Incident alert
LOCATION:
CONCRETE PRODUCTS PLANT
ACTIVITY:
BEHAVIOURAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT
SUB ACTIVITY:
NO SUB ACTIVITY AVAILABLE
DATE ISSUED:
06/09/2016 16:24:25
TITLE
By-passing machinery interlock - captive key system on a block machine
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
United Kingdom
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT DETAILS
During an inspection by the HSE at a block plant, a spare interlock bar was found under the block operator’s seat. The spare bar could have allowed the release of the key with the gate still in the open position, this could then be used to restart the plant. This would have bypassed the interlock system that was there to protect workers.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
Bar used to by-pass system
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Bar in place with door open
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Operators should understand that by-passing the interlock system (or similar systems that prevent machines operating without guarding being in place) is a very serious breach of the safe system of work and could result in a serious injury or fatality.
Where a machine has a spare captive key, a process should be in place that requires a line manager to authorise the use of the key. The key must be signed in and out by the authorised person. Failure to comply with this mandatory safe system of work should result in disciplinary procedures.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
Key authorisation
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