Businesses have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees, and in the metal fabrication sector, challenging work conditions can result in serious injuries. So, following these tips will help keep everybody safe.
1. Always risk assess before work starts
Many metal fabrication processes, such as applying thermal plasma spray, are inherently dangerous. Therefore, a new risk assessment should be carried out before work begins to check that the operators are suitably trained and equipped, that the working area is free from unnecessary hazards and that processes are in place to deal with any emergencies that arise.
2. Train your employees
Training may not prevent an accident or injury from happening, but it equips your personnel with a detailed understanding of their role and responsibilities, explains the hazards that they will encounter and advises on how to overcome them. Bespoke health and safety training saves lives and should be refreshed regularly.
3. Supply appropriate PPE
Companies performing high-risk fabrication, such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/thermal-metal-sprays/plasma-coatings/, require specialist PPE, while businesses operating in less hazardous environments can reduce their PPE requirements. Always assess the need for PPE based upon the role your workers are to perform and the hazards inherent in the task and environment.
4. Maintain your equipment
Any production equipment used in metal fabrication must be stringently cleaned, inspected and maintained to ensure its continued safe operation. Any defects that are identified must be remedied at the earliest opportunity and the equipment decommissioned until such time that it has been repaired and deemed safe to use.