Two workers have suffered fractures and lacerations to their wrists and arms while using emery tape on metal working lathes.
In both incidents, the workers were drawn into the revolving work piece, causing them to become entangled.
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- Both workers were wearing gloves
- Inappropriate length of emery tape, enhancing risk of entanglement
- Both workers were using the tape in a forward and backward motion
- Using a forward and backward motion can cause a brake band effect, where the emery tape becomes slack and wraps back on the work piece, drawing the operator in
- Both operators were competent tradesman, and it is apparent that entanglement incidents of these types can occur regardless of the level of experience
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- Ensure that risk assessments are carried out to identify, assess and control all hazards to which operators are likely to be exposed.
- Consider alternative methods for a sizing operation, this can be successfully performed in a dedicated polishing , linishing or grinding machine.
- Where emery cloth is needed, consider using a backing board or mounting the cloth on a purpose-designed tool to minimise entanglement.
- As a general principle, wearing gloves when operating rotating machinery should not be allowed.
This Alert contains safety information following inquiries made by WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up to date and does not accept any liability to any person for the information in this report or as to its use.
