Ensuring Safety in Mixing Mills: A Guide to a Secure Workplace

According to national guideline on Industrial Safety and Health in various countries, employers are required to implement maintenance measures to ensure that equipment—such as mixing mills—complies with the Machinery Directive throughout its entire period of use. If the state of the art changes with regard to the required level of protection, it must be assessed whether additional safety measures are necessary for the machines and the workplace. Relying blindly on a CE marking can lead to a rude awakening.

A brief distraction, a moment of inattention, a wrong move, or a malfunctioning machine—often, that’s all it takes to create serious hazards for machine operators in your facility.

Technical safety gaps, uncertainty in handling machine malfunctions, and resulting operating errors can put employees in immediate danger. Especially with heavy machinery like rolling mills, workplace accidents can quickly become severe—or even fatal.

But how can uncertainties be eliminated and machine safety guaranteed?

Risk Assessment with Experts: Prevent Hazards with Tailored Safety Solutions

DEGUMA not only offers hazard assessments and professional consulting for the safe operation of rolling mills but also provides safety retrofitting upon request. With over 30 years of experience and deep technical expertise in retrofitting used rolling mills from all manufacturers, DEGUMA knows exactly what matters when it comes to safety devices and compliance with the Machinery Directive. Through its state-of-the-art retrofitting services, the company helps rolling mill operators meet the requirements of the BetrSichV. The risk assessment is carried out under the motto: “Safety first.”

Finding a customized solution for each machine is something DEGUMA’s team excels at. They visit companies on-site to gain a clear understanding of the specific conditions and ensure that work processes can be carried out in full compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

At DEGUMA’s facility in Geisa, customers can explore various machines, safety devices that meet current standards, and safe working practices—and even test them using their own materials.

Safety Training on the Machine According to Regulations: Immediate Action in Case of Emergency

In addition to professional maintenance and servicing of rolling mills, DEGUMA offers specialized training focused on machine safety. In the event of an accident—such as when an operator is caught or pulled into a rolling mill and cannot free themselves—operators must know exactly how to respond. Rescue drills are crucial when working with machines that expose operators to unguarded danger zones.

Under the guidance of the DEGUMA team, potential hazards are simulated through practical exercises and examples, and correct behavior at the machines is taught—all in accordance with the current Machinery Directive.

“Working on rolling mills must be done with care, and the rules must be followed—then safe operation is possible,” explains Arno Herget, Safety Officer at DEGUMA. “Many forget the dangers after working in the same environment for years. Our training sessions, along with the tailored hazard assessments, are designed to increase readiness to act quickly and correctly. Safety always comes first.”

Visit our Services > Safety section to learn how to improve safety in your company or read more about CE marking.