1. Safety Recommendations

Overview

For your own safety, read this section before operating any tools or equipment in various working conditions. Always comply with national and local safety regulations relating to the tools, equipment, and work areas you are using, and follow all legal requirements.

The information in this section outlines generally accepted minimum safety considerations within the surface fabrication and installation industry. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit or restrict the use of additional safety measures and methods.

1. Individual protective equipment

• First aid supplies should be readily available.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment, including dust masks, eye protection, and hearing protection.

• Prescription glasses are not a substitute for safety glasses.

• Wear gloves suitable for the task. (It is not recommended to wear gloves when handling rotating tools.)

• Wear steel-toed safety shoes.

• Never wear jewellery such as bracelets or chains, or loose clothing such as neckties, scarves, or long sleeves, as these can become caught in moving parts of equipment.

• Long hair should be secured in a protective hair cover.

• Follow the policy on limiting direct skin exposure to adhesive materials.

• Material Safety Data Sheets (M.S.D.S.) must be reviewed and understood by all employees.

2. Fire Prevention and Emergency Readiness

• Entrance and exit passageways must remain unobstructed and be clearly visible.

• Fire doors must be free from obstructions, such as security chains.

• Flammable products, such as solvents and chemicals, must be stored in explosion-proof cabinets. Refer to the M.S.D.S. for the exact storage method.

• Seaming materials (adhesives) must be stored in a cool place.

• Designate and clearly mark both smoking and non-smoking areas.

• A properly specified fire suppression or extinguisher system, including sprinklers, must be in place.

• Inspect all fire safety equipment regularly.

• Prepare a fire evacuation plan and assign responsibilities.

3. Working Environment

• Maintain a safe working area that is well ventilated, clean, dry, and well lit.

• Avoid working in damp, wet, or dirty conditions without proper preparation.

• Keep the work area at a stable temperature of 15–25 °C during operations.

• Ensure lighting is adequate for the working conditions and properly maintained.

• Maintain ventilation and dust extraction equipment, including routine cleaning or replacement of filters. Keep worktables and floors clean, swept, and organised.

• Designate a tool crib for hand tools, bits, and supplies to support production efficiency.

• Minimise obstructions on the floor.

• Eliminate slip hazards on floor surfaces, and immediately clean up spills to prevent accidental slips and falls.

• Keep water away from areas where HIMACS is being handled.

• Install and clearly mark water barriers for worker awareness.

• Keep all visitors at a safe distance from work areas, and ensure they are escorted by a trained manager.

• Keep children away from the work area at all times.

4. Electric Risk management

• Install electrical services that meet the specific requirements of the shop equipment.

• Clearly label and identify all shop circuits on the electrical panel.

• Maintain electrical breakers and panels in good working order.

• Ensure all equipment cords and electrical extension leads are in perfect condition, free from defects, fraying, or exposed wiring that could cause electric shock or short circuits.

• Keep electrical cords neatly rolled, and ensure outlets are clean and fully operational.

• Repair or replace any defective electrical equipment immediately upon identifying a fault.

• Use portable electrical hand tools that are Double-earthed, fitted with ground fault protection, and/or double-insulated.

• Ensure junction boxes and wiring comply with local regulations, and that they are fully covered and closed.

• Install and maintain operational emergency shutdown switches, both master and individual.

5. Equipment and Tool management

5.1 Right use

• Use the correct equipment for the job and for routine HIMACS production.

• Read the equipment instruction manual before operation to ensure correct, efficient, and safe use.

• Use only the recommended accessories.

• Hazards can occur when using improper accessories.

• Do not force equipment to operate beyond its designed performance or speed.

• Establish an appropriate operating and training system so that correct user information is maintained and passed on.

5.2 Care

• Avoid operating equipment with dull blades or bits.

• Maintain tools in the best condition, sharp and clean, for optimum performance and safety.

• Remove dust from equipment, accessories, and systems regularly.

• Clearly label or mark movable equipment and accessories.

• Mark moving or rotating parts on shop equipment.

• Install safety mechanisms on powered equipment for emergency shut-offs.

• Keep starter keys, master switches, and padlocks stored safely and maintained.

5.3 Safe Habits

• Inspect equipment for damage before each use.

• Ensure the switch is in the “off” position before plugging in.

• Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before switching on.

• Never leave tools running unattended; turn them off and wait until they come to a complete stop.

• Disconnect tools from all power sources before changing accessories (e.g., blades, bits, cutters) or before servicing.

• Do not overreach, lean on, or stand on equipment while it is running.

• Never use tools if you are in poor physical or mental condition due to fatigue, stress, alcohol, medication, drugs, or similar factors.

6. Material Handling

• HIMACS sheets must be carried by two people, one at each end of the sheet.

• Do not bend or flex the sheets.

• Wear heavy-duty gloves and, where appropriate, use lifting straps.

• Secure HIMACS sheets firmly to the worktale or structure using clamps or vices before working on them.

• Maintain proper footing and balance in all work areas at all times.

• Do not stack products too high; stack them in a way that is safe and easy to access.

7. Hazardous Risk

• Designate a specific area for the disposal of hazardous chemicals, waste seam adhesive, and similar materials.

• Establish a policy prohibiting the disposal of liquids, adhesives, or chemicals in general waste unless they have been catalysed.

• Store rags containing chemicals in a safe manner to prevent fire hazards.

• Place dust and material particles in a covered waste receptacle.

• If dust collectors are vented to the outside, obtain any necessary permissions beforehand.

Note

Each country has its own safety regulations, determined by its industrial characteristics and environmental conditions. Always identify and comply first with the safety rules applicable in the country where your work area is located.