There are seemingly countless factors to take into consideration as organisations attempt to tread back towards normalcy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether it be considering who to physically bring back to work, how to arrange the workspace itself or understanding ways to maximise safety, management and leadership have plenty to think about. Some businesses must also consider certain specific equipment on their premises that may be in need of attention or maintenance after an extended period of disuse.
For many businesses, such as cafes or manufacturing companies, pressure systems are a particularly important piece of the puzzle that should be closely analysed in order to provide the best chance of a safe and successful resumption of operations.
Pressure systems are often found in a number of different types of machines commonly found in various workplaces. Equipment that uses pressure systems may include:
When examining these pieces of equipment, or others that use pressure systems, it is important that you take precautions, particularly if the relevant parts have exceeded their examination period. Your organisation should consult with a competent adviser before restarting the machine. Click here for more safety guidance on the subject.
Machines that contain pressure systems have a number of potential risks that could result in damage to the equipment or your workplace, or personal injury to your employees. Contamination of gases or fluids inside the machine may cause pressure elements to behave unpredictably, resulting in:
Due to the potentially severe consequences of improperly restarting equipment that contains a pressure system, it is of the utmost importance that your organisation take precautions during the restart process. In addition to the safety of your employees, the functionality and lifespan of expensive machinery may also be at risk. Starting up any pressure system from a completely shutdown state can have major consequences. When restarting a pressure system, consider the following steps:
Beyond these specific precautions, your organisation should also take other precautionary steps in examining machines with pressure systems, including inspecting specific pieces of the equipment in question, such as hoses, pipework and controls. It is also advisable that a detailed inspection of the overall structural integrity of the equipment is conducted to check for leaks or cracks, and that the machine be assessed for other possible risk factors, such as the potential for flying fragments or missiles that may be discharged in the event of a malfunction and subsequent explosion.
For more information or additional workplace health and safety solutions, contact us today.