Hi Can anyone offer any further guidance with regards to the emergency stop function requirements for sewing machines, we have a sewing room with approx. 20 sewing machines ranging in age, makes and models. All are operated with user foot treadles and each machine has a start and stop button. In addition, we have separate isolation switches which are easily accessible next to the machines. The machines are used for teaching students. Do we need to install emergency stop buttons to the machines?, if they were fitted it would stop the machine and it wouldn't automatically return the need to the up position and it wouldn't add to lessen the risk. I've been researching and the information related to emergency stops seems to indicate they are not required for some hand guided tools. 'It is applicable to all machinery except for machines in which the provision of emergency stop would not lessen the risk, and hand-held portable machines and hand-guided machines. It does not deal with functions such as reversal or limitation of motion, deflection, shielding, braking or disconnecting, which can be part of the emergency stop function'.

Thank you Jane It is a foot switch, we have also slowed the machines down for the learners that operate them.

Hi Peter The needle guards are the standard typical sewing machine guards which go round the main need operation and there are no adaptions. I have identified additional guards are needed on some of the machines underneath the benches to encase drive belts etc..