Emergency stop switch - you should definitely pay attention to this

You should know the emergency stop switch and use it in an emergency

Everyone knows them or has seen them before: emergency stop switches. Mostly they are red, palm-sized snap fasteners on a yellow base. But there are other forms, especially with older machines. All of these switches are used to stop a machine or system as quickly as possible if there is a danger. Since you have to act quickly in an emergency, you should deal with the topic beforehand when you are working on the relevant machines or systems.

• If you are working on a machine that is new to you, first determine where the emergency stop switch is located. Since the quick accessibility and immediate readiness for use of the counter are unfortunately sometimes in the If there is a contradiction to smooth work processes, this can also be something, although easily accessible lie hidden. A worker or tradesman should not always accidentally interrupt the work process because he, without wanting to, reaches the button and triggers it. The compromise solution of the designers is then unfortunately to mount the switch in such a way that it is not in the direct work area and therefore it is unfortunately often "out of sight, out of mind" is. After you know where the button is, trigger it a few times as agreed so that it becomes a familiar move for you. Take wood sawing or packaging machines as an example. With these, every fraction of a second counts, which then may decide whether a hand that has just got into the danger zone can still be saved or not. By testing, you also check the functionality, which must be guaranteed.
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• Never use a machine on which an emergency stop button does not work. Instead, inform the relevant agency so that a repair can be arranged and do not resume your work until it has been completed.
• Since older machines had to meet lower safety standards and these are still in operation in many places, knowledge of the location and function of the switches is particularly important here. Wherever parts are moved by machine, chains and belts are running, cutting tools are active, there is a risk of overheating and explosion, etc. you should be particularly careful in general. Outdated machines were often designed with less shielding, making it much easier to come into contact with moving parts.

Other safety breakers and regulations

• Don't rely on emergency stop switches to always look the same. It can also be red toggle switches, small push buttons with a different color, etc. While these are usually labeled in some way, do not rely on them to always be. Lettering can fade or be accidentally painted over, etc. So always ask about emergency stop switches if you think one should be available.


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• Take note of the regulations that regulate the use of emergency stop switches, but when in doubt only rely on your common sense. No matter how difficult or costly a restart of a plant or machine may be, what counts is the physical integrity of everyone involved.
• The option of deactivating security is important and useful. Of course, it is better if an operation is not necessary in the first place. You should therefore comply with all safety regulations regarding operation and protective clothing without becoming too careless, because safety clothing is not indestructible either.