18 19

Identify the limits of the machinery

That is, just what is being assessed? What are the speeds/loads/substances etc that
might be involved? For example how many bottles is the extruder blow moulding per hour,
and how much material is being processed at what temperature? Remember to include
foreseeable misuse, such as the possible use of a machine outside its specication. What
is the expected life of the machinery and its application? How is it likely to be disposed of
at the end of its life?
Identify the hazards
What aspects of the machine might cause harm to a person? Consider the possibility of
entanglement, crushing, cutting from tools, sharp edges on the machine or on the material
being processed. Other factors such as the stability of the machine, noise, vibration, and
emission of substances or radiation also need to be considered, as well as burns from hot
surfaces, chemicals, or friction due to high speeds. This stage should include all hazards
that can be present during the lifecycle of the machinery, including the construction,
installation, and disposal.
Examples of typical hazards are illustrated below, though this is not an exhaustive list. A
more detailed list can be found in BS EN ISO 14121-1.
Who might be harmed by the identified hazards, and when?
Who interacts with the machine, when, and why? Again remember foreseeable misuse
including the possibility of use of a machine by untrained persons, and persons who might
be present in the workplace; not just machine operators, but cleaners, security staff,
visitors, and members of the public.
Puncturing, stabbing,
shearing, severing, cutting
Catching, entanglement,
drawing in, trapping
Impact Crushing
Electrocution Discharge of dangerous
substances
Burns
Examples of
typical hazards are
illustrated here,
though this is not
an exhaustive list.
A more detailed list
can be found in
BS EN ISO 14121-1.