Abschnitt 3 - 3 Operation of hand-operated cutting devices
When operating hand-operated cutting devices, requirements from several state ordinances must be met. The following ordinances are of particular importance for the operation of a hand-operated cutting device:
Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV),
Ordinance on Industrial Safety an Health (BetrSichV).
Information for employees
Employees working with hand-operated cutting devices must be appropriately informed and qualified to ensure safe use. This includes:
Instruction manual: Instruction manuals serve to inform the operator how to use the device as intended. The instruction manual must be available in a suitable place in the company so that employees can obtain information quickly and reliably.
Instruction: Employees must be instructed at least once a year. The instruction must be documented in writing. During the instruction, employees must be informed about existing hazards emanating from the work equipment, working materials and/or the working environment. In addition to the possible hazards, the instruction must also include existing protective measures and rules of conduct. Further information on the content, implementation and documentation of the instruction can be found on the BG ETEM website under the heading "Media".
Operating instructions: The company must draw up operating instructions for the handling of hand-operated cutting devices and make them available to the employees. The operating instructions must provide information on:
Potential risks arising from hand-operated cutting devices.
Protective measures and rules of conduct.
First aid measures.
Instead of operating instructions, the employer may also provide user instructions or operating manuals supplied with the work equipment upon purchase if they contain information equivalent to operating instructions. The operating instructions shall be updated in the event of safety-relevant changes in the working conditions.
Inspection and maintenance
It must be ensured that the safety of the hand-operated cutting device is guaranteed over the entire period of use. This is to be achieved by regular inspections and maintenance. As part of the risk assessment, the employer must determine the intervals at which the hand-operated cutting device is to be inspected. When determining the inspection intervals, the information provided by the manufacturer, e.g. from the operating instructions, must be observed. In addition to the inspection intervals, the employer must also determine which qualifications the person must have in order to be allowed to carry out the inspection. If defects are detected, repair work is to be carried out immediately by the company or a third party. It must be ensured that the repair work is performed safely.