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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

Working Safely With Sharp Implements

Be alert at work! Especially when working with sharp knives, tools and machinery.

In the Retail Industry, cuts and lacerations may occur:

• When cutting cartons with knives;
• in deli areas;
• in food preparation areas;
• in fruit and vegetable areas;
• in meat rooms; and
• in hardware retail outlets.

Employers are required to provide personal protective equipment and clothing (P.P.E) when hazards in the workplace cannot be eliminated.

After receiving training, employees are required to use the personal protective equipment supplied by the employer and follow all safety instructions.

Personal protective equipment and clothing can include such things as overalls; safety boots; wet weather gear; and ear muffs as appropriate. Employees should be instructed and trained in the correct use of any P.P.E provided by the employer.

Plant and Equipment

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that plant and equipment is properly maintained and repaired.

Plant and equipment in the Retail Industry can include:

• trolleys;
• compactors;
• waste bins;
• dock levellers;
• meat slicers;
• carton crushers; and
• dough mixers, chicken rotisseries, doughnut machines etc.

Guarding

Guards are attached to mechanical equipment and must be used to protect you from the moving parts of machines.

In this industry, examples of guards include those on cutting and slicing machines, mixers, and compactors.

It is important that plant and equipment are properly guarded.

Keep all guards in place.

If guards are removed during cleaning or maintenance, make sure they are replaced.

Do not start the machine during cleaning.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

In case of an emergency, it is vital that employees know the workplace's emergency evacuation procedures. It is also preferable that they have practiced the procedure by participating in emergency evacuation drills.

As part of induction, employees should be advised of the location of emergency exits, first aid facilities and any trained first aiders, location of fire extinguishers and emergency contact phone numbers.