3020 – 15 – Lesson Summary

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The best way to protect workers from harm inflicted by machine components is machine guarding. OSHA enforces proper safeguards for any potentially hazardous tool or machine. If you can’t find OSHA’s specific standards for a machine, its general standards should be followed.

Machine components that have potential to inflict harm include the point of operation, power transmission, and positioning apparatuses. It’s key to remember that even when machines are unplugged, they have potential energy that can cause the machine to lurch into action.

Machine guards and safeguarding devices are the most common ways of protecting against machine hazards. Machines can have several different types of guards, including fixed, adjustable, self-adjusting or interlocking. Safeguard devices keep workers safe by stopping the machine action, keeping workers away from hazardous areas, or pulling them away when the machine is active.

It is the employer’s job to make sure all machines are safeguarded. While many modern machines have safeguarding built in, older machines may need to be updated to current safety standards.

Manufacturing machinery can also be guarded by positioning it strategically, ensuring that hazardous parts are difficult to access. Some employers also erect fences , or bright awareness barriers to prevent employees from coming into contact with dangerous parts of machinery.

Machine guards should never be removed or bypassed unless maintenance is required on the machine. This means lockout/tag out procedures should be used.

Every employee needs to be trained in safeguarding techniques, but specific training should be given to operators and maintenance workers. If any new machinery is purchased or new guards implement, then employees should be retrained in proper safety procedures.