The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established comprehensive machine safety standards to protect workers from potential hazards. This article provides an easy-to-use reference guide for OSHA machine safety requirements, helping you maintain compliance and a safe work environment.
The Importance of Machine Guarding
Machine guarding is a critical aspect of workplace safety, designed to protect operators and other employees from hazards created by moving machine parts, flying chips, sparks, and other potential dangers. OSHA machine safety standards are put in place to ensure that proper safeguards are implemented across various industries.
OSHA’s Role in Machine Safety
OSHA sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions. Their machine guarding requirements are outlined in CFR 1910.212 and other related standards. Compliance with these standards is not just a legal obligation; it’s a crucial step in protecting your workforce and improving operational efficiency.
Key Components of OSHA Machine Safety Standards
Point of Operation Guarding
The point of operation is the area of a machine where work is performed on the material being processed. This is often the most dangerous area of the machine and requires careful guarding.
OSHA machine safety standards require that the point of operation be guarded to prevent the operator from having any part of their body in the danger zone during the operating cycle. Guards should be:
- Securely attached to the machine
- Constructed to prevent objects from falling into moving parts
- Created from durable material that can withstand normal use
Power Transmission Apparatus Guarding
Power transmission parts include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears. These components transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work.
OSHA machine safety requirements mandate that all power transmission apparatus be guarded. Guards should:
- Be affixed to the machine if possible
- Protect the operator and other employees in the area from hazards
- Prevent contact with moving parts
- Ensure that no objects can fall into moving parts
Other Moving Parts Guarding
This category includes any of a machine’s moving parts that may present a hazard to workers, such as reciprocating, rotating, and transverse moving parts.
According to OSHA machine safety standards, these parts must be guarded if they are located within seven feet of the floor or working platform. Guards should:
- Be sufficiently strong to resist normal wear and tear
- Be firmly secured in place
- Not interfere with machine operation or maintenance
OSHA Machine Guarding Checklist
To help you ensure compliance with OSHA machine safety standards, use this comprehensive checklist:
Guard Construction
- Are guards firmly secured and not easily removable?
- Do guards prevent workers’ hands, arms, or other body parts from making contact with dangerous moving parts?
- Are guards made of durable material that can withstand the conditions of normal use?
- Are guards free from burrs, sharp edges, and unfinished surfaces?
Operational Aspects
- Do guards prevent objects from falling into the moving parts?
- Can the machine be oiled without removing the guard?
- Is there a tool-free method to remove guards for maintenance?
- Does the guard allow for visibility of the point of operation when necessary?
Point of Operation
- Does the guard prevent the operator’s hands or fingers from reaching the point of operation?
- Is the guard properly designed and constructed for the specific machine?
- Is the guard firmly secured to the machine?
Power Transmission Apparatus
- Are all gears, sprockets, pulleys, flywheels, shafts, and similar parts guarded?
- Are guards for power transmission apparatus securely fastened?
- Do guards meet the minimum distance requirements from the nearest moving part?
Other Moving Parts
- Are all moving parts that are seven feet or less from the floor or working platform properly guarded?
- Are fan blades less than seven feet above the floor properly guarded?
- Are all moving chains and gears properly guarded?
Auxiliary Protective Devices
- If guards cannot be used, are devices like two-hand controls, electronic safety devices, or trip wires used?
- Are these devices properly installed and maintained?
- Do these devices prevent the operator from reaching into the danger area?
Training and Procedures
- Are operators and maintenance workers trained in the importance of machine guarding?
- Are there specific procedures for the safe operation and maintenance of guarded machines?
- Is there a system in place for reporting machine guard problems or hazards?
Implementing and Maintaining OSHA Machine Safety Standards
Regular inspections of all machine guards are conducted to ensure they remain in good condition and continue to meet OSHA machine safety standards. Create a schedule for these inspections and maintain detailed records.
Employee Training
Develop a comprehensive training program that covers:
- The importance of machine guarding
- Proper use and maintenance of guards
- Procedures for reporting damaged or missing guards
- Consequences of tampering with or removing guards
Documentation
Maintain thorough documentation of all aspects related to machine guarding, including:
- Guard design and installation records
- Inspection and maintenance logs
- Employee training records
- Incident reports related to machine guarding
Continuous Improvement
Regularly review and update your machine guarding practices. Stay informed about changes in OSHA machine safety standards and technological advancements in guarding techniques.
For all of your controls engineering needs, call the machine safety experts at Pacific Blue Engineering at (657) 201-8603 or request a consultation online.