Different mechanisms and danger areas
On a slicer, the product moves towards a rotating blade. In a mincer, a screw draws food into the cutting assembly. Assessment must identify every route by which a hand could reach danger, including both the feed opening and the discharge side.
Product size and consistency affect restraint. The final small pieces must not be pushed through with fingers to avoid waste. Use the intended accessories or another method compatible with the machine and the product being processed.
Pushers and guards
Machine guards should cover dangerous parts that do not need to be exposed for cutting. Carriages, holders and pushers must be present, serviceable and suitable for that equipment. An improvised utensil may break or be pulled into the mechanism.
The pusher supplements protection: it does not replace a hopper or grille designed to prevent access to the mechanism. Removing a guard because it makes a new product difficult to cut is unacceptable; the change requires review of the operation and machine suitability.
Cleaning without retaining the startup hazard
Cleaning removes components that normally separate hands from the blade. Before removal, establish and verify the manufacturer’s specified safe condition, with energy control and prevention of unexpected startup. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) must suit the equipment and the people involved.
A stationary blade can still cut. Procedures need appropriate cleaning tools, safe handling and storage of components, and suitable hand protection where appropriate. Cut-resistant gloves do not permit contact with moving blades or eliminate entanglement hazards.
Food hygiene and worker safety must fit together
Effective cleaning must be possible without requiring dangerous access. Review cables, connections and protection against cleaning water in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not apply a washing method incompatible with electrical components.
Training should confirm that each worker recognises discharge-side hazards, uses the accessories and knows what to do if a guard is missing. Unusual noise, wear, loose fastenings or defective interlocks require the machine to be taken out of use and examined before operation continues.
