Fire-Prevention Systems Designed For Machine Tools
Kraft and Bauer is a supplier of dedicated fire-prevention systems designed specifically for all types of machine tools to help manufacturers meet fire safety legislation. Systems may be retrofitted to any make or model of machine at customers' premises or upon construction at a manufacturer's works. The company has urged manufacturers to ensure they are fully aware of and compliant with fire safety regulations for machine tools.
Under the latest legislation a nominated person within any company must carry out a fire risk assessment and then take whatever action is required and to carry out works and install any precautions the assessment recommends. If the assessment fails to take into account any machine tools that may be on site, and/or then fails to recommend that suitable fire protection equipment is fitted, then it is doubtful that necessary fire safety recommendations will have been met.
In this case, anyone not complying with the new regulations faces anything from a fine of GBP5,000 in a magistrate's court, up to an unlimited fine and/or two years in prison. Kraft and Bauer said that anyone thinking that it is OK as 'the company' will foot the bill in the case of an issue is sadly mistaken, as in practice the health and safety officer, factory manager, head of maintenance or the owner/directors will more than likely be held personally responsible.
Any machine that uses oil is a clear fire risk and companies are warned that a handheld fire extinguisher placed near to machines, or even worse the bucket of sand placed next to a machine, will not be accepted as a satisfactory compliance in meeting fire risk legislation and will be of no help at all in the vast majority of fires. The law specifically states that 'depending on the hazards anticipated by the manufacturer, machinery must, where size permits, either allow easily accessible fire extinguishers to be fitted, or to be provided with built-in automatic extinguisher systems'. It goes on to state that 'in the case of machines being ran unmanned then automatic fire extinguishing systems must be fitted'.
The law further stipulates that 'the mandatory fitment of automatic fire protection systems to machines not only covers those that may run unmanned but also in respect of all machinery which comprises highly flammable parts'. Highly flammable parts may be construed as any machine using oil but also any machine cutting especially hazardous material, such as titanium or magnesium alloys as used by the aerospace and other industries.
Under the latest legislation a nominated person within any company must carry out a fire risk assessment and then take whatever action is required and to carry out works and install any precautions the assessment recommends. If the assessment fails to take into account any machine tools that may be on site, and/or then fails to recommend that suitable fire protection equipment is fitted, then it is doubtful that necessary fire safety recommendations will have been met.
In this case, anyone not complying with the new regulations faces anything from a fine of GBP5,000 in a magistrate's court, up to an unlimited fine and/or two years in prison. Kraft and Bauer said that anyone thinking that it is OK as 'the company' will foot the bill in the case of an issue is sadly mistaken, as in practice the health and safety officer, factory manager, head of maintenance or the owner/directors will more than likely be held personally responsible.
Any machine that uses oil is a clear fire risk and companies are warned that a handheld fire extinguisher placed near to machines, or even worse the bucket of sand placed next to a machine, will not be accepted as a satisfactory compliance in meeting fire risk legislation and will be of no help at all in the vast majority of fires. The law specifically states that 'depending on the hazards anticipated by the manufacturer, machinery must, where size permits, either allow easily accessible fire extinguishers to be fitted, or to be provided with built-in automatic extinguisher systems'. It goes on to state that 'in the case of machines being ran unmanned then automatic fire extinguishing systems must be fitted'.
The law further stipulates that 'the mandatory fitment of automatic fire protection systems to machines not only covers those that may run unmanned but also in respect of all machinery which comprises highly flammable parts'. Highly flammable parts may be construed as any machine using oil but also any machine cutting especially hazardous material, such as titanium or magnesium alloys as used by the aerospace and other industries.
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