Machinery and Machine Guarding, General Industry • Regulation 29 CFR 1910.212

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Moving machinery in the workplace poses significant risks to workers and can lead to various injuries, depending on the type of machinery and the nature of the work environment. Here are some common types of injuries that can occur:

1. Crush Injuries: Workers can get caught between moving parts of machinery and stationary objects, leading to severe crush injuries. This can happen in situations where workers are operating equipment without proper safety barriers or guards.
2. Lacerations and Abrasions: Sharp edges or moving parts can cause cuts and scrapes. These injuries are common in environments where workers are handling machinery without protective gear or are in close proximity to moving components.
3. Amputations: In more severe cases, body parts can be caught in machinery, resulting in amputations. This is particularly a risk with equipment that has exposed moving parts.
4. Fractures and Sprains: Sudden movement of machinery can cause workers to lose their balance or be thrown off balance, leading to falls, fractures, or sprains. This is especially true in environments where machinery is not properly maintained or where safety protocols are ignored.
5. Burns: Machinery that generates heat can cause burns if workers come into contact with hot surfaces or materials. This can occur during maintenance or if safety precautions are not taken.
6. Electrical Shock: If machinery is not properly grounded or maintained, workers can be at risk of electrical shock, which can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

ABOUT THE STANDARD

OSHA standard 1910.212 addresses the requirements for machine guarding in general industry. Its major provisions aim to protect workers from hazards associated with moving machinery. Here are the key requirements:

1. General Requirement for Machine Guarding: Employers must ensure that all machines have appropriate guards in place to protect operators and other employees from hazards such as rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.
2. Types of Guards: The standard specifies that guards must be fixed, adjustable, self-adjusting, or other types that prevent access to hazardous areas. Guards should be designed to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.
3. Prohibited Practices: The standard prohibits the use of machines without proper guarding and requires that guards be maintained in a working condition.
4. Specific Guarding Requirements: Certain machines like power presses, saws, and milling machines have specific requirements to ensure safety, such as presence-sensing devices or two-hand controls.
5. Training and Awareness: Employers must provide training to employees about the hazards associated with machinery and the importance of machine guarding.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE

• Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify machines that require guards and assess potential hazards related to each machine.
• Install Proper Guards: Choose and install guards that meet the requirements outlined in standard 1910.212, ensuring they are robust and effectively prevent access to hazardous areas.
• Regular Maintenance: Implement a maintenance schedule to inspect and repair guards to ensure they are functioning correctly and not worn or damaged.
• Provide Training: Develop a training program that educates employees about machine hazards, proper use of guards, and safe operating procedures.
• Encourage Reporting: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting issues with guards or safety concerns without fear of reprisal.

By complying with OSHA 1910.212, employers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries related to machinery in the workplace.

KEEPING WORKERS SAFE

To minimize the risks posed by machinery, it is crucial for workplaces to comply with OSHA standard 1910.212, implement strict safety protocols, provide appropriate training for workers, and ensure that machinery is regularly maintained and inspected.

Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled. WMHS

RESOURCES

OSHA’s Machine Guarding eTool can be found at: www.osha.gov/etools/machine-guarding