Machine Guarding Safety Tips
Machines are like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they create a level of efficiency that is unreachable for manual operations. This means production increases along with your bottom line. On the other hand, these machines can be extremely dangerous, especially since there is often the need for an operator or at least some human involvement. These accidents can range from a crushed finger to amputation and death. So how are these risks reduced? The answer is safeguarding by way of implementing machine guard safety.
The basic rule is that any machine part, function or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. The first thing to do is understand and identify when safeguards are needed and how they coincide with the operation, whether that be a fixed guard, interlocking guard or any other safety device. Our first recommendation in machine guard safety tips is to answer the basic questions.
Ask Yourself:
- Are the safeguards in place meeting OSHA requirements?
- Are the safeguards preventing worker contact with moving parts?
- Are the safeguards allowing the user to comfortably operate the machine?
- Are there point-of-operations safeguards provided for the machine?
- Are there safeguards also in place for auxiliary parts?
Once you’ve answered these questions and comprehend how the safeguards work and are utilized, there are additional safety tips that can help reduce worker risk while using the machines.
Machine Guard Safety Tips:
- Do not adjust or remove any machine guards without proper authorization. The safeguarding was put into place for a reason, and are not meant to be suggestion.
- Never start machinery without the machine guards in place.
- If the guard is missing or not working properly, cease operation immediately and contact a superior.
- Jewelry, like rings and watches should not be worn while operating any machinery. Any loose clothing that could get caught in the moving parts of a machine should also be avoided.
At Rite-Hite, safety is always our first concern. That’s why we have created machine guarding solutions so your employees can work in a protected environment, allowing for a safe, efficient and productive operations.
Whether it be light curtain alternative automated barrier doors, like the Guardian Defender or Vertiguard, roll-up curtains or safety fencing, having OSHA compliant machine guards coupled with proper implementation and maintenance will leave you and your workers safe to do their job without worrying about the inherent risks of machine use.
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