The Importance of Machine Guarding
Most machines have moving parts that have the potential to cause injury. Those injuries include pinching, crushing, and amputation. Machine guarding is basically guarding or protecting machine parts that are the most dangerous to the operator. Any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury must be safeguarded. Machine guarding reduces the likelihood that an accident will occur because of things like mechanical failure, human error, electrical failure, or poor design.
Guard means a barrier that prevents entry of the operator’s hands or fingers into the point of operation.
OSHA 1910.211(d)(32)
Match the Correct Guard with the Specific Machine
Using a machine safely, to avoid a potential injury, entails many factors. There are many different types of machine safeguards. The type of guard that has to be used depends on the machine and the hazards it can pose. Before using any equipment the operator should be trained in how to use the safeguards, where the safeguards are located, the kind of protection they provide, and which hazards they protect against. Operators need to know how and under what circumstances guards can be removed and they should be able to identify when guards are damaged, missing or inadequate.
Prevent Physical Injuries
Machine guarding helps to prevent amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries and abrasions. Without such guarding, the resulting injury can be severe or even fatal. There’s never a good reason to remove a guard on a machine that you’re using, even if you think you can work faster without it. Guards are there to protect you!
Don’t overlook this important safety measure. There are many details to know.
Compliance Consultants, Inc. can assess and advise you on any needs around machine guarding. Contact us today. Compliance Consultants, Inc.
Resources: OSHA Standards
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.212
