Safety requirements for tools, machines and hazardous chemicals

• Pages: 32-35

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6. Safety requirements for tools, machines and

hazardous chemicals

141. Because of the wide variety of tools, machines, hazardous chemicals and

work methods used in forestry, this code cannot give a detailed description of

safety requirements for all the tools, machines and hazardous chemicals available.

Coverage cannot be exhaustive, either in terms of the selection of tools, machines

and hazardous chemicals, or in the level of detail provided; but general principles

will be described.

142. The use of hazardous chemicals should be minimized wh ere possible.

The ILO code of practice entitled Safety in the use of chemicals at work (Geneva,

ILO, 1993) and Safety and health in the use of agrochemicals: A guide (Geneva,

ILO, 1991) provide guidance on safe use.

143. Guidelines for the safe use and operation of tools and machines in

specific forestry operations are described in Part IV of this code.

General requirements

144. All tools, machines and hazardous chemicals used in forestry should:

(a) comply with safety and health requirements as prescribed in international or

national standards and recommendations, wherever these are available;

(b) be used only for work for which they have been designed or developed, unless

a proposed additional use has been assessed by a competent person who has

concluded that such use is safe;

(c) be used or operated only by workers who have been assessed as competent

and/or hold appropriate skill certificates.

145. Tools, machines and equi pment should be of good design and

construction, taking into account health, safety and ergonomic principles, and they

should be maintained in good working order.

146. Appropriate checklists which are based on a complete assessment of all

relevant criteria should be used when selecting a machine. This helps to create a

healthy and productive working environment and ensure that the machine is

suitable for its intended purpose.

(Note: Publications containing ergonomic checklists relevant to forestry are

included in the References and further reading – see Apud et al., 1989; Apud and

Valdés, 1995; BLVB, 1995; FAO, 1992; Golsse, 1994; and KWF, 1995.)

147. Employers, manufacturers or agents should provide comprehensive and

clear instructions and information on all aspects of operator/user maintenance and

the safe use of tools, equipment and hazardous chemicals. These should include

any requirements for personal protective equipment as well as the need for

training.

148. Equipment should be so designed as to allow easy and safe maintenance

and minor repair at the worksite. Workers should be trained to do maintenance and