A Critical Safety Training Resource – Operating Manuals

February 17, 2015 No Comments

 

If new employees will be operating machinery, tools, or equipment of any type, it is critical that the operating manual on that device be incorporated into the training curriculum.   

Be sure to review an actual copy of the manufacturers operating manual with the trainee.   Often, operating manuals can be downloaded from the equipment manufacturers website.  Either give the employee their own copy of the operating manual, or tell them where they can find the operating manual if they need to reference it in the future.

The first section of most operating manuals is devoted to safety.   Be sure to cover this part in its’ entirety.  The next section is usually the recommended operating procedures.  I review these recommended operating procedures during the hands-on equipment orientation.  

Many operating manuals even detail how to perform a safety inspection on that piece of equipment before using it.   Not only review these inspection procedures with the trainee, but also have the trainee conduct an actual inspection that replicates the manufacturers’ recommended inspection protocol. 

Some manufacturers also provide free on-line videos on how to safety operate, maintain and inspect their machinery.  Be sure to incorporate these videos into the classroom part of your training. 

  

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