Operating the Mill on Open Days and with Visiting Groups
All the procedures for operating setting up the mill, milling and ‘putting it to bed’ must be followed.
There are a number of other considerations which need to be taken into account when the mill is
open to the public:
In particular:
 People on the stairs – all will be slower than you – small children and some adults will be
very slow.
 Extra noise.
 Distraction of questions and watching out for any dangerous behaviour
 Visitors outside the mill are in danger from the chains and the weight. Stakes and rope must
be in place.
 Visitors may try to follow you into the cap – replace cage or make them keep their feet on
the stairs.
 Visitors don’t know what will move and what won’t – they must be warned by all the
volunteer guides that the brakes are off and that machinery may START moving at any
time.
Running Light
It is not recommended to run the mill light if the mean wind speed is more than 14 mph and do not
exceed a speed equivalent 60 RPM stone speed. Monitor the wind speed as it usually increases
through the morning.Be ready to slow the sails or stop them altogether if wind speed builds up.
If the mill is to be operated on Open Days, there must be TWO trained millers on duty, who will be
able to concentrate entirely on milling procedures at critical moments.
If Walkie- Talkies are used by the mill operators, check they are fully charged, are on the same
channel and are operating clearly and correctly. Always repeat and agree instructions and intended
actions.
Engaging the Stones and Demonstrating Milling
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One trained miller (with back-up) will be designated in overall authority and will carry
outall the operations: stopping and starting the mill, stone engagement and milling.
That person will concentrate entirely on those tasks and there must be sufficient volunteer
guides to cover – especially on the stones floor.
All windows on the Stones Floor should be opened.
The first stairs must be clear of all visitors during stone engagement and until miller has
checked the tentering and the stone furniture settings.
Milling should happen for a limited time and volunteer guides must not remain on the stone
floor for any length of time and be exposed to too much flour dust.