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For those with experience in rotary table stretch-wrapping machines
Rank: Forum user 
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Hi all,
After some advice please ...
Unfortunatley I am unable to get a copy of BSEN 415 part 6 at the moment to understand specifically what is required however this is what is detailed on the HSE's website?
Safety principles established by this Standard
Rotary table stretch-wrapping machines
Clause 5.3.2.1.1 establishes the principle that risk from the rotating pallet load is acceptably low provided that the:
- load does not overhang the rotary table
- distance between the rotary table and fixed points like the film reel assembly, pillars or walls is 500mm or more
- tangential speed of the rotating load does not exceed 500 mm/s.
Machines that cannot comply with these requirements must be enclosed within fixed and interlocking guards.
However the HSE's warehousing and storage: A guide to H&S states differently and further requirements have been added although it is a lot older than BS EN 415.
Appreciate views from anyone who has had experience with such pallet wrappers before and how you have gone about guarding if any.
Thank you in advance,
Georgia
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The answer is, it depends! ;) Is the equipment CE marked? Do you have the DoC, and does this state compliance with EN 415-6:2013? Without seeing the machine or at least pictures of it and some dimensions of the parts and the distances and details of the function it would be difficult to comment on whether it required guarding or not. The easist thing to do to ensure it is safe is put it in a sealed box and disconnect the electrical supply... Mind, then you can't use it either. I have done a few of these, two this week, but they were automatic stretch wrapping machines. However, yes, the product must not overhang the table at any time. The distance between the rotating parts (including product) and any fixed stationary object, wall, column etc. must be > the distance specified in EN 349. There are a few other requirements also.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the response Paul. I appreciate it.
The pallet wrapper is the one here: https://focuspackaging.c...ppers/?single_prod_id=85
It is CE marked I am awaiting the DOC however I have the following specs so far:
- machine doesn’t work when carriage door is open
- full arrester locks carriage to tower in the event of failure of lifting mechanism
- foot protector stop
-12 RPM max
- control panel has emergency stop and isolation switch
- distance between tower and rotary table is 500mm
- cable sheaving has outer protector, inner protector, separator and inner wires protected individually
From comparison with HSE guidance this covers it all. In terms of individual hazards which require guarding.
The only other difference is HSE state that rotary table should be 1690mm so standard pallets do not overhand however all of the ones I have looked at including this one have a 1650mm rotary table. Hence why I’m trying to understand BS 415: part 6.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I did look at 415-6 last night. There is a little more to this than meets they eye, especially when you consider PUWER reg 10. Will your pallets of product overhang the table? Have you had the product yet? If so why are you waiting for the DoC, the law is clear the DoC MUST be supplied WITH the equipment. Is there enough clearance between your stacks of product and the column to prevent injury? The DoC must give you an idea if they have gone down the presumption of conformity route by following harmonised standards, because they must be listed on the DoC. An emergency stop is NOT primary safeguarding, it is primarily there these days to protect the equipment, if you are relying on e-stops to protect the person, then it is already too late. Not sure what more I can say. Where are you in the UK?
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Paul.
We do have the DOC just waiting for one of the guys to send it across so I can understand what it complies with I spoke to the manufacturer and he stated that it does comply with BS 415-6.
He also mentioned that the other concerns are dust getting underneath the rotary table and building up which could damage rollers underneath and someone standing between column and rotary table or on the rotary table . They do sell guarding as optional extras but said that it wouldn’t be required in our case due to the individual guards being in place and also the machine doesn’t move that fast (12 RPM max). He said most companies opt for placing hazard tape on the floor in a box like fashion denoting that when the wrap has been placed on the product and the machine is on individuals should stand outside the box.
Unlikely that pallets will overhang table as we are using standard 1200 x 1000 pallets and no bigger. There is a 500mm gap between column and table which as I understand from HSE website is a requirement of BS 415-6.
In terms of where I am - I’m all over the place but this ones in slough.
I will be going up next week to carry out a risk assessment with the guys and I will try and get myself a copy of standards listed belo before hand. It’s a shame there isn’t much out there in terms of guarding of stretch wrapping machines I though there would be more info but unfortunately not.
I would still be interested to hear from anyone who has one of the machines listed as per the below and whether they have guarded them or not.
Like you said Paul more easier to keep it in the box ;)
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