4 minute read • published in partnership with MachineSafe
Streamlining machine inspections with digital precision to enhance productivity
While machinery inspections are an essential part of manufacturing, they can be complex and time-consuming to complete. MachineSafe is an all-in-one compliance platform that simplifies the entire process, putting everything you need at your fingertips.
The manufacturing sector is an environment where safety is non-negotiable and precision is paramount. Whether assessing existing equipment or evaluating new machinery, rigorous inspections are an essential task. Yet, these inspections can be time-consuming and labour-intensive.
Recognising this industry-wide challenge, Jon Rowen, a seasoned safety professional, has developed MachineSafe. This one-stop digital platform not only streamlines inspections but fundamentally transforms how the manufacturing sector approaches and achieves equipment safety.
MachineSafe streamlines the process of conducting and managing inspections by offering ready-to-go modules including PUWER, risk assessment, new machinery assessment, CE/UKCA marking, and controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Enterprise subscribers can also add their own inspections to the MachineSafe platform, perfect for company continuity.
MachineSafe helps streamline machine inspections with digital precision to help manufacturers enhance productivity / Picture: Getty/iStock
With an intuitive and user-friendly design, the platform offers a suite of features to boost efficiency and close the loop on compliance traceability and accountability.
“Equipment non-compliances are often common within a factory or, in some cases, across the industry. By providing a comprehensive drop-down list of common issues and associated control measures, along with a comments box to add context and clarity, MachineSafe streamlines the process of identifying and managing compliance issues,” Jon explains.
“By integrating risk assessments directly into the inspection module for non-compliance items, we have created a truly optimised inspection process. Additionally, once recommended control measures are actioned, such as installing a fixed barrier or guard, reference photos can be quickly and easily attached to the original report as implemented control measures, further enhancing traceability and compliance.”
Tailored to meet the needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), machinery end-users and safety consultants, MachineSafe offers the flexibility of conducting compliance assessments on an iPad or Android tablet, ensuring the inspection experience is as hassle-free as possible.
Inspection reports seamlessly synchronise with the secure MachineSafe cloud portal, where they can be edited and expanded upon on a PC or laptop. Completed reports can be converted to a PDF format and shared with colleagues and customers.
Ensuring machinery complies as expected
A key regulation governing workspace safety in the UK is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). These are in place to ensure the proper use of work equipment through training and maintenance, and protect workers and others from harm.
PUWER regulations apply to a wide range of workplaces and equipment, including machinery, tools and appliances. Planning PUWER inspections can be daunting, especially if your historic records aren’t as thorough as they should be. This is where MachineSafe steps in.
“MachineSafe PUWER is our most in-demand entry-level module, designed to make PUWER inspections as straightforward as possible,” explains Jon. “In addition, we will set up your PUWER planning schedule allowing you to see when PUWER inspections need to be carried out together with the status of each inspection and its risk score on your MachineSafe dashboard.”
MachineSafe provides PUWER training and a support package to complement the MachineSafe PUWER subscription. This training ensures users not only have the necessary skills to carry out inspections but also get the most benefit from the platform.
As manufacturers gear up to invest in factory equipment, carrying out a thorough new machinery audit is a reliable method to safeguard against unexpected issues. MachineSafe can help ensure these compliance audits run smoothly with minimal surprises.
Tailored to meet the needs of OEMs, machinery end-users and safety consultants, MachineSafe offers the flexibility of conducting compliance assessments on an iPad or Android tablet / Picture: Getty/iStock
As a machinery safety consultant and former lead equipment planner for BMW Group, Jon understands the importance of factory acceptance tests.
“Performing a factory acceptance test is crucial, serving as your final chance to identify and address any non-compliance issues prior to the equipment being shipped. Addressing such concerns after the equipment reaches the user’s factory can be significantly more costly and time-consuming.
“Our new machinery compliance audit module is designed to ensure the right items are checked during a factory acceptance test, greatly reducing the risk of receiving non-compliance equipment.”
Staying ahead in safety
With compliance and regulations in constant evolution, MachineSafe prides itself on continuously broadening its offering and incorporating new features and modules, often in response to customer feedback.
“For every substantial enhancement we introduce, we will incorporate three or four smaller updates directly suggested by our user community. This collaborative approach ensures MachineSafe is finely tuned to the diverse needs of OEMs, machinery end-users and consultants,” says Jon.
Additionally, Jon’s seat on the BSI Safeguarding of Machinery Committee helps keep MachineSafe at the forefront of safety and compliance standards.
“Navigating compliance and regulations is becoming increasingly challenging so machinery users must ensure their inspection processes and record-keeping are fit for purpose. With MachineSafe, we are alleviating the burden and freeing valuable time, ensuring the manufacturing sector is as productive and safe as possible.”
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