal with modulated frequency to indicate a higher risk or a more urgent need for action

·     Use a fixed frequency signal to indicate a lower hazard

·     Use a continuous warning signal to call for evacuation.

·     Light warning devices should be located in highly visible places and selected depending on the emitted signal colour, i.e.:

·     red – failure, malfunction (emergency)

·     yellow – warning (abnormal condition, imminent emergency)

·     green – safe condition (normal condition)

·     blue – a condition in which the operator action is necessary (indicating about the necessity for action by the operator).

  32.  

MIN

§16.4

The machine is used only for operations and under conditions for which it is intended.

·     Compliance of the machine restrictions with the processes and operating conditions, for which it was installed,

·     method and conditions of the use of the machine correspond to its restrictions

  33.  

MIN

§17.1

Maintenance is possible when machine downtime. If this is not possible, additional safety measures are applied or works are carried out outside the hazardous areas

·     maintenance works are carried out while the machine stopped, and when it is impossible to use additional safety measures or to carry out works outside the hazardous areas,

·     maintenance works are conducted in accordance with established procedures and if the procedures adopted ensure the safety of the works.

·     during maintenance works mechanical devices should be used to prevent unintended change of position of dangerous parts of the machine (e.g. by gravity, spring action), such as wedges, supports, struts, holders, etc.

  34.  

MIN

§17.2

Machine maintenance log is updated on a regular basis (if applicable)

·     establishment of the machine maintenance log and development of the schedule of required works

·     the scope and schedule of required works are carried out, and the works are carried out by competent and qualified persons

  35.  

MIN

§18.1 item 1

§53

The machine is equipped with: easily recognizable devices used for disconnection from power sources. Reconnection of the machine to power sources poses no threat to workers. This includes:

- the device for disconnecting the power source is easily available and has the ability to lock in a state of detachment;

- the device for disconnecting the power source has insulating properties.

The machines are equipped with easily distinguishable and appropriately labelled devices for disconnecting from all sources of power. Switching power poses no hazard for the personnel

·     the use of complaint machine equipment for disconnecting from power sources (applies to all types of power supplied to the machine, e.g. electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, cooling water, steam, gas or any other) with suitable properties, marked and visible, accessible, with a possibility of locking out;

·     introducing an obligation of the use of locking devices for disconnection from power sources to the procedures (instructions) of carrying out maintenance works, repairs, and emergency procedures

·     devices for disconnecting from energy sources are operational, labelled, visible and accessible

·     the use and effectiveness of procedures for locking them during maintenance and repair works

·     for electric machines with a power below 1 kW and current value of less than 16 A a plug-socket system may be used in this case

·     Machines and equipment should be fitted with devices for shutting off the flow of gas, liquid, process steam and other energy carriers including appropriate labelling

·     Positions of the power supply shutting of components should be labelled to identify the “on/off” status.

·     Devices for disconnection from power sources should be key lockable in the lock out position (e.g. a padlock).

  36.  

MIN

§18.1 item 1

OSH

§55.4

The machine is equipped with warning signs and labelling necessary to ensure personnel safety. This includes:

– housing with electrical equipment is labelled with a “lightning” symbol in a yellow triangle with black edges and lettering,

– locations of toxic substances are marked with a skull and crossbones in a yellow triangle with black edges.

The machines are marked with signs and safety colours in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex 1 to the regulation and the Polish Standards

·     the use of compliant machine warning signs and labelling necessary for ensuring personnel safety,

·     warnings and labels necessary for ensuring personnel safety are sufficient, undamaged, clear and visible in the current conditions of machine use

·     Safety signs (prohibition, warning, mandatory signs, escape and information signs) should be compliant with the templates specified in the Polish Standards.

·     Safety marking should be placed in locations of an identified hazard or in its immediate vicinity.

·     Places where there is a risk of collision with obstacles, falling or of objects falling down should be marked with safety colour codes – alternating yellow and black or red and white diagonal stripes (stripes at an angle of approx. 45° of similar dimensions).

  37.  

MIN

§18.2

Solutions ensuring safe access and presence of employees in production areas and machine setting, and maintenance areas are applied.

·      the use of compliant machine safety measures ensuring safe personnel access and presence in production areas and machine setting and maintenance areas,

·     machine equipment ensuring safe access and presence of employees in production areas, and machine setting and maintenance areas is undamaged, efficient and ensures safety in the current conditions of use of the machine

·     Access to work areas located at different levels should be safe. This can be ensured by the use of stairs, ladders and access walkways fitted with protective railing
with a height of 1.1 m.

·     Where work at height is carried out, if necessary, install anchor points for personal protective equipment providing protection against falls from height.

  38.  

MIN

§19.1

OSH

§34

The machine has been properly secured to protect employees against the risk of fire or overheating, or of discharges of gas, dust, liquid and other substances produced, used or stored in the machines.

Devices or parts thereof, which may produce harmful gases, vapours or dust should be sealed off. If air-tight sealing is not possible, the devices should be fitted with a local exhaust.

·     the use of compliant machine equipment with safety measures protecting against the risk of fire, overheating or release of gas, dust, liquid and other substances produced, used or stored in the machine (including by air-tight sealing),

·     the safety measures used in the machine protecting against the risk of fire or overheating, release of gas, dust, liquid and other substances produced, used or stored in the machine should be undamaged, operational and ensure safety in the current conditions of use of the machine.

·     Electrical cables, lines for transmission of gas, liquid and other media should be protected against mechanical damage, effects of fire and other factors (by running cables in floors, pipes, suspended, etc.).

  39.  

MIN

§19.2

Appropriate protection features have been provided for the machine to protect personnel against the risk of explosion of the machine or substances produced, used or stored in the machines.

·     the use of compliant machine safety measures protecting against the risk of explosion of the machine or substances produced, used or stored in the machine,

·     the safety measures used in the machine protecting against the risk explosion of the machine or substances produced, used or stored in the machine should be undamaged, operational and ensure safety in the current conditions of use of the machine.

·     Use systems and electrical equipment versions which are suitable for the existing hazards (e.g. explosion proof).

·     Workstations should be fitted with devices for inspecting and maintaining an appropriate level of operating parameters (temperature, pressure, voltage and current etc.).

·     Solutions should also be applied to prevent or limit a possibility of generation of dangerous electrostatic charges or means for their discharge (prevention of the accumulation of charges or their discharge).

  40.  

MIN

§19.3

Appropriate safety features are provided for the machine to properly protect personnel against risks arising from direct or indirect contact with electricity. This includes:

– access to live equipment is prevented,

– protective circuit system with a separate wire in the power cord is used;

– electric motors are equipped with overcurrent and thermal protection.

·     Ensuring the use machine protection measures compliant with the requirements (PN-EN 60204-1) against the risks arising from direct or indirect contact with electricity, such as appropriate design solutions of electrical equipment, housing with an appropriate IP rating, use of protective equipment, proper routing and securing of wiring and confirmation of compliance of equipment with the technical documentation, based on the technical documentation and inspection of the machine (once, at the first inspection);

·     the measures of protection against hazards resulting from direct or indirect contact with electrical energy applied in the machine should be operational, clean, and if direct access to live parts is prevented

·     ensuring the performance of periodic measurements of the electrical system

·     Checking the continuity of the protective connection;

·     Checking the loop impedance and the suitability of overcurrent device used;

·     Checking the insulation resistance;

·     Testing the dielectric strength;

·     Checking the protection against residual voltage;

·     Checking the parameters of devices for automatic turning off the power supply.

Requirements for mobile machinery

  41.  

MIN

§21.1

Drive shafts for power transmission between mobile machinery are protected from contamination or damage by fixing them in position.

·     appropriate mounting of drive shafts for the transmission of power between mobile machinery, if they protect against contamination or damage.

  42.  

MIN

§21.2

Mobile machine, with employees standing on it, is constructed in such a way that its actual operating conditions reduce the risk of rolling over by:

1) a protective structure that prevents tilting the machine to a greater degree than ¼ of a turn;

2) a protective structure giving sufficient protective space around transported personnel in the case of tilting the machine to a greater degree than ¼ of a turn;

3) use of a different solution that has the same effect

·     ensuring the compliant use of protective structures or structures providing sufficient space or other solutions, on the basis of documents and visual inspection of the machine (once, at the first inspection)

·     the use of protective structures or structures providing sufficient space or other solutions should be undamaged, complete, correctly installed and operational

  43.  

MIN

§21.3

Protective structures to prevent overturning are an integral part of the machine; they are not required when the machine is stable during operation or its structure prevents roll-over

·     confirmation of the compliant use of structures preventing machine roll-over on the basis of documentation and visual inspection of the machine (once, at the first inspection);

·     the structures preventing machine roll-over used in the machine should be its integral part, undamaged and complete

  44.  

MIN

§21.4

In the case where there is a risk of squeezing the employee riding on the moving machine against ground by elements of this machine, a safety device was installed.

·     the compliant use of a safety device which prevents crushing the employee against ground, based on the documentation and inspection (once, at the first inspection);

·     the safety device which prevents crushing the employee against ground which is used in the machine should be undamaged, complete, properly mounted and operational.

Environmental requirements for the use of machines

  45.  

OSH

§10.1

In all the places in the workplace where there are employees, the employer is obliged to provide electric lighting at night or when daylight is insufficient. Requirements for lighting are set out in the Polish Standards.

·     installation of lighting at all locations near the machine accessible to personnel,

·     local lighting – ensuring good working order, functionality and appropriate location

·     illuminance at all locations near the machine accessible by the employees selected as appropriate for visual work conditions

·     The ratio of the average illuminance in adjacent rooms used as circulation routes should not be greater than 5 to 1.

·     At the exit from rooms, in which due to process reasons work is done in the dark (e.g. dark chambers) conditions shall be provided for enabling vision adaptation.

  46.  

OSH

§10.2

Electrical circuits and equipment shall be designed and operated in such a way so as not to expose employees to electric shock, atmospheric discharges, harmful electromagnetic fields and to not constitute a risk of fire, explosion, and to not cause other harmful effects.

·     Compliant use in electrical systems accompanying the machine of protective measures against risks arising from direct or indirect contact with electricity, such as appropriate design solutions of electrical equipment, housing with an appropriate IP rating, use of protective equipment, proper installation and securing of wiring, and confirmation of compliance of equipment with the technical documentation,

·     protective measures against hazards resulting from direct or indirect contact with electrical energy applied in the machine should be undamaged, operational, clean

·     direct access to live parts is prevented

·     Provision of periodic inspections of electrical systems

·     Checking the continuity of the protective connection;

·     Checking the loop impedance and the suitability of overcurrent device used;

·     Checking the insulation resistance;

·     Testing the dielectric strength;

·     Checking the protection against residual voltage;

·     Checking the parameters of devices for automatic turning off the power supply.

  47.  

OSH

§15.1

OSH

§30

OSH

§31

OSH

§36.1

OSH

§36.2

Work rooms and their equipment should guarantee safe and healthy working conditions to employees. In particular, work rooms must provide natural and artificial lighting, proper temperature, air exchange and protection against moisture, adverse thermal conditions and sunlight, vibration and other agents harmful to health and nuisances

The temperature in work rooms must correspond to the type of work performed (methods, required physical effort), but never be less than 14°C (287 K), unless process considerations require otherwise. In work rooms where non-strenuous physical labour is performed, and in office rooms, the temperature may not be lower than 18°C (291 K).

The rooms and work stations should be protected against uncontrolled emission of heat by radiation, conduction and convection, and the inflow of cold air from the outside.

The maximum temperature of air flowing in should not exceed 70°C (343 K) with ventilation at a height of not less than 3.5 m from the level of the floor in the work stations and 45°C (318 K) — in all other cases.

In work areas where there are flammable or explosive dusts, gases or vapours, the maximum air flow temperature should be compliant with fire protection regulations.

·     compliant use of equipment to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions at work stations near the machine (e.g. providing natural daylight, air conditioners, roof sunscreens, measures to protect against vibration etc.),

·     the applied systems and equipment should be in working order and do not cause other hazards

·     adapting dimensions of rooms to the working conditions and the types of works performed

·     provision of the required temperature in work rooms

·     Ensuring environmental factors affecting safe and healthy working conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, temperature changes, vibration, radiation etc.).

  48.  

OSH

§21.1

OSH

§21.2

OSH

§21.3

OSH

§21.4

Rooms and work stations located at different levels should be equipped with fixed stairs or ramps.

Surfaces of stairs, platforms and ramps should not be slippery in dusty places — they should be castellated.

Fixed ladders or clamps can be used as additional ways in addition to the stairs; instead of stairs they could be used only in exceptional cases on grounds of utility or when it is technically impossible to provide other means.

Requirements to be met by stairs and ramps shall be determined by technical and construction regulations.

·     the compliant use of equipment providing access to work stations located on different levels (e.g. stairs, ramps, fixed ladders), based on the documentation and inspection of the equipment (once, at the first inspection);

·     the applied equipment for access to work stations located on different levels is efficiently and securely fastened and does not cause other hazards.

  49.  

OSH

§25

OSH

§26.1

OSH

§26.2

The permanent work rooms should be provided with daylight, unless this is impossible or inadvisable due to the technology of production, and the employer obtained the permit to use only electric lighting from the competent state regional sanitary inspector issued in consultation with the district labour inspector

Daylight at individual work stations should be adapted to the kind of work and the accuracy required and shall meet the requirements set in the Polish Standard.

Regardless of daylight in the work rooms, electric lighting must be provided with parameters in line with the Polish Standards.

·     Confirmation of compliant daylight and electric lighting, which are available

·     daylight should not obscured by any object or objects or suppressed by dirty windows and it should be possible to turn on the electric lighting.

  50.  

OSH

§39.1

The employer is obliged to assess and document occupational risk occurring for specific tasks, and apply the necessary preventive measures to reduce the risk.

·     conducting and documenting the occupational risk assessment at work stations at the machine and the use of risk mitigation measures in every possible way,

·     the completed risk assessment is appropriate and sufficient in terms of the current safety of the machine.

  51.  

OSH

§39.1

item 2

If, due to the type of work process, the elimination of hazards is not possible, appropriate organizational and technical solutions, including appropriate means of collective protection should be used in order to limit the impact of these risks on the occupational health and safety.

·     the use of organisational safety measures in relation to the works carried out at the machine (e.g. determining skills and authorisations to carry out the work or operation of the machine and related equipment, establishing the supervision principles and exercising control),

·     the introduced organisational safety measures should be appropriate and sufficient for the current state of safety at the machine.

  52.  

OSH

§39.1

item

3

OSH

§39.1

item

4

In a situation where the reduction of hazards as a result of organizational and technical solutions is not sufficient, the employer shall provide employees with personal protective equipment.

The employer should provide employees with information about the risks against which they are protected by their personal protection equipment, and the information about this equipment and the principles of its use.

·     the introduction for use and provision of appropriate personal protective equipment to employees, and confirmation of providing the employees with the information about hazards against which the protective equipment is used,

·     the provided personal protective equipment should be suitable for the existing hazards and associated risks, whether they are correctly used by personnel, and whether personnel are aware of the risks against which it provides protection

  53.  

OSH

§40.1

OSH

§40.2

The employer is obliged to provide workers with up-to-date occupational safety and health instructions (for permanent use), concerning:

1) technological processes used in the facility and work performed in relation to risk of accidents or health hazards for employees;

2) operation of machines and other technical equipment;

3) dealing with materials harmful to health;

4) the first aid.

The instructions referred to in paragraph 1 should be readily understandable for employees, indicate the steps that must be completed before the start of the operation, steps after its completion and the rules of conduct in emergency situations posing a threat to life or health of employees. Instructions for works related to the use of hazardous chemical substances and chemical preparations should take into account the information contained in safety data sheets of these substances and preparations.

·     the development and provision to the employees (for permanent use) of work station instructions containing required information, including information about plant processes and the associated risks, the principles of operation of machines and equipment, handling of materials harmful to health, first aid, actions to be executed before and after work, dealing with emergency and hazardous situations

·     employees should be provided with work relevant instructions, be aware of their scope and contents, understand their content and,

·      the contents of each work station instruction provided should be appropriate and sufficient with regard to the current safety at the machine, safety requirements and requirements that concern.