Checklist “Preventing the defeating of protective devices”

As a matter of principle, working on machinery with the protective equipment being deactivated does involve higher risks. Accordingly, the defeating of protective equipment is forbidden. This may lead to a conflict of objectives in the company, however. On the one hand, it is necessary to achieve a high productivity, on the other hand, protective equipment is a hindrance; entrepreneurs and operators violate a law by defeating protective equipment and thus render themselves liable to prosecution.

A solution to this problem can only be to purchase machines that offer no or very little incentive for defeating their protective devices. This must already be considered when purchasing new machines. Both, the machine and the protective devices used on it, must be checked for their suitability. Finally, employee management has a major influence on whether the protective devices of a machine are defeated during operation.

This practical guide is intended to support the users of machinery with a checklist to prevent defeating of protective devices. What must the requirement specification contain when purchasing a machine? Have all relevant persons been included in the selection of the machine? Can the machine be set up and adjusted safely? Are the protective devices suitable for everyday work? The checklist helps the user to take important measures to prevent defeating and thus be safe and productive.

Checklist “Preventing the defeating of protective devices”