Agriculture: Bale Wrapping.

What is the risk?

HSE is currently investigating an incident where a worker was fatally injured when he was struck by the rotating arm of the bale wrapper. It is believed the operator was attempting to adjust or clear something on the machine with the power connected and the wrapping arm rotating. A safety trip-bar was fitted to the machine but this did not prevent the wrapping arm striking the operator and crushing him against part of the frame.

· regulated products – pesticides, medicines, feed additives;

· products used in silage making (and off-gases);

How can the risk be controlled by users?

Users should ensure that power is disconnected and movement has stopped before approaching the machine to carry out any maintenance operation. The safety trip system should be checked to ensure it brings the rotating arm to a standstill as quickly as possible to prevent injury. If it doesn't, it may require adjustment or repair and this should be done in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. If the safety device still fails to operate correctly then the supplier should be contacted for further advice.
How can the risk be controlled by manufacturers?

Manufacturers need to ensure that the safety devices on these machines operate in accordance with accepted British, European and International Standards. Several key references that can help with design issues are:

* BS EN 12100 (parts 1 & 2) - Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design
* BS EN ISO 13850 - Safety of machinery - Emergency stop - Principles for design
* BS EN 999 - Safety of machinery - The positioning of protective equipment in respect of approach speeds of parts of the human body
* DD CLC/TS 62046:2008 - Safety of machinery - Application of protective equipment to detect the presence of persons.

All manufacturers of these types of machine should take the following action:- Where they have new equipment check the function of the trip bar to see if it stops before the main bar reaches the trip bar. If it does not to take action to modify the machine to ensure this happens. Then notify all owners of such machines of the danger and the remedial action required. For older machines they have supplied to check what the mechanism is for stopping the arm and to develop a retrofit solution to ensure the machines can be stopped safely. The Supplier should then write to all owners of the machine to make then aware of the dangers and the retrofit that is required.

Further action

HSE investigation into this matter is ongoing and enforcement action will be considered in line with HSE enforcement policy. Further information on this issue will be made available once the investigation is complete.

For advice on issues of Safety, Health, and Environment please visit us at:
she.ltd.uk