Section 47: Dangerous machinery

47. Dangerous machinery (1) Every dangerous part of every machinery shall be securely fenced unless it is in such a position or of such construction as to be as safe to every employee or person working on the premises as it would be if securely fenced. (2) Where any dangerous part of any machinery cannot by reason of the nature of the operation be securely fenced, the requirements of subsection (1) shall be deemed to have been complied with if a device is provided which automatically prevents the operator from coming into contact with that part. (3) Any material being worked upon, in or at a machine shall be securely fenced unless it is in such a position as to be as safe to every employee or person at the place of work as it would be if securely fenced. (4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the provisions of this section shall apply to any part of machinery which is dangerous— (a) by reason of the ejection of any part of the machinery or the material being worked upon; or (b) by reason of its proximity to any fixed part of a structure or any fixed object. (5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4) (b), no traversing part of any machine and no material carried thereon shall be allowed to approach within a distance of 500 millimetres of such fixed part of the structure or fixed object. O2 – 33 [Issue 1] Occupational Safety and Health Act (6) Sufficiently clear and unobstructed space shall be provided and maintained at every machine while it is in motion or use to enable the work to be carried on safely.