Safety trips are intended stop the machine before anybody can enter or accesses the danger area. They should be checked regularly to ensure that they function correctly and if necessary adjusted or repaired, but this should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Safety devices fitted to machines are required to conform to a number of British Standards and users should ensure that any such devices fitted to their machines meet the requirements. This can usually be done by refering to the instructions or label attached to the device. Users of older machines are advised to have their machines checked and any necessary devices fitted.
Safety guards are designed to prevent access to dangerous areas and moving parts which could cause injury. It is therefore important that they are in place and securely fixed. Some guards may have safety cut-outs fitted so that the machine will stop should the guard be removed.
It is also important that the power is disconnected and the machine has stopped before carrying out any clearing, adjustment or maintenance work. This will provide an additional level of safety protection.