Use of machines | Gdańsk University of Technology

Use of machines

A machine is any machinery and technical equipment, tools and installations used during work, as well as equipment for temporary work at height, in particular ladders and scaffolding.

Using a machine means performing any activities related to the machine, in particular starting or stopping it, using it, transporting, repairing, modernizing, modifying, maintaining and operating it, including cleaning.

The use of machines and other technical devices begins with their introduction to the workplace until scrapping. When using machines and other technical devices, remember the following basic rules of safe work:

• an employee with appropriate qualifications, a medical certificate confirming that there are no contraindications to work, a completed OHS training course, familiar with the occupational risk assessment and trained in safe operation may be allowed to work on machines and other technical devices,

• operation of machines and other technical devices should take place in accordance with the technical documentation and the health and safety instructions, developed on the basis of the technical documentation,

• when operating machines and other technical devices, use the assigned personal protective equipment and work/protective clothing,

• employees employed in the operation of machines and other technical devices with moving parts cannot work in clothing with loose and hanging parts,

• while operating machines and other technical devices, keep the workplace tidy, and in particular take care of the proper condition of the tools used,

• moving parts of machines and other technical devices should be covered,

• parts of machines and other technical devices should not have sharp ends and edges and surface irregularities,

• it is forbidden to allow third parties to work in one's position without the knowledge of the superior,

• it is forbidden to independently carry out repairs and maintenance of machines and other technical devices, these activities are performed by authorized and appropriately prepared persons,

• it is forbidden to remove protective covers of machines and other technical devices,

• it is forbidden to touch parts of machines and other technical devices in motion,

• it is forbidden to clean and lubricate machines and other technical devices before they are stopped,

• machines and other technical devices should be kept in a state of technical efficiency and cleanliness ensuring their use without any damage to the safety and health of employees,

• machines and other technical devices should be used only for the purposes for which they are intended,

• machines and other technical devices should be equipped with a control element, clearly marked, designed to stop them completely and safely,

• machines and other technical devices in motion must not be repaired and left unattended,

• machines and other technical devices, the damage of which was found during operation, should be immediately stopped and disconnected from the power supply, and their resumption of operation may take place after the damage has been removed,

• after finishing work, stop the operated machines and other technical devices, thoroughly clean the workplace and put the tools used in the place intended for this purpose,

• any noticed defects and damages should be immediately reported to the supervisor.

More information can be found in the Regulation of the Rector of Gdańsk University of Technology No. 43/2005 of 18 October 2005 on the inspection and adaptation of machines to the minimum requirements for occupational health and safety in the use of machines by employees at work, Regulation of the Rector of Gdańsk University of Technology No. 10/2018 of 7 March 2018 on occupational health and safety at Gdańsk University of Technology, Regulation of the Rector of Gdańsk University of Technology No. 34/2021 of 25 May 2021 on occupational health and safety when using machines.