Ashton Global / Spectra 45NB Stone Melanger — entrapment risk

Hazard

The machine presents a serious risk of finger/hand crushing or entrapment between the rotating drum and grinding wheel or other stationary parts. The machine lid and inspection hatch are not interlocked and are secured using fixings which do not require a tool, which means they can be easily opened while the drum is rotating. There is no evidence that an appropriate conformity assessment was carried out before the product was placed on the market in Great Britain (GB). The machine does not meet the requirements of The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

Remedy

The manufacturer (Ashton Global /Spectra) has been instructed to: Stop selling the product to GB customers, until they have been brought into conformity. Inform customers that the product is non-compliant and poses a risk of serious harm to users. Any resulting revisions to ‘safe use’ within the user instructions, and any other information, should be communicated to Vantage House, and any other GB based distributors, so that information can be passed on to existing GB users. The supplier/importer Vantage House (Sussex) Ltd has been instructed to: Stop supply and remove the product from their website, immediately. Contact the manufacturer to request updated information and user instructions on how the machines already sold to GB customers can be made safe. Contact their customers to advise them of the serious risk, and that they should stop using the machine until it is made safe. Vantage House have confirmed they have taken the following actions: The product has been removed from their website. They have instigated a recall.

Product recall

Measures taken

• Recall of product from end users

Product description

The product is a stone melanger grinding machine with a speed controller. It consists of an electrically powered rotating drum which moves against a stationary grinding wheel and is used for chocolate, cocoa, nut butter processing, and other grinding needs.