Machine Guarding (OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O):
This subpart of the OSHA Standard requires guarding of all dangerous moving parts in three basic areas:
1. The point of operation: that point where work is performed on the material, such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock;
2. Power transmission apparatus: all components of the mechanical system that transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work. These components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears;
3. Other moving parts: all parts of the machine which moves while the machine is working. These can include reciprocating, rotating, and transverse moving parts, as well as feed mechanisms and auxiliary parts of the machine.
The purpose of machine guarding is to protect the machine operator and other employees in the work area from hazards created by ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.
Some examples of this are;
- Barrier guards,
- Light curtains,
- Two-hand operating devices etc. [29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1)]
General Requirements: [29 CFR 1910.212(a)(2)]
- Guards must not create potential hazards and must be attached to the machine where possible.
- If guards cannot be attached to the machine, attach elsewhere.