The employee asks: As a machine operator, I have to work on a number of different machines. The control buttons and levers of these machines have foreign-language texts that I don’t understand. I know the purpose of most of the buttons, as they were explained to me when I started working. Since I work on several machines, it can get confusing what button does what. Also, the machines have yellow stickers with texts in a language I don’t understand.
Rein Reisberg, Working Environment Consultant at the Labour Inspectorate, responds:
In order to ensure that the operation of a machine’s control devices, such as buttons, levers and pedals, is understandable and unambiguous, there must be a pictorial sign or text in a language that the operator understands on the control devices or in their immediate vicinity, explaining how the use of the control device will change the operation of the machine. For example, the pictorial sign or text must make it clear whether the machine will start or stop, whether it starts to work slower or faster, or whether a part of the machine starts to move upwards or downwards.
This information must also be understandable to an employee who operates the machine temporarily, for example, when the employee who usually operates the machine is on a holiday or sick or when help is needed in the event of an accident. Therefore, any text labelling should at least be in the Estonian language. Foreign-language texts installed by the manufacturer may also be retained and, if necessary, texts in a language understood by the employee operating the machine should be added.
On most machines, the manufacturer has installed pictorial signs or textual warnings which must be followed by the operator. Usually these warnings are on stickers with a yellow background. These texts must also be in a language that the user understands.
Clearly and unambiguously marked control devices enable the operator to use the devices without hesitation and to avoid unintended commands that may result from confusing the control devices.
All articles
