Fundamentals of Machine Guarding SAFTENG.net LLC

Object of Machine Guarding Keep operator or others from getting to the point of operation Point of operation is the point where the work is being done Where the dies come together Where the drill meets the metal Keep employees from contacting mechanical hazards SAFTENG.net LLC

Most Frequent Machine Guarding Citations Failure to identify all “point of operation” hazards Removing guards or allowing a guard to remain off Allowing employees to defeat guards such as taping over a switch or trip to make the operation more convenient Overlooking that employees may be exposed to a hazard during non-production periods Underestimating the accessibility of equipment Tongue guards and tool rests missing or not adjusted on bench grinders SAFTENG.net LLC

Basics of Machine Safeguarding Any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury must be safeguarded Hazards must be controlled or eliminated to prevent accidental contact Accidents of this type are needless and preventable SAFTENG.net LLC

Machines consist of three fundamental areas Point of Operation Power Transmission Device Other Moving Parts SAFTENG.net LLC

Fundamental Areas “Point of Operation” is the place and/or point of actual contact between a machine and the material being processed Examples include cutting or shaping SAFTENG.net LLC

Fundamental Areas “Power Transmission” transmits energy to the part of the machine performing the work Examples include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods and chains SAFTENG.net LLC

Fundamental Areas Other moving parts – All parts of the machine which move while the machine is working rotating, reciprocating moving parts, feed mechanisms, and auxiliary parts of the machine SAFTENG.net LLC

Requirements for Safeguards Prevent contact - safeguard must prevent contact with any part of body Secure - guards must be secured to machine to prevent easy removal or tampering Protect from falling objects - prevents objects from falling into moving parts Creates no new hazard - guards should not have shear points or jagged edges Creates no interference - safeguard must not keep workers from performing job quickly and comfortably Allow for safe lubrication - workers should lubricate machines without removing guards extend grease hoses to outside of guard SAFTENG.net LLC

Types of Machine Guarding Barrier Guards Fixed Adjustable Interlocked Safe Guarding Devices Movable barrier devices Pull Back (pull out) and restraint devices Presence-sensing safeguarding devices Two-hand operating lever, trip and control devices Safety mat devices Safeguarding methods Location/Distance SAFTENG.net LLC

Design, Construction, & Installation of Barrier Guards Material used in the construction of barrier guards must be of such design and strength as to protect individuals from identified hazards. Barrier guards must be free of sharp edges, burrs, slag welds, fasteners, or other hazards that may injure individuals when handling, removing or using the guards or equipment. The design, construction, and installation of the barrier guard must ensure that individuals cannot reach the hazard by reaching over, under, around, or through the barrier guard. SAFTENG.net LLC