Knitting

Flat knitting machines

Flat knitting machines should have:

a metal cage fitted to the machine when the reciprocated cam carriage projects beyond the body of the machine during action
backs of machines fitted with a suitable metal mesh
a plastic guard fitted to the narrowing points with fully fashioned knitting machines
loose sleeves fitted to exposed hand shafts
spoked handwheels blanked off
draw mechanisms totally enclosed
Raschel machines with traversing weft insertion - trip guards or other safety devises fitted to prevent access to danger zones
where employees have to climb onto machines or up to creels - fixed steps and platforms fitted to reduce the likelihood of falling
a documented system for removing, replacing and disposing of blades and needles
safe system of work in place to prevent operators wearing loose clothing, jewellery, long hair and unsuitable footwear

Check the British Standards that apply to flat knitting machinery.

Circular knitting machines should have:

pattern drums and pattern wheels totally guarded
isolation equipment fitted
positive feed drive belts fitted with a suitable guard
electrically interlocking guards fitted to rotating cylinder machines
inching buttons fitted to all machines and readily distinguishable by touch
guards fitted on hose machines where a full cabinet base is not provided
drip trays provided for each machine
gantry systems of yarn support guarded
emergency stop buttons immediately accessible and identifiable
creeling operations - musculoskeletal strains and RSI aspects of long term hand or arm movements reduced as much as possible
safe systems of work for access for threading of yarn
machines stopped when adjustments necessary
safe system of work for removal of rolls or layers of fabric
half hose and sock machines – safe system of work for removing work from the bin
press offs - wire hook only inserted when machine is stationary
drip trays cleaned regularly
machine handle always left at rest before machine is started
safe system of work in place to prevent operators wearing loose clothing, jewellery, long hair and unsuitable footwear

The following guidance is also available from the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT).

Circular Knitting Machines - KDL 4 Rec 10

Check the British Standards that apply to circular knitting machinery.