ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Machine Guarding

Guards must never be removed from power equipment!

In fact, most seasoned professionals such as carpenters and woodworkers are injured as a result of removing a guard to execute a perceived difficult cut. Shops are encouraged to purchase equipment that offer the best safety features. Consult with others on grounds and you will soon learn what some of the state of the art equipment includes – (i.e. SawStop)!

Always keep guards on points of operation and power transmission devices.

• Points of operation: the point where work is performed on the material, such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
• Power transmission devices: the power transmission apparatus is all components of the mechnical system which transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work. These components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cam spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.

Protective covers must always be in place on electrical equipment so that the operator cannot come into contact with energized wiring. Manufacturers of equipment, with the potential for shock hazards, will post hazard warning statements (see below) to not bypass electrical protective covers.

Equipment Operator manuals should always be available and consulted to ensure proper operation. Servicing should always be done by qualified service personnel. Heed the warning for your safety and those you oversee in your work area!

Machine Guarding OSHA eTool.