Mitigate Risks from the 3 Top Manufacturing Industry Hazards – Machine Guarding, Lockout/Tagout, Combustible Dust

Different manufacturing businesses may differ widely in their operational practices and can cater to a myriad range of industries producing a vast assortment of goods. There is however an equating factor between each of these manufacturing processes – the common hazards and associated risks. Although several health & safety regulations provide a framework to help organizations mitigate risks, there continue to exist incidents resulting from these risks.

In this article, we will look at the top 3 hazards that affect manufacturing companies – Machine Guarding, Lockout/Tagout, and Combustible Dust with links to a comprehensive checklist for each of these hazards. These checklists will help you assess your safety readiness and be proactive in preventing incidents.

MACHINE GUARDING

Appropriate machine guarding is a must to protect employees from sparks and rotating parts. At times when employees lose concentration while operating the machinery, these machine guards act as the last line of defense. Use this checklist to determine the effectiveness of your machine guard:

Machine Guards and Machine Guarding Processes Assessment Checklist

LOCKOUT / TAGOUT

In a manufacturing setup, there are several interfaces that may be a source of electrical and mechanical energy. A carefully implemented lockout/tagout procedure will ensure that the workers are protected from the unanticipated release of energy or initiation of a machine. You can use the below checklist to ensure that your lockout/tagout procedures are being followed appropriately.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures Assessment Checklist

COMBUSTIBLE DUST

One of the most serious risks caused by dust in manufacturing environments is that of combustible dust. Combustible dust is a by-product created from manufacturing processes that involve combustible raw materials. Combustible dust is any fine material that can catch fire and explode when mixed with air.  The below checklist will aid you in following stringent processes that will prevent the occurrence of hazards from combustible dust.

Prevent Hazards from Combustible Dust Checklist

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