BSI updates machinery safety
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• The new British Standard Code of Practice for Safety of Machinery is the most comprehensive guide to be found anywhere in the world, says the BSI.
The first code of practice (CP3004) in this field appeared 28 years ago, paving the way to the immensely successful BS5304 published 13 years ago. The new code accommodates the many changes in technology since 1975.
The major revision now published is B55304 Code of Practice for SafeOr of Machinery, a hardback expanded from 75 to 158 pages with 127 illustrations.
The code was welcomed by Jim Hammer, deputy directorgeneral of the Health and Safety Executive, at a seminar at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London, as a real step forward.
The new edition, says Hammer, stresses the importance of in-built safety at the design stage.
It will also be of economic benefit to the country, he says, since it will minimise national standards which act as a barrier to trade.
Workshop learns that whereas the earlier standard identified hazards in relation to machine motion, the revision concentrates on the injury mechanism — cutting, shearing, stabbing, friction and abrasion, impact, crushing and so on.
The sections devoted to guards and safety devices take account of today's improved equipment. The section on interlocking has been expanded to cover each of the common power sources — electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic.
Anyone with responsibility for safe working practices — operators and repairers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers — will find this standard indispensable in meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety Act, says the BSI.
BSI will supply copies at the reduced price of £46 (218.40 to subscribing members) until the end of this year, when the normal rates of 262-60 and £25-04 will apply; from BSI, 2 Park Street, London W1A 3BS (tel: 01-629 9000).