The current OSHA machine guarding standard 29 CFR 1910.212 covers all types of power-driven machinery. It applies to both employers and employees who use or operate such machinery. Let’s dive into the details of OSHA’s machine guarding standard.
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OSHA machine guarding standard requirements
OSHA’s standard for machine guarding has five parts. The first three parts cover a more broad area whereas the other parts refer to the type of equipment and machine involved.
1910.212(a)(1)(i)
This standard refers to employers and how they must protect workers from hazards associated with point-of-operation and other hazards by using guards, devices, or other safety equipment. Therefore, employers must use guards, devices, or other safety equipment. Furthermore, employers must confirm that guards remain in place before allowing anyone unfamiliar with the equipment’s operation or hazards to use it.
1910.212(a)(1)(ii)
Each guard must remain designed for easy maintenance and proper function against expected hazards. Moreover, it must be strong enough to withstand impacts without creating a new risk. In addition, the guard must stay free of sharp edges or projections that could cause entanglement. Finally, it must protect employees from burns when they contact hot surfaces or moving parts while performing their duties near the machine.
1910.212(a)(1)(iii)
Part iii covers the safeguarding of point of operation. If any point of operation creates exposure for workers, it must have a guard, and the guarding must conform to the statements mentioned in part ii.
Machine guarding osha standard: Point of operation
So, what is this point of operation that the standard mentions? All machines contain three parts: point of operation, power transmission device, and operating controls. The point of operation is where the actual operation occurs, for instance, the cutting, boring, or shaping of the material.
Some of the machines that need safeguarding are:
- Mechanical power presses
- Press brakes
- Conveyors
- Printing presses
- Guillotine cutters
- Roll-forming and roll-bending machines
- Shears
- Food slicers
- Meat grinders
- Meat cutting band saws
- Drill presses
- Milling machines
- Grinding machines
- Slitting machines
Different types of osha standard machine guarding
Because machines vary, employers must use different methods to protect equipment. Therefore, here are four types of machine guarding devices that employers can install:
Fixed
Fixed safeguards are permanently constructed into the machine. They are not impacted or changed by moving parts of the machine. Because of its simple use, the fixed method is preferred over other methods of machine protection.
Interlocked
Interlocked guards can shut off power or stop moving parts of a machine when the guard is open or removed. The movement or electricity will not come back unless the safeguard is back to its original state.
Adjustable
As the name suggests, adjustable guards provide a flexible method for machine guarding. They can adapt to different types of use or stock sizes. However, because of their flexibility, they do not offer the highest level of protection.
Self-adjusting
Self-adjusting guards create a barrier based on the movement of the stock. As the stock enters a danger zone, the guard pushes away to provide an opening. However, because of this design, they do not provide the highest level of protection. In fact, they can reduce visibility and require more frequent maintenance.
