Emergency Stops

An emergency stop lets anyone stop a machine fast when something goes wrong. Every worker near a machine should know where its E-stops are, and that hitting one is always the right call in an emergency.

• Manufacturing
• Warehouses
• Machine operators

What they look like

• Buttons: a red mushroom-head button on a yellow background. Pushing it latches it down; it must be twisted or pulled to release.
• Pull cords: cables along conveyors that stop the line when pulled anywhere along their length. See Conveyors.
• Other types: foot switches, kick plates and wireless stops on some equipment.

Where they should be

• At each operator station
• Where workers load, unload or feed the machine
• Along conveyors, within reach from any point
• Not blocked by materials, carts or guards
• Clearly visible and labeled

Using and resetting

• Hit it whenever someone is in danger or the machine acts wrong. Don’t hesitate.
• Find out why it was hit before resetting.
• Resetting the E-stop shouldn’t restart the machine. A separate start action should be needed. If a machine restarts on reset, report it.
• Check that everyone is clear before restarting.

Testing

Test E-stops and pull cords on a regular schedule, as the maker and your procedures require, and after repairs. Report any that don’t stop the machine fully.

Last updated: October 2, 2026