As of the 1st of July, 2016 the Woodworking Machinery, Abrasive Blasting of Surfaces and Abrasive Wheels regulations will be revoked and replaced by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 36 of 2016), which will be cited with the SHWW (General Applications) 2007.
What does this mean for Employers?
Greater clarity! Regarding their duties for ensuring a safer working environment to their employees.
What objectives does the revised legislation set out for employers?
Woodworking Machines
Space around woodworking machines
- To allow for sufficiently clear and unobstructed working space while the machine is in use.
Training, guarding & maintenance
- Confirm employees can operate, use the guards/PPE, clean and isolate the machine.
Dust discharge
- Provide & maintain measures to protect persons inhaling wood dust
Circular, multiple rip sawing, straight line edging, band sawing, planing and vertical spindle moulding machines
- Have suitable operational, maintenance and safety measures in place (i.e. push stick)
Abrasive Wheels
Use of abrasive wheels
- Supply suitable equipment (abrasive wheels) for the work required.
Speed of revolutions
- Ensure >80mm wheels are not used, unless suitably marked (Max speed, expiry dates and restrictions of use).
Mounting of abrasive wheels
- That all wheels are properly mounted.
Authorisation and training
- Make sure employees do not use abrasive wheels unless authorised and trained.
Guarding and rests for work pieces and flanges
- That guards are provided and kept unless deemed impracticable for the nature of work.
Abrasive Blasting of Surfaces
Blasting apparatus, enclosures and ventilating plant
- Suitably installed, adapted if necessary and maintained
Prohibition on silica
- No free silica to be used as an abrasive into any blasting apparatus.
Protection of employees/other persons and under 18 year olds
- All measures taken to protect against dust inhalation
- No employees under 18 years of age used for operations but they can be trained or instructed.
Personnel protective equipment
- Protective helmets are supplied, maintained and stored appropriately
Blasting enclosures for cleaning of castings
- Monitor that blasting is only carried out within a purpose built enclosure.
Cleaning of blasting enclosures, blasting apparatus and ventilation plant
- That preventative measures for dust inhalation whilst cleaning the enclosure, apparatus and surrounding area are in place.
Declan Ryan is a Technical H&S Advisor working with Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd; who are Ireland’s leading provider of employment law and health & safety services. Established in Ireland since 1997, we have thousands of businesses who have already integrated Peninsula to work as part of their HR and Health & Safety departments. With offices in Dublin, Belfast, Sydney and Manchester, Peninsula employs 1000 people across Ireland, Australia and the UK.
