What are the standards for guarding machinery to prevent injuries?

1 Why guard machinery?

Machine guarding is the use of physical barriers or devices to protect workers from the moving parts, pinch points, sparks, flying chips, and other hazards of machinery. Machine guarding can prevent injuries such as cuts, burns, fractures, amputations, and even death. Machine guarding can also protect machinery from damage, wear, and misuse. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), machine guarding is one of the most frequently cited standards in inspections.

2 What are the sources of standards?

When it comes to guarding machinery, there are various sources of standards depending on the type, industry, and location of the machinery. OSHA is the federal agency that regulates workplace safety and health in the United States and has general standards for machine guarding in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O as well as specific standards for certain types of machinery. ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, is a non-governmental organization that coordinates the development of voluntary consensus standards and publishes standards for machine guarding that are often referenced by OSHA and other authorities. ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is an international body that develops and publishes standards for various products, processes, and services. ISO has standards for machine guarding that are widely used and recognized around the world.

3 What are the types of guards?

When protecting workers from machinery hazards, different types of guards can be used, depending on the function, operation, and accessibility of the machinery. Fixed guards are permanent or semi-permanent barriers attached to the machinery or surrounding structure, covering parts not in use or not accessible during normal operation. They are simple, reliable, and economical but may limit visibility and maintenance. Interlocked guards are connected to the machinery's power or control system, preventing it from starting or operating when opened or removed; they cover parts in use or accessible during normal operation but require more maintenance and inspection. Adjustable guards can be adjusted or moved to accommodate different sizes or shapes of workpieces or tools; they are flexible and adaptable but may require more training and supervision. Self-adjusting guards automatically adjust or move according to the movement or position of the workpiece or tool; they are also flexible and adaptable but depend on the speed and accuracy of the machinery.

4 What are the requirements of guards?

Regardless of the type, source, or industry, guards must meet some basic requirements to be effective and compliant. These include preventing contact with hazardous parts of machinery by workers or objects, being secure and durable without creating new hazards or interfering with the operation of the machinery, being easy to use and maintain without special tools or keys to operate or remove, allowing adequate visibility and ventilation without obstructing emergency stops or controls, and being compatible with the design and function of the machinery without affecting quality or productivity of the work.

5 What are some examples and best practices?

Machine guarding is a complex and dynamic topic that requires careful analysis, design, and implementation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for guarding machinery, as each situation may have different factors, risks, and options. To ensure safety, it is important to conduct a hazard assessment to identify the sources, types, and levels of hazards associated with the machinery, and the workers and tasks involved. Then, select the most appropriate type and source of guard for the machinery based on the hazard assessment, standards, and available resources. Additionally, install and maintain the guards according to the manufacturer's instructions, standards, and best practices. Furthermore, train and educate the workers on the purpose, function, and operation of the guards, as well as on the hazards and consequences of bypassing or removing them. Finally, monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the guards; make improvements or changes as needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?