Health & Safety

[janner]

A fellow repairer advised he had Health & Safety around. Once again they started querying scouring wheels, and safety guards.

 

Over the years experienced engineers and repairers have butted heads with H&S over scouring wheels, and won the argument that guards would make the wheel unusable. That there is no substitute for a skilled trained worker.

 

Personnel safety, and the safety of co-workers should ever be given priority. Items in a repair shop can be dangerous, but in perspective not like operating a chainsaw, driving a car, or riding a bicycle on the road. In all instances you learn the skills required, and pay attention to the dangers.

 

Scouring, trimming and sharpening are not dangerous to those with training and understanding of the principles and dangers involved, and how to deal with them safely. The thoughtlessness of a hanging stirrup, and the carelessness of a dropped last are the main contenders for accidents that can be avoided.

 

Give H&S a chance of a toehold, and they will make a rod for all our backs. Sharpening steel cutters is a standard and safe procedure to those with the correct equipment and training. It frightens me some of the comments I have read regarding this.

 

Any over zealous H&S officer reading this site would see his toe in the door, and it wants hitting with a hammer before it gets a hold.