Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), persons with management and control of plant, manufacturers, suppliers, designers and workers are reminded of the risks associated with the use of cement sand mixers (commonly known as pan or screed mixers).

This safety alert gives advice on how to manage these risks and comply with your duties under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.

Background

A worker suffered severe injuries when he placed his hand into the delivery chute of a cement sand mixer. He did this while he was attempting to clear jammed material. The rotating blades inside the mixer bowl partially severed the three middle fingers of his right hand.

In this photo, a cement sand mixer involved in the incident is shown. The image displays a delivery chute with a grate over it and a tray positioned underneath, situated outdoors.

Photo of the cement sand mixer involved in the incident

Close-up view of the rotating blades inside the delivery chute, with a red circle highlighting the blades.

Close up view of the rotating blade in the delivery chute

One of the major risks associated with a cement sand mixer is exposed rotating parts that may come in contact with the human body. This may result in amputation or entanglement of body parts.

Managing risks associated with exposed rotating parts is a requirement under WHS legislation. Safe design and adequate risk management is necessary to ensure any risk to health and safety is managed. This is the responsibility of designers, manufacturers, suppliers, PCBUs and workers.

Safety information

See reasonably practicable control measures below.

For manufacturers and designers

Ensure:

  • safety is incorporated in the design of plant so that associated risks are eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable (for example, the need for any body parts accessing moving parts should be eliminated, where possible)
  • adequate control measures such as guarding or interlocks are put in place to further mitigate the risks, if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risks
  • no components or parts of plant are moving or rotating while cleaning or maintaining, that may create any risks to health and safety of the worker
  • adequate information is provided to the end user on safe use and maintenance such as safe operating procedures (SOP) or manuals
  • clear and visible warning signages or labels are fixed to the plant
  • adequate testing is performed to check and verify all safety features operate as intended.

For importers and suppliers

  • Ensure cement sand mixers are safe for use and fitted with adequate control measures such as guarding or interlocks if not already fitted by the manufacturers.
  • Provide safety information and manuals in languages understood by the buyer.
  • Obtain and pass on relevant information provided by the manufacturer to the buyer.

For PCBUs

  • Conduct risk assessment to identify and address any potential safety concerns.
  • Ensure the cement sand mixer is maintained as required by the manufacturer.
  • Ensure guards are affixed adequately and/or interlocks operate as intended by the manufacturer or supplier.
  • Ensure safety information or SOPs are provided to the workers.
  • Ensure workers are trained in correct and safe use as per SOPs and/or risk assessment.
  • Ensure warning signages are not worn out and replace when worn out.
  • Provide safety information in languages that workers can understand.
  • Ensure untrained persons do not use the cement sand mixer.
  • Test and tag electrical power cords minimum every 3 months.

For workers

  • Ensure you are suitably trained to safely use the cement sand mixer.
  • Ensure you have read safety information and SOPs.
  • Ensure you have completed all relevant safety training provided.
  • Ensure you inspect the cement sand mixer before every use such as pre-start checks.
  • Do not operate the cement sand mixer other than the way prescribed by the safe operating procedures such as clearing jammed materials.
  • Stop work immediately and raise a concern with PCBUs if safety features such as guarding or interlocking are compromised in any way.
  • Do not tamper, modify or remove any safety features of the cement sand mixer.
  • Do not try to clean, troubleshoot or maintain by placing a body part in the machine while cement sand mixer is connected to power.
  • Check the power cords and connection points for damage to ensure there are no electrical hazards.

Further information and guidance material

Visit the SafeWork NSW website for our latest safety alerts.

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