Metal manufacturing

Hazards and Solutions

1. Hazard 1 Lifting and bending

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg mechanical systems such as vacuum lifters, magnetic lifters, height-adjustable stillage and pallet lifters) to lift heavy weights, automatic in-feed, appropriate equipment (eg forklifts, load shifting equipment to move pallets) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Train employees in the selection and use of any mechanical equipment and aids and safe handling methods (eg work is done between shoulder and mid-thigh height and with the elbows close to the body, work upright where possible).
   • Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation, providing sit-stand stools and anti-fatigue mats) or work that requires a significant amount of high force.
2. Hazard 2 Noise

   • Ensure employees are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard.
   • Arrange for a noise assessment if employees are exposed to excessive noise (eg workers have to raise their voices to communicate over a distance of one metre) and there is uncertainty as to whether employees exposure may have exceeded the noise exposure standard.
   • Eliminate or minimise the source of noise (eg enclose or isolate noisy machinery, reduce vibration, use barriers to absorb and screens to block the direct path of sound, use silencers on air exhausts, exhaust pneumatics out of the area, buy the quietest tools/machinery available).
   • Place warning signs in areas of excessive and continual noise (eg where employees exposure is likely to exceed the exposure standard).
   • Warn other workers nearby that you will be undertaking noisy work and advise them to move away or wear hearing protection.
   • Provide hearing equipment, ensure it is worn at all times, and provide employees with audiometric testing. Employers should provide a choice of different types of hearing protection appropriate to the noise level in the workplace.
3. Hazard 3 Pushing and pulling

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg suitable mobile or overhead crane for bundled loads, magnetic lifters, forklifts, trolleys, dollies, tugs, or conveyors for shifting heavy loads) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
4. Hazard 4 Slips trips and falls

   • Ensure floor surfaces, stairways and access ways are level, non-slip or slip-resistant and kept dry and clear of clutter and obstructions.
   • Provide sufficient lighting for stairs, access ways and any work that involves using ladders.
   • Ensure there is edge protection on any access platforms (eg gantries and walkways with barriers on or around high machines).
   • Clean up spills immediately.
   • Regularly tidy and remove clutter so it does not accumulate.
5. Hazard 5 Using hand tools

   • Provide appropriate tools and machinery (eg ergonomically designed handheld power tools that are lightweight, low vibration, noise restricted and fitted with over-torque clutches) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Use equipment to support the weight of the tool.
   • Provide appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing (eg overalls, long trousers, long sleeves, safety boots, gloves, welding masks, respirators).
6. Hazard 6 Using machinery and equipment

   • Ensure all machinery has fixed guarding, or interlocked guarding where access is required. Allow rundown time until the part is stopped.
   • Isolate all potential sources of energy (e.g. electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravity) using fixed guards, or interlocked guards where access is required.
   • Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. hard hats, gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, hearing protection, respiratory protection, suitable eyewear).
   • Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (e.g. long pants, boots).
   • Train employees how to use equipment and protective equipment and clothing safely (e.g. don't use gloves where there's a risk they will catch on moving machinery, use gloves when working with hot equipment).