Industrial Safety News reported a case where a Manawatu business installed and modified a processing machine, perhaps assuming it’s configuration was safe because it was a duplicate of another machine already in its processing facility.
However repositioning the machine required modifications which left parts of the machine unguarded – equipment that ultimately crushed and killed one if its’ workers. 

This incident highlights a risk when people think only in strict “compliance” terms (i.e. does the equipment have all the “hardware” and its design specification requirements) without understanding good risk management practice as a whole. This limited perspective means that should the use case for equipment change, it may still create hazards to staff.

The case illustrates that a much more “end-to-end” approach to installation and plant design is required.

The Max Tarr group has guarding specialists qualified to assess equipment against EU and ISO safety standards, and to undertake full Safety Case reviews for any design or configuration project. This ensures that hazards associated with operation are identified and consideration is given to the equipment throughout its life cycle, including installation, commissioning, regular use and access, maintenance, and (eventual) decommissioning.