Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment is widely used in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Some examples of commonly used machinery and equipment include:

  • slicers
  • band saws
  • mincers
  • patty forming machines
  • meat tenderisers
  • general mixers
  • slicing, grating and chipping mixers
  • dough machines
  • wrapping and packing machines
  • floor polisher
  • pressure washers
  • steam cleaners or hoses
  • vacuum cleaners
  • washing machines and dryers
  • tile scrubbers.

Reducing the risk

Injury can occur when workers come into contact with the moving part or become trapped between moving parts while using or cleaning machinery and equipment.

Frequent, long-term use or use other than that intended by the manufacturer can cause cuts, lacerations, burns, electric shock, eye damage and amputations.

The risk of injury can be reduced by following these guidelines:

  • follow the manufacturers' instructions for safe use and cleaning
  • all guards must be in place before equipment is used
  • retrofit older equipment with guards whenever possible
  • consider re-designing machines so they can't be operated without guards in place
  • ensure interlock guards are fitted to the front edge of all compactor units
  • ensure under-counter compactors have a safety switch that prevents operation until a bin or trolley is in place
  • ensure emergency off buttons are easily accessible and in working order
  • ensure pressure vessels, such as coffee machines, are fitted with a low level cut-off device
  • ensure equipment is fitted with safety valves, water level and pressure gauges where required
  • ensure equipment is securely fixed to the bench
  • provide appropriate personal protective equipment, safety instructions and signs for equipment
  • develop safe systems of work; (for example a no jewellery policy)
  • develop and enforce a system for reporting, removing from use, fixing or replacing defective equipment and the removal of "DANGER" and "OUT OF SERVICE" tags
  • develop a system for regular inspection and servicing
  • workers must be trained in the safe use of machinery, including what equipment is used for specific tasks, the functions of controls and guards and what to do if someone gets caught in a machine
  • provide appropriate and accessible first aid equipment and trained first aid officers.

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