Spinning

Spinning machinery should have:

• all drive parts and shafts guarded or secure by position
• interlock systems in place where regular access is required
• rear areas of single sided frames blocked off or fully guarded
• all brakes working
• safe systems of work for cleaning
• mule frames - all carriage wheel guards in place and drive mechanisms guarded at the rear to prevent access
• machine isolated when employees are working inside the carriage
• on older machines - emergency stop buttons easily accessible at any point on the machine
• high speed rubbing frames – limited inch controls fitted and also interlocks to prevent access to rubbing aprons
• access to headstock for adjustments and minor repairs limited to trained specific employees that follow a documented safe system of work
• keys for locks kept in the control of a responsible person
• documented safe systems of work where operators are still picking/piecing ends manually
• instructions prohibiting loose clothing, jewellery and unsecured hair
• automatic loading and doffing systems operated by a two handed control from a safe position
• safe systems of work used for removing laps that include the use of safety knives
• procedures in place for inspecting brakes and reporting defective brakes

Check the British Standards that apply to spinning machinery.