Explore every episode of the podcast MachinerySafetyMatters
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [PREVIEW] Principles and Standards | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:04:56 | |
Principles vs Standards in Machinery Safety We’ve all seen it… A machine that’s fully compliant on paper — yet something still goes wrong on the shop floor. Why does that happen? This episode digs into the gap between what the standards say and what actually keeps people safe. It’s about the thinking underneath the checklists — the part most audits never touch. If you work with machinery, this one will sharpen your eye for the risks hiding in plain sight. | |||
| [PREVIEW] Light towers - Whats the deal? | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:02:40 | |
🚨 Red at the top. Always. Because when a machine speaks, it needs to be understood—by everyone. In this week’s episode of Machinery Safety Matters, I dive deep into the silent language of light towers. We’re talking about the real-world consequences of getting the colour order wrong—and why the correct sequence isn’t just best practice… it’s lifesaving. 👀 Ever thought about how colour blindness affects your operators? 💡 Or how a swapped light order could trigger the wrong response in a high-pressure moment? This isn’t theory. It’s what happens on real shop floors, every day. 🎧 Listen now to discover how clarity, consistency, and compassion in design can transform your safety culture—from the ground up. | |||
| [PREVIEW] The Gate That Saves Lives — Literally. | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:02:35 | |
🔒The Gate That Saves Lives — Literally. NEW EPISODE: Most people walk through a platform gate without a second thought. In machinery safety… that gate is doing a lot of thinking for you. In this episode, I break down the 4 critical requirements every safety gate must meet — and why a simple hinge, spring, or closing force can be the difference between protection and disaster. From self‑closing mechanisms to safety distances, strength, corrosion resistance and human‑factor design… this isn’t “just a gate.” It’s one of the most underrated pieces of safety engineering on any machine. If you work with machinery, design it, inspect it, or manage people around it — this episode is a must‑listen. | |||
| [PREVIEW] Assembly of machines Vs Arrangement of machines - Whats the difference? | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:03:09 | |
🔥 Assemblies vs Arrangements — Untangling the Machinery Puzzle 🔥 “Knowing the difference is more important than you think. Are you clear you understand the difference — and what it means to you?” Because this one decision can shift your organisation from: ⚙️ PUWER → to full CE liability ⚙️ Local checks → to system-wide compliance duties ⚙️ Low risk → to board‑level exposure If linked machines share control and function, you didn’t just install equipment… 👉 You built an assembly. And the responsibility lands with you. Get clarity before the consequences get expensive. #Podcast #MachinerySafety #Compliance #Manufacturing #RiskManagement #Leadership | |||
| [PREVIEW] How often do I need to test my safety functions? | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:03:47 | |
🚨 Safety isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about context, risk, and trust. The HSE is clear: safety function test intervals aren’t fixed schedules — they must be set by risk assessment. That means looking at:
Think of it like brakes on a car: daily mountain driving means constant checks, weekend trips mean slower wear. Context is everything. | |||
| [PREVIEW] Difference between Isolation and Prevention of unexpected start up | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:05:00 | |
Isolation vs Unexpected Start-Up — The Truth You Need to Know Most people think Lockout Tagout and preventing unexpected start-up are the same thing. They’re not. And getting this wrong is where accidents happen. In this week’s Machinery Safety Matters episode, I break down — in plain English — why isolation removes energy, why POUS controls energy, and why physics (gravity, inertia, wind…) doesn’t care about your isolator. If you work with machinery, this one will genuinely sharpen your understanding. | |||
| [PREVIEW] The 10 significant risks to health in the workplace | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:05:00 | |
The Red Lines of RIDDOR — What They Really Tell Us 🔧 Most people treat RIDDOR like paperwork. In this episode… I treat it like a mirror. A mirror that shows the truth about how work is really done — the pressures, the shortcuts, the blind spots — and the moments where protection failed and a person paid the price. From fractures to amputations, crush injuries, burns, scalping and enclosed‑space incidents… these aren’t statistics. They’re stories. They’re signals. They’re culture made visible. If you work with machinery, lead teams, or care about safety beyond box‑ticking, this one will hit home. | |||
| [PREVIEW] What should I expect to see in a machine manual, part 2? | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:04:48 | |
⚠️ Machine Manuals: The Most Powerful Safety Tool You’re Probably Ignoring Most people treat machine manuals like background noise. But inside? They’re packed with life‑saving intel. “A manual isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for safety, reliability, and excellence.” 💥 A crane operator checking wind speed before a lift 💥 A packaging jam cleared with the right tool 💥 A worker with a pacemaker avoiding hidden EM risks These aren’t footnotes. They’re the difference between a normal shift and a serious incident. 🎙️This Episode of Machinery Safety Matters breaks down the real stories behind the sections most people skim — stability, emergency procedures, maintenance, spare parts, noise, radiation, and more. If you work with machinery, this one’s unmissable. | |||
| Safety and Reliabiltiy of control systems | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:12:33 | |
Description
The safety related part of the control system, is the brains, it's the intelligence, it's the part of your machine that will decide, if something is safe for you to interact with or not.
BEST MOMENTS
· 1 - Can they operate in the environment that you are using it? · 2 - A fault in the hardware doesn’t create a hazardous situation. · 3 - Errors in the control system logic do not lead to hazardous situations. · 4 - Reasonably foreseeable human error during operation does not lead to hazardous situations.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
For access to standards
S.I.S.T.E.M.A Calculator tool
https://www.dguv.de/ifa/praxishilfen/practical-solutions-machine-safety/software-sistema/index.jsp
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters https://www.instagram.com/machinerysafetymatters/ Membeship site | |||
| The 7 bad arguments against machinery safety. | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:15:50 | |
Description
The work of someone who is interested in improving safety of machinery isn't one, where you identify an issue, report it and then it smoothly gets done with no resistance or pushback. - If only life was that straight forward.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You will get opposition, and challenge, from curious questioning to outright disagreement and everything in between, sometimes from the same person in the same conversation.
BEST MOMENTS
Are there people who don't seem to do very much, but have a lot of influence in the important decisions around safety at your place of work?
VALUABLE RESOURCES
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
For access to other standards
For access to standards
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| What does State of the Art mean? | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:04:45 | |
Description
What does state of the Art mean?
a phrase that you may have heard before, in everyday use or even in an engineering setting
VALUABLE RESOURCES
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
For access to other standards
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| Contents of Machinery manuals Part 1 | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:16:07 | |
Description
Once you've got hold of your maintenance manual, and the type of information you should expect to see contained within it
I'm going to cover the first 8 area's that you might expect to see in the manual, not all of it will apply to your machine, but it will give you a good indication of what to expect, and it is up to you to either provide it, if you are a manufacturer or request it, if you are the buyer of the machine. This episode has been made to serve both.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· As a manufacturer you must state how the machine must be used, it sounds obvious, but you must state it, and be precise about the purpose of the machine.
· Once the operators are trained in the safe use of the machine, you can then think about what if any residual risks are around the machine.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
For access to other standards
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| What’s the difference between an emergency stop and a machine stop? | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:09:14 | |
Description
Machines sometimes come with an emergency stop, and sometimes they come with their own stop, sometimes with both. Do we need both, just one or none at all?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The 3 different types of stop categories Stop Type 0 Uncontrolled 1 Controlled 2 Operational
VALUABLE RESOURCES
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
BS EN 60204-1:2018 Safety of machinery. Electrical equipment of machines - General requirements
For access to other standards
For access to standards
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| What makes an electrical machine isolator safe? | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:16:17 | |
Description
Required characteristics of a machine isolator
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Not all devices that are used for machine isolation are up to the job.
BEST MOMENTS
I'm going to briefly discuss the 6 main requirements for machine disconnection
VALUABLE RESOURCES
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
BS EN 60204-1:2018 Safety of machinery. Electrical equipment of machines - General requirements
BS EN IEC 60947-1:2021 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - General rules
PD 60417 SNAPSHOT:2013 Graphical symbols for use on equipment
BS EN IEC 60947-6-2:2023 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Multiple function equipment. Control and protective switching devices (or equipment) (CPS)
For access to other standards
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd has assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992, it’s my mission to get machinery safety to the forefront of machinery design.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| How to deal with hazards on machines. | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:08:21 | |
Description
How to approach hazards and apply the hierarchy of controls
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· When faced with a hazard on a machine, it is really important to know how to manage those hazards. · However there are times when the machine cannot run slower or have forces that a below hazardous limits and for it to function as a machine due to commercial reasons.
BEST MOMENTS
· The last two of the hierarchy of controls are really the last resort to be used as a primary control but will often be used to enhance other control measures. · The machinery directive or regulations uses the three step method, and the hierarchy of controls can be broken down
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout. BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
Direct link to the standard EN ISO 12100 https://tidd.ly/4draJfV
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| The essential framework for writing instructions for your machinery. | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:17:24 | |
Description
This podcast is going to describe what information that the manufacturer needs to provide to the user of the machinery.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· There are 4 general principles when it comes to drafting instructions. · Try and avoid technical jargon, by making the layout clear and easy to understand.
BEST MOMENTS
· Drafting information is a fundamental part of the design of the machine · “sensorial saturation”, which is when too many alarms are triggered at the same time
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| Hidden secrets of Declarations of Incorporation. | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:13:59 | |
Description
This show is about the 8 essential features of a Declaration of Incorporation or DOI.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· With the right kind of knowledge of what to look for you will be able to gain or provide confidence in the product you are buying or selling. · Once you know what to look for it is easy to spot something that might give you problems further down the line.
BEST MOMENTS
· Whether you are a manufacturer or a purchaser of the machine the Declaration is extremely important and needs to be created and read very seriously. · Sometimes it is not always possible or even practical to produce a compete machine.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| Mysteries of Acts and Regulations for machinery revealed | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:20:27 | |
Description
User responsibilities, and what you must do as an owner and provider of the work equipment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· There are many thing to consider when providing, or using equipment for work, and with that comes a lot of responsibility and also legal obligations. · First of all you have to recognise, that you as a provider of the equipment, are duty bound to ensure that your employee's are safe. · As a provider of work equipment, you must inspect it after it has been installed and before being put into service for the first time, or assembled at new location.
BEST MOMENTS
· You cannot discharge this responsibility onto the manufacturers, you as a provider of this equipment must understand these obligations. · If you employ five or more people you shall record the risk assessment and any significant findings. · The aim of the training is to close the gap between what they know now, and what level required to operate the machinery,
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout. Managing for Health and Safety - HSG 65 as mentionedi in the episode https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg65.htm
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| Revealing the 10 essential features of a Declaration of Conformity. | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:18:10 | |
Description
The 10 essential characteristics that need to be present on the declaration of conformity
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· One of the most important documents you will look over, is the Declaration of Conformity. · It's not something to be shoved in a drawer without reading it
BEST MOMENTS
· Once you know what to look for it is easy to spot something that might give you problems further down the line · As a receiver of the equipment it is essential that you are diligent in your choice of machinery, if you get this wrong then you could end up with something that is not as safe and compliant as you first thought.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
NANDO - Database for Notified bodies https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/single-market-compliance-space/#/notified-bodies For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| How to structure a machinery risk assessment. | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:18:14 | |
Description
How to approach risk assessments for machinery safety.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· The very first thing we must do is to is get a feel for the machine · How you determine where a score sits in relation to the level of risk, is your risk profile.
BEST MOMENTS
· If the process of carrying out a risk assessment creates a situation of fear of challenge, or confusion, then it can end up doing more harm than good. · A subjective risk assessment might identify unrealistic scenarios that are not foreseeable or practicable · The risk assessment will determine what that initial level of risk is, and the evaluation will determine whether or not to proceed to the next level · By the very nature of having a group of people assess a hazard, it removes the subjectivity from the issue.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| Machine nameplates, and the 6 easy to check non conformities hidden in plain sight. | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:08:38 | |
Description
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· Every machine that claims any sort of conformity must at the very least have a nameplate on it. · There are certain characteristics that must be present on it. · As soon as you physically receive your machine you need to check that the paperwork matches the actual machine and there are simple checks that you can make to understand and get a feel for what you have purchased.
BEST MOMENTS
· Without the nameplate there will at some point be doubt between the documentation you have and the machine it refers to.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| The mysteries of standard types revealed. | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:14:07 | |
Description
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· For the design of machinery, not only are there are many different titles of standards but there are also different standard types · Apart from a name and number which might be obvious to most people, they have an extra classification or type as they are known.
BEST MOMENTS
· Used in the correct way and you will not only have a safe design, but you will also be able to presume conformity to the appropriate directive or regulations. · There is no need to ever guess how to design machines,
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout. EN ISO 12100 - BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction
EN ISO 22100 - PD CEN ISO/TR 22100-1:2021 Safety of machinery. Relationship with ISO 12100. How ISO 12100 relates to type-B and type-C standards
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| The most important responsibilites of Users, Manufacturers and buyers of machinery. | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:15:48 | |
Description
Your role in the machinery life-cycle, what they are, and how your responsibilities could change.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· When considering your role look at the short term involvement, what is your immediate function with this machine? · A user will be a person who will benefit from the function of the machinery as intended by the manufacturer.
BEST MOMENTS
· As an importer you must ensure that the product isn't sold or advertised unless it meets conformity and that it has the appropriate markings. · If you install equipment you must follow the manufacturer's instructions. But you have a responsibility to ensure that if you are altering an existing machine or installation that it is safe.
Further Reading and Valuable Resources
HSE Guidance
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/are-you.htm
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters | |||
| Essential definitions you must know for Machinery Compliance. | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:14:15 | |
Description The most commonly used definitions for machinery compliance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· Having a grasp of the basic definitions used in machinery safety and compliance, sets you up for a deeper understanding of the process.
BEST MOMENTS
· If you can remember and appreciate the following brief definitions, when they come up in the near future, you will already know more than most. · ‘reasonably foreseeable misuse’ means the use of machinery in a way not intended in the instructions for use, but which may result from readily predictable human behaviour.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group | |||
| What you must understand about machinery risk assesments. | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:14:35 | |
Description What machinery risk assessments are and importantly what they are not.
KEY TAKEAWAYS · A risk assessment should never be treated as a box ticking exercise · The aim of the risk assessment process, is to assess the scenario's, in which the machine could become dangerous. · It is this risk assessment that drives the solution
BEST MOMENTS
· Different people see different things, so it's really important that everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the process. Risk assessments are not a one stop process, where you do it once, stick it on a hard drive then never look at it again. · It sets you ahead of the competition who might not go as deep as you will in your design. Valuable Resources For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout. BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction Direct link to the standard EN ISO 12100 https://tidd.ly/4draJfV For access to other machinery standards
CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters
ABOUT THE HOSTS Barry Shepherd has assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
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| Why, Machinery Safety Matters First Episode | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:10:47 | |
The series of these podcast is going to cover what machinery safety is, why it matters, how you can apply engineering solutions to solve problems while also keeping them safe and complaint with the relevant characteristics and requirements.
KEY TAKEAWAYS · Machinery safety is a niche of general health and safety, and requires specialist knowledge to be able to apply it correctly. · Machinery safety isn't guess work or about who can shout louder or puff their chest the biggest or wow with qualifications to win an argument. · There are calculations, charts and tables to interpret that can be a minefield to understand, · A safe reliable machine will be more in keeping with a business that wants to grow and innovate, there is no need to cut corners on machinery safety.
BEST MOMENTS
· How we do machinery safety is critical to our own personal safety, well-being, our business, our jobs and how we live. · We can only build upon what we know at the time, and reference those who have taken the time to investigate a deeper understanding around the subject.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
For access to standards
BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction For a 10% discount use AFF10OFF at checkout.
Follow and connect VALUABLE RESOURCES
ABOUT THE HOST Barry Shepherd assessed 1000’s of machines across the globe in all multiple industries since 2010. With a strong passion for Engineering since 1992.
Feel free to connect https://twitter.com/MachinerySafety Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/MachinerySafetyMatters https://www.instagram.com/machinerysafetymatters/ Membeship site https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/13125450 | |||