047: Machine Guarding Safety in 5 Easy Steps

<p><span>Powered by <a href="https://ireportsource.com/?utm_source=SafetyPro%20Podcast&amp;utm_medium=SafetyPro%20Blog&amp;utm_campaign=SafetyPro%20Machine%20Guarding" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iReportSource</a></span></p> <p><span></span></p> <p><span>In almost all industries, we may work with or around machinery. Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact could injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled.</span></p> <p><span>OSHA's machine guarding standards apply to employers having employees exposed to dangerous moving parts.</span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.212</a> — <em>General requirements for all machinery</em>. This is OSHA's general requirement for all machinery. It is a catch-all standard (like the General Duty Clause) requiring employers to protect employees from dangerous moving parts and to guard points of operation. OSHA also has some machine-specific standards, which you may need to know: </span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.213</a> — <em>Woodworking machinery</em></span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.215</a> — <em>Abrasive wheel machinery</em></span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.216</a> — <em>Mills and calendars in the rubber and plastics industries</em></span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.217</a> — <em>Mechanical power presses</em></span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.218</a> — <em>Forging machinery</em></span></p> <p><span><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">29 CFR 1910.219</a> — <em>Mechanical power transmission apparatus</em></span></p> <h3><span>Definitions you should know...</span></h3> <ul> <li><span><strong>Fixed guard</strong>: A fixed guard is a permanent part of the machine. It is not dependent upon moving parts to function. It may be constructed of sheet metal, screen, wire cloth, bars, plastic, or any other material that is substantial enough to withstand whatever impact it may receive and to endure prolonged use. This guard is usually pref