Safe machinery guide gets an update

The UK standards body BSI has updated its guidance on the safe use of machinery in a publication which deals with issues ranging from the selection of protective measures and safeguards, to practical examples of guard design and their application. PD 5304:2005, which supersedes the previous edition published in 2000, can also help people with duties under Puwer 1998 - the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

The £149 guide is aimed at those who are responsible, directly or indirectly, for using, refurbishing, upgrading, or changing the use of machinery and guarding or protective devices.

Among other roles, the guide:

• helps to identify hazards;

• considers aspects of machine design to eliminate or reduce risks;

• outlines maintenance and safe working practices; and

• considers what needs to be done to install guards and protective devices.