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Machine Guarding

Definitions:

  • Guards - Barriers that prevent employees from contact with moving portions or parts of exposed machinery or equipment which could cause physical harm to the employees.
  • Enclosures - Mounted physical barriers which prevent access to moving parts of machinery or equipment.
  • Point-of-Operation - The area on the machine where work is being done and the material is positioned for processing.
  • Power Transmission - Any mechanical parts which transmit energy and motion from a power source to the point-of-operation.
  • Shear Points - The reciprocal (back and forth) movement of a mechanical part past a fixed point on a machine.
  • Shearing Action - The danger of this type of action lies at the point of operation where materials are actually inserted, maintained and withdrawn. Guarding is accomplished through fixed barriers, interlocks, remote control placement, feeding or ejection.
  • Nip Points - In-Running Machine or equipment parts, which rotate towards each other, or where one part rotates toward a stationery object.
  • Rotating Motions - an exposed mechanism are dangerous unless guarded. Even a smooth, slowly rotating shaft or coupling can grasp clothing or hair upon contact with the skin and force an arm or hand into a dangerous position. Affixed or hinged guard enclosure protects against this exposure.
  • Reciprocating - Reciprocating motions are produced by the back and fourth movements of certain machine or equipment parts. This motion is hazardous, when exposed, offering pinch or shear points to an Employee. A fixed enclosure such as a barrier guard is an effective method against this exposure.
  • Transverse Motions - Transverse motions are hazardous due to straight line action and in-running nip points. Pinch and shear points also are created with exposed machinery and equipment parts operating between a fixed or other moving object. A fixed or hinged guard enclosure provides protection against this exposure.
  • Cutting Actions - Cutting action results when rotating, reciprocating, or transverse motion is imparted to a tool so that material being removed is in the form of chips. Exposed points of operation must be guarded to protect the operator from contact with cutting hazards, being caught between the operating parts and from flying particles and sparks.

    • Machine Guarding Requirements:

    Machine Guarding Requirements:

    Employee Responsibilities: