What preliminary action should you take before starting work on machinery alignment?

Before starting work on machinery alignment, it is crucial to conduct a risk assessment. This action involves identifying potential hazards associated with the alignment process, evaluating the risks, and implementing necessary safety measures to protect both personnel and equipment. Understanding the risks involved is fundamental, as it helps ensure that alignment work proceeds safely, minimizes the chance of accidents, and maintains the integrity of the machinery involved.

While having a quick reading may seem practical, it does not address the safety considerations and potential risks involved in machinery alignment. Familiarity with the machinery manual is important for proper alignment procedures, but again, it does not encompass safety protocols. Reviewing prior maintenance records can provide useful insights into past issues, but without assessing risks first, any historical data may not adequately prepare you for the current task. Thus, conducting a risk assessment is the best initial step to ensure a safe and effective alignment process.