MACHINE SAFETY

New and improved machinery leads to increased productivity, higher quality, and more affordable production. But misused machines can be as harmful as they are helpful. Machines that cut metal can cut off fingers. Machines that punch through steel can punch through flesh. Such injuries can cause career-ending disabilities as well as severe pain and suffering.

Be alert to these areas when working around or operating machinery:

The point of operation: This is where the work of the machine takes place. It's where the pressing, cutting, punching and boring takes place. It's a place where no part of the body should be. If any part of the body is in the way at the point of operation, the force of the machine can cause a serious injury. The point of operation may also produce sparks or fragments that can fly toward the operator. Safety glasses are important for this type of work.

The power train: That is where energy is transferred through moving parts like gears, shafts, belts, cables, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. No body parts should be in these areas either. When working on this type of machinery, always follow the lockout/tagout procedures and replace all guards when repairs are complete. Employees should report any missing guards to their supervisor before operating this equipment.

Workers must control machines carefully. In addition to avoiding the power train and point of operation, employees should always:

> Make sure machines are anchored securely to prevent "walking," tipping, excessive vibration or other movement that could be hazardous.
> Never reach blindly into areas that may contain energized parts.
> Be sure there is enough lighting to clearly see all points of operation.
> Keep conductive items -- watches, rings, steel wool, belt buckles -- away from exposed electrical parts.
> Never plug or unplug electrical equipment with wet hands.
> Follow all lockout/tagout procedures.
> Always wear the proper protective equipment for each job.
> Material handling equipment: Power lifts, forklift trucks, etc. are not considered to be production machinery, but their points of operation and power train can be just as hazardous. Employees must be properly trained in the operation of this type of equipment before they are allowed to use it.

Recognizing the hazards or potential hazards associated with tools and machinery in the workplace is fundamental to safety and health. There are various distinct "motions" or "actions" associated with machinery and each one presents a different hazard.

Rotating - an action, which results in, motion either clockwise or counterclockwise on its axis. Examples include vehicle engine fans, shop fans, the wheel of a vehicle, and a grinding wheel.

Reciprocating - an action which results in an alternating backward and forward motion. Examples include certain saws, articulating pistons, piston-type chucks, etc.

Transverse Motion - an action resulting in a side-to-side motion. Examples include convex polishing machines, windshield wipers, etc.

The hazards associated with rotating, reciprocating and transverse motions are found (1) at the point of operation where work is actually being performed, or (2) at the points where power and motion are transmitted or transferred from one part of a mechanical linkage to another.

Cutting - an action which results in the division of an object into parts or segments.

The hazards associated with cutting include exposure to the actual cutting device or mechanism. Selection of proper personal protective clothing and equipment will help protect you from contact with the shavings, chips, and dusts which are a byproduct of cutting.

Bending - an action which results in the introduction of a curve or bow to an object.

Shearing - an action, which results in the crossing of cutting, edges to separate an object.

Punching - an action for perforating, indenting or for driving out or in an object inserted in a hole, as a bolt or pin.

The hazards associated with bending, shearing and punching result when power is applied to a ram to form or trim metal. The greatest hazard exposure is at the point of operation where the dies make contact with the metal. All employees must avoid the area where closure of the dies and die punch points occur.

Power and Hand Tools

1. Use the right tool for the job - short cuts and improvising may turn a simple task into a long recovery period. Try to anticipate the tools that will be used for a job and have them at hand. Power tools must be grounded with Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI).

2. Cracked handles, mushrooming ends, torn metal all contribute to an unsafe and defective tool. Replace handles on hammers and screwdrivers when they are cracked, or arrange to have them replaced. File mushrooming ends on chisels and file or replace tools with bent or jagged pieces that are exposed.

3. Use each tool in an appropriate and approved way. Applying pressure in the wrong way or using a tool without proper grounds can lead to serious injury.

4. Store and carry tools in a safe manner. Sharp tools can cause injury if stored without guarding or when carried in a pocket.

5. Every employee using tools shall, in the course of regular inspections, check for defective or damaged tools and advise replacement or repair.

6. Using tools safely can help to avoid unnecessary repair or breakage and ultimate injury.

Mechanical hazards may come from many different areas and have potential for serious injury.

Beware of the danger zones located within your operation and respect the power of machinery.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart P

OSHA Machine Guarding Guidance

Training Roster

Training Acknowledgement