7/28/2019 HSS0016 - Clearing Jammed Cartons From Palletising
Machines
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EDITION NO. 1 NOVEMBER 2007
A HEALTH AND SAFETY SOLUTION
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What is the problem?Palletising machines are frequently found in
foodmanufacturing workplaces. Cartons used in thesemachines can
occasionally become jammed duringthe automated palletising process,
requiring theoperator to dislodge the jam.
What are the risks?The task of dislodging jammed cartons in
these machinesincreases the risk of a musculoskeletal injury due to
theforce required. This is compounded by the need to reachacross
the pallet to the cartons. Typically, there are nosecure platforms
around the palletising area to providethe operator with access to
all aspects of the pallet.
There can be a slip and fall from height risk when theoperator
needs to climb up to access the palletisermachine, as well as the
risk of entrapment in the workingmachinery. Injuries may also occur
over time throughwear and tear on joints and other body parts
whenstepping up and down to access the machine.
What is a solution to this problem?The risk of injury can be
eliminated or reduced byimplementing appropriate risk controls:
Install a fixed fibreglass grid floor around the palletiserto
enable the operator to walk around all aspects ofthe palletiser
machine and stand directly in frontof any carton that may have
jammed.
Ensure the surface of the grid is designed in anon-slip material
to minimise the risk of a slip or trip.
Ensure that interlocked guarding, such as lightcurtains,
perimeter fencing or a pressure sensingsystem, is installed between
the fixed height platform.
This ensures that the palletising machine is unableto operate if
an operator reaches into it.
Ensure the grid profile used enables light topenetrate through
the floor to the work areas usedby maintenance below.
Work with the carton supplier and the equipmentmanufacturer to
identify and manage the causes ofcarton jamming.
Consulting your employees when makingdecisions
When making decisions on how to control risks, youmust consult
affected employees. Where employees arerepresented by Health and
Safety Representatives, theymust be involved in this consultation,
with or without theinvolvement of the employees. Refer to the
relevantpublications below for further information.
Clearing jammed cartons from palletising machines
The Solution
Further Information
WorkSafe Advisory Service
Toll-free 1800 136 089
Email [email protected] worksafe.vic.gov.au
Relevant Publications
Your health and safety guide to Manual handling(Publication)
Manual Handling (Code of Practice)
Manual Handling in the Food Industry (Publication)
Employee Representation (Publication)
Consultation on health and safety A handbookfor workplaces
(Publication)
Your health and safety guide to Falls prevention
(Publication)VWA Keycode HSS0016/01/10.07
WorkSafe Victoria is a trading name of the Victorian WorkCover
Authority.A light curtain will prevent movement of hazardous parts
of the
palletising machine.
