3020 – 06 – Basic Safeguarding Regulation

1m

OSHA states that machine guarding is the number one way to protect employees from amputation hazards on stationary machines. They require all machines and equipment that generate mechanical movement with hazardous potential to be safeguarded.

OSHA has rigorous safety standards for distinct types of machines like saws, conveyors, and presses. If a safety standard isn’t readily available for a new machine, OSHA’s still has general standards for machine safeguarding. You can find them in section 1910.212 of the General Industry Regulations. According to OSHA, machine safeguards are indented to ensure worker safety in a variety of ways:

• Stops worker contact with the hazard area
• Avoids creating more hazards,
• Is secure, durable and can’t be tampered with
• Doesn’t interfere with natural machine operations
• Makes safe lubrication and maintenance possible.

It’s your employer’s responsibility to let you know if different machines in your workplace have different standards.