Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Stuart Nagle
Dear All.
I have just been tasked with getting an old machine shop (abrasive wheels, lathes, sheet metal tools - cutters and handling of sheet upto 25mm thickness + other OLD equipment) up to scratch.
The machines are circa 1950's to 1970's and the shop also does a lot of welding but there is no LEV system, only an overall ventilation system (High level) for the building itself.
Machines do not appear to have manuals available (lost or mislaid) and machine operative are trained by an 'old hand' with much experience on using the various machines but no formal training it appears.
I would welcome comments and advice from colleagues on;
1) safe operation of metal working machines and guarding (most have no guards or, for example, abrasive wheels have small thick glass fold down guards - e.g. the machines can be operated with no guard in place
2) welding and Local exhaust ventilation systems
3) Lifting tackle for sheet steel (both strops and 'sheet grabbers')
4) PPE for use in such enviroments (flame retardent overalls/respirtory protection etc and Hand and eye protection in relation to welding operations in particular
5) Fire precautions and fire prevention in such metal work shops
Any comments, advice or assistance with the above areas will be most appreciated.
regards...
Stuart Nagle
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Ken Taylor
I must leave it to those who major on machine shops to answer the specifics of your questions. My experience in this area has mainly been with schools and colleges - but I have been faced with similar situations on occasions. The useful literature for me these days would include HSG 129 (which in its revised edition has some check-lists, drawings and information on types of machines and a useful bibliography) and DfEE Building Bulletin 81, DEsign & Technology Accommodation in Secondary Schools (Section 5 refers to specific machines and says whether LEV, knee-operated switches, etc are needed).
The main issues for me have been: getting new switchgear installed, having guards made for old machines, adding braking and stop switches, noise levels, securing machines to the floor or bench and getting 'old hands' to adopt (and teach) safe practices. With regard to my current employer, we get CGU Engineering and others to examine and report upon plant and machinery including LEV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Stuart Nagle
Thanks for you input ken. Appreciated.
Anyone else ?
Stuart Nagle
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Jim Walker
Stuart,
I suppose I match Ken's description and "major in machine shops". Get HSG129 as Ken suggests, also look at engineering section in HSE catalogue there are quite a few guidance docs, some FOC, they appear to match many of your descriptions too. When you've had a look at basic requirements feel free to contact me for specific advice. From your descriptions most equipment sounds illegal (Puwer et al)and also might not be economical to upgrade. Other than for welding you might not require LEV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Stuart Nagle
Jim.
Many thanks for your response. After digesting the data I will come back to you if I get a headache !!
best regards...
Stuart Nagle
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Bob Thompson
speaking as an ex welder and currently employed as a safety advisor the nature of any LEV required for your particular situation would depend on the type of materials used and the process. you do not say wheather or not you use MMA .MIG or TIG
and if you weld specialist or austenetic steels. the best source of advice would be to contact the welders institute who have recently undertaken a survey and analysis of the effects of welding fumes and their control measures
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Stuart Nagle
Bob.
Thank for the advice on the institute of welding. I shall follow this up.
best regards...
Stuart Nagle
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.