Rank: New forum user 
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W'eve just bought a new machine for bending small pieces of tube into a 'U' and it has arrived but is operated by a double button start. This means the cycle time has been reduced as the operator cannot move during the bend cycle, and has to keep the buttons pressed. What we wanted was a foot pedal operation (same as the other 2 machines we have) so during cycle the operator can pick up the next piece of tube for bending. From the guarding aspect back and side of the machines is protected by a fixed guard, and at the front is a light guard, which stops 'dead' if the beam is broken.
The machine suppliers have taken a sharp intake of breath and said we cant have a foot pedal because of health and safety! Not sure if there is any specific legislation covering this, but can anyone point me in the direction if there is.
Thanks in advance
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Rank: Forum user
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yellowbard wrote:W'eve just bought a new machine for bending small pieces of tube into a 'U' and it has arrived but is operated by a double button start. This means the cycle time has been reduced as the operator cannot move during the bend cycle, and has to keep the buttons pressed. What we wanted was a foot pedal operation (same as the other 2 machines we have) so during cycle the operator can pick up the next piece of tube for bending. From the guarding aspect back and side of the machines is protected by a fixed guard, and at the front is a light guard, which stops 'dead' if the beam is broken.
The machine suppliers have taken a sharp intake of breath and said we cant have a foot pedal because of health and safety! Not sure if there is any specific legislation covering this, but can anyone point me in the direction if there is.
Thanks in advance
Check PUWER
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Rank: Super forum user
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ask the supplier to show you where H&S has stated that a foot control is not allowed
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Rank: Forum user 
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Morning Yellowbard
Sorry to ask the obvious but was the purchase order checked before the machine was purchased?
Was the supplier aware of your requirements?
I went to a Branch meeting last night. The speaker (Steve Alan) was from a company that are machine guard specialists. It may be worth contacting them for assistance. He was very informative.
http://www.machinerysafety.co.uk/
Good luck
Emsie :)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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There is no specific legislation for tube bending m/cs. As previously stated PUWER also known as the Work Equipment Regulations is the appropriote legislation.
The m/c that you have has been given the 2 buttons ("2 hand control") to ensure that the operator cannot get into a trap position.
If you are certain that your other 2 tube benders are guarded to the correct standard then make similar mods to the new m/c. But I would strongly advise that you use a specialist machine guarding company to assess and advise on all 3.
Steve
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