Safety of workplace machinery, equipment and tools

You can minimise the residual risks caused by workplace equipment by implementing a number of measures:

• Purchase the right equipment and machinery for the job. Having the right tools for a task greatly reduces risks. See purchase the right equipment.
• Provide safety guards on parts of equipment which could cause injury. Use fixed guards where possible and consider which materials are most appropriate.
• Make sure that start and stop buttons, and emergency stop buttons can be found easily.
• Put appropriate warning signs on or near the equipment.
• Introduce - and stick to - special working procedures for dangerous equipment. 
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) if risks can't otherwise be minimised. See personal protective equipment.
• Provide employees with guidelines on how to minimise specific risks from heat-producing equipment such as ovens and welding equipment. For example, provide PPE such as masks, gloves and heat-resistant aprons and ensure that employees know how and when to use them.

Regular exposure to high vibrations can be dangerous. Download a health risks from hand-arm vibration guide (PDF, 154K).