1. MACHINE GUARDING 29 CFR 1910.211 to 1910.219
Machine guarding is an integral part of any safety and health program. As statistics can demonstrate, it is also one aspect of safety that is too often violated. This program will review the reasons for machine guarding and the various types of guards used in our industry.

2. RULE OF THUMB
Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded.
Rule of the thumb
If you can easily contact the moving parts on a machine, the machine must be guarded. Because the OSHA standards are performance oriented with regard to machine guarding, companies have the freedom to design their own guards.
However, remember that most equipment built today is designed with guards in place.

3. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Regulatory requirements found in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart O
Applies to specific types of equipment
Describes general requirements
Regulatory requirements
The OSHA standards provide some specific requirements for various pieces of equipment like grinders, fans, and bandsaws. But whether or not there are specifics in the standard, simply keep in mind that if there are moving parts that can affect you when operating the machine, then it must be guarded in some way. In a few moments, we will review some of the ways we can safeguard the equipment.

4. WHERE MECHANICAL HAZARDS OCCUR
The point of operation
In the power transmission apparatus
Other moving parts
Where mechanical hazards occur
The point of operation is where the work is actually performed on the material.
The power transmission apparatus includes all components of the mechanical system that transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work. These components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.
Other moving parts include all parts of the machine that move while the machine is working.
This picture shows an unguarded PTO shaft.

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFEGUARDS
Minimum general requirements include:
Prevent contact
Secure
Protect from falling objects
Create no new hazards
Create no interference
The minimum general requirements for safeguards are:
Prevent contact
Secure
Protect from falling objects
Create no new hazards
Create no interference
We will go over each one of these on the following slides.

6. PREVENT CONTACT
The safeguard must prevent hands, arms, and any other part of an operator’s body from making contact with dangerous moving parts.
The safeguarding system should eliminate the possibility of the operator or another worker placing parts of their bodies near hazardous moving parts.
Prevent Contact.
The safeguard must keep any part of the worker’s body from making contact with dangerous moving parts.
All safeguards must also eliminate the possibility of the operator or another worker from putting their bodies near hazardous moving parts.

7. SECURE
Operators should not be able to easily remove or tamper with safeguards
Guards should be made with a durable material that will withstand normal wear and tear.
Guards must be firmly secured to the machine.
Secure.
Safeguards should not be easily removed or tampered with.
Guards should be durable and able to withstand normal wear and tear.
All guards should be firmly secured to the machine.
The picture shows a roll of wire mesh which is commonly used to guard exhaust fans and other horticultural machinery. The wire mesh is very durable and can be easily installed on machinery but not easily removed.

8. PROTECT FROM FALLING PARTS
Safeguard should ensure that no objects can fall into moving parts.
A small tool dropped into a cycling machine could become a projectile that would strike and injure someone.
Protect from falling parts.
All guards should ensure that no objects can fall into moving parts.
Small tools dropped into a cycling machine could become a projectile that would strike and injure someone.

9. CREATE NO NEW HAZARDS
A safeguard defeats its own purpose if it creates new hazards such as a jagged edge or an unfinished surface that could cause a laceration.
The edges of the guard, for example, should be rolled or bolted so that sharp edges are eliminated.
Create no new hazards
A safeguard defeats its own purpose if it creates new hazards such as jagged edges or unfinished surfaces which could cause a laceration.
For example, the edges of the guard should be rolled or bolted to eliminate sharp edges.

10. CREATE NO INTERFERENCE
A safeguard that impedes an operator from performing the job quickly and comfortably may be overridden or disregarded.
Proper safeguarding may actually enhance efficiency since it relieves the operator’s apprehensions about the injury.
Create no interference
Guards that keep an operator from performing the job quickly and comfortably may be overridden or disregarded.
Proper safeguarding may actually enhance efficiency since it relieves the operator’s apprehensions about the injury.

11. TYPES OF GUARDS Fixed Adjustable Self-adjustable Types of guards
In our industry there are three different types of machine guards: fixed, adjustable and self-adjustable.
As a general rule, power transmission apparatuses are best protected by fixed guards that enclose the danger area.
For hazards at the point of operation where moving parts are actually performing work, all these types are available and effective.

12. FIXED GUARDS A permanent part of the machine
Not dependant on any other part to perform the function
Usually made of sheet metal, screen bars or other material which will withstand the anticipated impact
Considered the preferred type of guard
Simple and durable
Fixed guards are…
are a permanent part of the machine
not dependant on any other part to perform the function
usually made of sheet metal, screen bars or other material which will withstand the anticipated impact
considered the preferred type of guard
simple and durable
To deter easy removal, a fixed guard must require the aid of an appropriate tool to open, remove, replace, perform maintenance or repair work.
This picture shows the fixed guarding on a transplanter.

13. ADJUSTABLE GUARDS Very flexible to accommodate various types of stock
Manually adjusted
Adjustable guards are…
very flexible to accommodate various types of stock
manually adjusted
A bandsaw blade is an example of an adjustable guard.

14. SELF-ADJUSTABLE GUARDS
The opening is determined by the movement of the stock through the guard.
Does not always provide maximum protection.
Self-adjustable guards
The opening is determined by the movement of the stock through the guard and they do not always provide maximum protection.
This picture shows the self adjustable blade guard on a circular saw which retracts while in use and automatically snaps back in place when work is finished.

15. MACHINES REQUIRING GUARDING
Bandsaws
Circular Saws
Grinders
Flat fillers
Transplanters
Soil Mixers
Pot fillers
Fans
PTOs (Power Take Off)
On the following slides, we will look at some machines common in our industry which require guarding. The machines we will be looking at are:
bandsaws
circular saws
grinders
flat fillers
PTOs
pot fillers
Transplanters
soil mixers
fans

16. BANDSAWS
Bandsaws
All portions of the saw shall be enclosed or guarded except that portion between the bottom of the guide rolls and the table.
The guard shall be kept adjusted as close as possible to the table without interfering with the movement of stock.
The down travel guard from the upper wheel to the guide rolls shall be adjusted so that the blade will travel within the angle or channel.

17. CIRCULAR SAW Circular saw
Most injuries from circular saws occur when the saw blade binds in the cut and the saw kicks back toward the operator. Adjusting the cutting depth so that the blade extends no more than 1/8 in. beyond the bottom of the material is an important first step in avoiding kickback. Having the blade at the proper depth limits the area of the blade that's in the kerf. It also exposes less of the blade if the saw kicks back.
Perhaps the most important feature on a circular saw is the blade-guard. As mentioned before, this safety feature is a protective shield that automatically pushes back when the saw is in use, then snaps into position to cover the blade as soon as you finish a cut.

18. GRINDERS
Grinders
The guards on grinders should never be removed because they offer protection in case of wheel failure and protect hands and fingers from injury.
Work rests or tools rests are provided on all machines. Work rests should be kept adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one-eighth inch to prevent the work from being jammed between the wheel and the rest, which may cause wheel breakage.
Also, never adjust tool rests while the grinder is running.

19. FLAT FILLERS Flat fillers
The moving parts on flat fillers must be guarded and here is an example of proper guarding.
On this machine the power transmission apparatus as well as the point of operation are protected by fixed guarding.

20. FLAT FILLERS (CONT.) Flat fillers
Here are more pictures of properly guarded flat fillers.
Again, the power transmission apparatus on each machine is properly guarded as well as the point of operation. These are also fixed guards.

21. TRANSPLANTERS Transplanters
Here is a pictures of a properly guarded transplanter.
Like the flat fillers, the power transmission apparatus and point of operation are guarded with fixed guards.

22. SOIL MIXERS Soil mixers Here are some pictures of soil mixers.
Notice that the power transmission and point of operation on each machine is safeguarded with fixed guards.

23. POT FILLERS Pot fillers Here are some pictures of pot fillers.
Once again, the power transmission and point of operation on each machine are guarded with fixed guards.

24. FANS
Fans
OSHA states when the periphery of blades of a fan are located less than 7 feet from the ground or working level, the blades must be guarded with a guard having openings no larger than one-half (1/2) inch.
Wire mesh is a common type of guard for exhaust fans and is used on the fan in this picture.

25. POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) SHIELDS/GUARDS
Every component of the PTO should be shielded for maximum protection.
For this reason, engineers have developed four different types of shields:
master shields
stub shaft shields
shaft shields
implement shields.
Power take off shields/guards
All components of the PTO should be shielded for maximum protection.
For this reason, engineers have developed four different types of shields:
Master shields
Stub shaft shields
Shaft shields
Implement shields
Think about these facts for a moment. A PTO shaft can spin around 1,000 times every minute or 16 times every second. If you were to throw a 13-foot rope over a spinning PTO, the rope would wrap around the shaft in less than one second. Now instead of a rope, imagine that your shirt sleeve became entangled. One second is barely enough time for you to realize that you have been caught, let alone enough time for you to pull away. (Think about it--how many people do you know with 13-foot arms?)
Instructions for Speaker:
Picture: (click on the picture to begin the clip) This picture shows the hazard present when a person’s body or clothing comes in contact with an unguarded PTO.

26. POWER TAKE OFF SHIELDS/GUARDS (Cont.)
Here are the four different types of shields for the PTO.
Master shields cover the tractor PTO stub shaft. This is the part of the tractor where you would attach the PTO driveline. Master shields cover the top and sides of the PTO stub. This shield protects operators from dangerous rotating connections.
Stub shaft shields cap exposed PTO stub shafts when not in use. It is recommended to guard stub shafts when an implement is not attached to the tractor.
Shaft shields are those guards used to cover PTO drivelines. Plastic or metal tubular shaft shields are recommended since they completely enclose the shaft.
Implement shields are very similar in appearance to master shields. They are attached to the implement and enclose the area connecting the PTO shaft to the implement.

27. PRECAUTIONS WITH PTO SHIELDS/GUARDS
Never remove PTO shields.
Shield all PTOs completely by installing shaft shields, master shields, and implement shields.
Always replace bent or damaged guards.
Safety decals must be present on the tractor and PTO driven equipment.
Do not perform maintenance on any equipment until the engine is shut off and the PTO and other machinery parts have completely stopped moving.
Precautions with PTO shields/guards
Never remove PTO shields. Although the presence of master shields can make attaching implements more difficult, master shields should be left in place. If the removal of a guard is absolutely necessary for maintenance or repair, replace the guard immediately when finished.
Shield all PTOs completely by installing shaft shields, master shields, and implement shields.
Always replace bent or damaged guards.
Safety decals, like the one pictured here, must be present on tractors and PTO equipment specifying that power drive system safety shields must be kept in place and the equipment or machinery cannot be used if the shields are not in place.
Do not perform maintenance on any equipment until the engine is shut off and the PTO and other machinery parts have completely stopped moving.

28. EXAMPLES OF POWER TAKE OFF GUARDING
Here are some examples of PTO shielding/guarding.
The picture on the left:
This picture displays a bent shaft guard which offers no protection from a spinning PTO shaft. Also notice the missing master shield and the inadequate guarding of the universal joint near the PTO pedestal.
The picture on the right:
This picture shows a master shield covering the tractor PTO stub.

29. WHEN IS EMPLOYEE TRAINING REQUIRED?
For new operators and maintenance or setup personnel
When any new or altered safeguards are put in service
When operators are assigned to a new machine or operation
When is employee training required?
For new operators and maintenance or setup personnel
When any new or altered safeguards are put in service
When operators are assigned to a new machine or operation

30. REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Description and identification of hazards associated with particular machines
The safeguards themselves, how they provide protection, and the hazards for which they are intended
How to use the safeguards and why
Requirements for employee training
Description and identification of hazards associated with particular machines.
The safeguards themselves, how they provide protection, and the hazards for which they are intended.
How to use the safeguards and why. Employees must understand the importance and purpose of all safeguards. This will help prevent tampering and the removing of guards.

31. REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEE TRAINING (Cont.)
How and under what circumstances safeguards can be removed, and by whom (in most cases, repair or maintenance personnel only)
What to do if a safeguard is damaged, missing or unable to provide adequate protection
Requirements for employee training
How and under what circumstances safeguards can be removed, and by whom.
What to do if a safeguard is damaged, missing or unable to provide adequate protection. Unguarded machinery or machinery with damaged or inadequate guarding should not be used. Procedures should be developed to handle this situation, such as contacting your supervisor.

32. SUMMARY Where mechanical hazards occur Requirements for safeguards
Types of guards
Machines requiring guarding (pictures)
Employee training
Summary
Where mechanical hazards occur:
The point of operation
In the power transmission apparatus
Other moving parts
Requirements for safeguards:
Prevent contact
Secure
Protect from falling objects
Create no new hazards
Create no interference
Types of guards:
Fixed
Adjustable
Self Adjustable
Machines requiring guards:
Bandsaws
Circular saws
Grinders
Flat fillers
Fans
Pot Fillers
Transplanters
PTOs
Employee Training:
Required for new operators, new safeguards, and when employees are assigned to a new machine.
Training requirements: employees need to know the hazards associated with the machine, the purpose of the safeguards, how to use the safeguard and why, when safeguards can be removed and how, and what to do if the guard is missing, damaged, or unable to provide adequate protection.

33. REFERENCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
References for more information

34. LET’S SEE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED
Quiz time!!!
Instructions for Speaker:
Hand out the quiz copies. Go over the questions orally and have the employees write their answers on their quiz sheets.

35. QUESTION 1
Mechanical hazards occur at the point of operation, in the power transmission apparatus, and ___________________.
Answer: Mechanical hazards occur at the point of operation, in the power transmission apparatus, and in any other moving parts.

36. QUESTION 2
Any moving part on a piece of equipment that could injure an employee should be guarded.
True or False
Answer: True. All moving parts that create a hazard should be guarded.

37. QUESTION 3
Employees should be trained when new safeguards are put in service.
True or False
Answer: True. Employees should be trained when new or altered safeguards are put in service.

38. QUESTION 4
The blades of a fan located less than 7 feet from the ground shall be guarded and the guard shall have openings no larger than _______ inch(es).
Answer: The blades of a fan located less than 7 feet from the ground shall be guarded and the guard shall have openings no larger than one-half (1/2) inch.

39. QUESTION 5
As long as the guards remain in place, operators should not be trained on machine guarding.
True or False
Answer: False. If operators work with equipment containing safeguards, they should be adequately trained on how to use them.

40. QUESTION 6
Some guards may not prevent parts of the worker’s body and clothing from making contact with dangerous parts.
True or False
Answer: False. All guards must prevent contact.

41. QUESTION 7 Fixed guards are a permanent part of the machine.
True or False
Answer: True. Fixed guards are a permanent part of the machine and to deter easy removal, a fixed guard must require the aid of an appropriate tool to open, remove, replace, perform maintenance or repair work.

42. QUESTION 8 Name one minimum general requirement for safeguards.
Answers
prevent contact
be secure
protect from falling parts
create no new hazards
create no interference

43. QUESTION 9
Keep any shielding on PTO’s in place or replace immediately after servicing.
True or False
Answer: True. If the removal of a guard is absolutely necessary for maintenance or repair, replace the guard immediately when finished.

44. QUESTION 10 List the types of guards common to our industry.
Answer: Fixed, adjustable, and self-adjustable.

45. THE END Are there any questions?
Thank you for attending and have a great day!