Sedgwick SM255t, Operation And Maintenance Instructions, Page: 21 / 32

SM255t Operation/Maintenance Instructions Page 21 of 32
horizontal sprung pressure pads are arranged to form a tunnel through which the workpiece
is fed, pressing the workpiece down against the table and sideways against the fence plate.
When machining thin panels, the top spring shaw guard only may be necessary, providing its
width is adequate.
As a precaution
never stand directly in line with the workpiece being fed into the machine .
8.4 Pushsticks
It is essential that the operator take all reasonable safety precautions when feeding material
to be worked into the SM255t. In this respect correctly fashioned and used push sticks and
push blocks are an aid.
These can be made from timber readily available in the workshop.
9.0 Limitations of Use and Safe Working Practises
Training and instruction is a central requirement of the Provision of Use of Work Equipment
Regualtions 1998 (PUWER). No hand-fed spindle moulder can be operated by any person
under the age of 18 without them having first completed an approved course of training.
The regulation does realise that young persons may need to operate one of these machines
as part of a course, and such use is permitted provided that it is carried out under the
supervision of a person who has thorough knowledge and experience of the machine and of
its safeguarding requirements.
It is essential that all operators of Spindle moulder are adequately trained in the use,
adjustment, and operation of the machine. This covers in particular:
• The dangers associated with the operation of the machine.
• The principles of machine operation, correct use and adjustment of the fence, blade and
safeguards.
• The correct selection of tooling for each operation.
• The safe handling of the workpiece when cutting.
• The position of the hands relative to the cutters and the safe stacking of workpieces
before and after cutting.
Persons who install this machine for use at work have a duty under the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that nothing about the way in
which it is installed makes it unsafe or a risk to health at any time during setting, use, cleaning,
and maintenance. This includes such aspects as correct assembly, electrical installation,
construction of enclosures, and the fitting of guards and ventilation equipment. When
installing this machine consideration must be given to the provision of adequate lighting and
working space.
Repairs and maintenance must only be undertaken by competent technicians. Ensure that
all power supplies are isolated before maintenance work begins. Instructions for routine
maintenance work are included in this manual. Operations at vertical spindle moulding
machines have a history of serious accidents, most of which could have been avoided had
the operator taken better precaution. Most straight work accidents are caused through
failing to use false fences and shaw guards, while stopped and curved work accidents are
mainly the result of failing to use backstops and jigs or workpiece holders. Because of the
wide variety of work which can be undertaken on a vertical spindle moulding machines no
one type of safeguard can be considered effective for all conditions. Each operation should
be considered separately, and the best practicable safeguard selected. The following
operations will require additional guarding to that supplied as standard with the machine: