1. Machine Guarding
OSHA
29 CFR

2. Types of Guards Four Types of Guards Fixed Interlocked Adjustable
Self-Adjusting

3. Fixed Guards A permanent part of the machine
Not dependent on any other part to perform the function
Usually made of sheet metal, screen, bars or other material which will withstand the anticipated impact
Generally considered the preferred type of guard.
Simple and durable

4. Interlocked Guard
Usually connected to a mechanism that will cut off the power automatically
Could use electrical, mechanical or hydraulic systems
Should rely on a manual reset system

5. Adjustable Guard Very flexible to accommodate various types of work.
Manually adjusted

6. Self-Adjusting
The opening is determined by the movement of the stock through the guard.
Does not always provide maximum protection.
Common complaint- reduced visibility at the point of operation.... “I can’t see what I’m doing!”

7. 2003 OSHA Top 10 Violations
General Industry Top # Of Violations Penalties ($)
1. Hazard Communication ( ) , $1,327,4252
2. Lockout/Tagout ( ) , $4,209,7073
3. Respiratory Protection ( ) , $1,216,0594
4. Machine Guarding ( , $3,783,5955
5. Electrical: Writing Methods ( ) , $1,312,4606
6. Powered Industrial Trucks ( ) , $1,788,1397
7. Bloodborne Pathogens ( ) , $1,272,3558
8. Electrical Systems Design ( ) , $1,293,7209
9. Mechanical Power - Transmission Apparatus ( )
2, $1,149,32510
10. Personal Protective Equipment General Requirements ( )
1, $1,313,152

8. Check Lists

9. Requirements For All Machines
1. Do the safeguards provided meet the minimum OSHA requirements?
2. Do the safeguards prevent workers' hands, arms, and other body parts
from making contact with dangerous moving parts?
3. Are the safeguards firmly secured and not easily removable?
4. Do the safeguards ensure that no objects will fall into the moving
parts?
5. Do the safeguards permit safe, comfortable, and relatively easy
operation of the machine?
6. Can the machine be oiled without removing the safeguard?
7. Is there a system for shutting down the machinery and locking/tagging
out before safeguards are removed?
8. Can the existing safeguards be improved?

10. Mechanical Hazards
1. Is there a point-of-operation safeguard provided for the
machine?
2. Does it keep the operator's hands, fingers, body out of
the danger area?
3. Is there evidence that the safeguards have been
tampered with or removed?
4. Could changes be made on the machine to eliminate the
point-of-operation hazard entirely?

11. Power Transmission Apparatus
1. Are there any unguarded gears, sprockets, pulleys, or
flywheels on the apparatus?
2. Are there any exposed belts or chain drives?
3. Are there any exposed set screws, key ways, collars,
etc.?
4. Are starting and stopping controls within easy reach of
the operator?
5. If there is more than one operator, are separate
controls provided?

12. Non-Mechanical Hazards
1. Have appropriate measured been taken to safeguard
workers against noise hazards?
2. Have special guards, enclosures, or personal protective
equipment been provided, where necessary to protect
workers from exposure to harmful substances used in
machine operation?

13. Electrical Hazards
1. Is the machine installed in accordance with National Fire
Protection Association and National Electrical Code
requirements?
2. Are there loose conduit fittings?
3. Is the machine properly grounded?
4. Is the power supply correctly fused and protected?
5. Do workers occasionally receive minor shocks while
operating any of the machines?

14. Most Commonly Found Hazards
Grinders not adjusted properly.
1/8 inch tool rest.
Surface grinders with wheel cover missing. “I can’t see the part”.
Table mounted belt sanders with missing covers at pinch points, or; tool rest not adjusted properly.
Ends of belt conveyors with unguarded rollers.

15. Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Workers from Amputation
OSHA Publication
Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Workers from Amputation
78 pages