Hi I've been asked the question - Do you need an emergency stop on a pillar drill to comply with legislation? the drill in question is old and only has on/off switch. Yes I agree all new drills will be fitted with an emergency stop as standard. I've read through PUWER and it states: Reg 16 175 - An emergency stop control should be provided where the other safeguards in place are not adequate to prevent risk when an irregular event occurs. However, an emergency stop control should not be considered as a substitute for safeguarding. Does this mean if moving parts are guided sufficiently and you can't come in contact with the chuck in normal operations this would be acceptable not to fit an emergency stop? 176 - Where it is appropriate to have one, based on the risk assessment, an emergency stop should be provided at every control point and at other appropriate locations around the equipment so that action can be taken quickly. If my risk assessment identifies an emergency stop is not required, will this comply? Any advice appreciated Neil

Thanks Pete, Emergency stop route is my way of thinking too, just wanting a bit of guidance for when my MD asks why he should fit one??? Neil

Hi Nelly You have misquoted Reg 16 and written up the acop The Reg states - note the word SHALL Every employer shall ensure that, where appropriate, work equipment is provided with one or more readily accessible emergency stop controls unless it is not necessary by reason of the nature of the hazards and the time taken for the work equipment to come to a complete stop One or more emergency stop controls must be provided, unless their operation would not reduce the risk. These will have priority over all other controls. Their operation will bring the equipment to a safe condition in the quickest possible time, without causing other hazards. The stop function shall operate as a category 0 or 1 stop. These stops will be provided at workstations and other appropriate positions as directed by the risk assessment (PUWER Risk assessment NOT task). Emergency stop devices include devices such as: Mushroom-headed buttons Bars Levers Kick-plates Pressure-sensitive cables. All such devices must be well marked and easily recognised. Where possible, they must lock in the off position and require a definite action to reset. Resetting the emergency stop should not allow an automatic restart. This must only be possible by an additional voluntary action. When they came out in 92/93 there was some time given to retrofit....5 years I think but my memory has faded as the deadline has long since gone.

Thank all for the info. Can anyone put their hands on a copy of the information that states all old drills must be retrofitted with an emergency stop by ????? (certain date). THANKS

Just fit one! ;) Make sure the mods are done correctly though. The ACoP points you to EN 60204-1, so you really should look to this for guidance, and make sure the e-stop is really an e-stop, not just a red button.