Search

Protect Your Employees from Machine Injuries

Posted on 10/1/2013 by Joel Gregier

A Pennsylvania manufacturer faces a $61,600 fine for failing to have proper machine guarding on equipment, which led to a worker suffering a laceration injury. “Exposing workers to lacerations and possible amputation injuries by neglecting to ensure machine guarding is in place is unacceptable,” said OSHA Area Director Kim Nelson in Toledo. “Companies must be aware of the hazards that exist in their facilities and take all possible precautions to minimize the risk of injury.” (OSHA Press Release, 9/9/13)
 
OSHA 10 Hour general Industry training banner

 
In general, any machine that poses mechanical or physical hazards will require “guards” to provide a barrier of protection for the employees using the machine. Each guarding device should be designed to prevent the employee from having any part of his or her body in the danger zone of the machinery. Employers are responsible for identifying machine guarding hazard as required at 29 CFR 1910, Subpart O.
 
General Requirements
 
The employer must assess the workplace and identify machinery that could cause injury to any employee. [29 CFR 1910.212] One or more of the following could create a hazard to the machine operator and employees in the area of the machine:
 
  • Point of operation
  • Rotating parts
  • In-going nip points
  • Flying chips and sparks
Point of operation employee safety
Point of Operation
 
The point of operation is the area on the machine where the work is being performed on the material itself. Examples include cutting, shaping, boring, and forming operations.
 
See image on the right for an example of a point of operation.
 
 
 
Rotating machine parts employee safetyRotating Parts
 
Machinery with rotating motion can grip an employee’s clothing or by contact pull the employee into the machinery. Examples of rotating parts include collars, couplings, cams, clutches, flywheels, shafts, spindles, and meshing gears.
 
See image on the right for an example of a rotating part.
 
 
In-going Nip Points
 
Nip point hazard employee safetyThese hazards are caused by rotating parts on machinery and are categorized into three types:
  1. Parts rotating in opposite directions (e.g., intermeshing gears, rolling mills, and calendars)
  2. Between rotating parts and tangentially moving parts (e.g., chain and sprocket, rack and pinion)
  3. Between rotating parts and fixed parts (e.g., spoked handwheels, screw conveyors, and grinding wheels)
See image on the right for an example of a nip point.
 
 
Flying sparks employee safetyFlying Chips and Sparks
 
These operations have the potential to send particles toward the employee, resulting in burns, cuts, and other injuries. Examples include grinding, welding, sawing, and cutting operations.
 
See image on the right for an example of flying sparks.
 
 
Lion Technology offers convenient, easy-to-use OSHA online training available 24/7 to meet a number of training standards under 29 CFR, including the 10 Hour OSHA General Industry Online Course.
 

Tags: osha

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.