3020 – 05 – Understanding Machine Activity

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Even if a machine is not running, the manufacturing employees risk injury when they work machine components. It’s necessary to assume that the machine could lurch into action at any time. To reduce the potential for injury, most manufacturing shops group tasks that require interaction with machine parts into specific activities, like:

Adjusting the machining
Normal operation
Clearing jams
Keeping the machine clean
Setting up and prepping the machine
Keeping the parts lubricated
Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance

When these activities are broken down into the individual tasks they require, workers can figure out the possible machine motions, actions, and hazards involved. Then, employees and employers can determine the required procedures in order to be as safe as possible.