Machine guarding is an essential aspect of safety when it comes to operating heavy machinery. However, despite its importance, a significant number of accidents occur each year due to improper machine guarding or lack of proper configuration. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), lack of proper machine guarding is one of the most frequently cited standards in the manufacturing industry. In fact, an estimated 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year can be attributed to machinery-related accidents. Amputation stands out as one of the most serious types of workplace injury that could potentially lead to permanent disability if not addressed immediately.
In order to ensure the safety of yourself and your employees, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with the machinery you’re operating, provide proper training and personal protective equipment, keep the work area clean and organized, and conduct regular inspections of machinery.
To help keep you and your employees safe on the job, I am going to share 10 essential safety tips for machine guarding. By following these tips, you can take the necessary steps to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace:
Tip #1: Understand the Risks Understanding the risks associated with the machinery you’re operating is essential for keeping yourself and your employees safe. Before operating any machinery, it’s important to read the operator’s manual and understand the machine’s capabilities and limitations. You should also be aware of any hazards that may be present during operation, such as sharp edges or moving parts. It’s also important to be aware of the specific hazards associated with the industry you’re working in. For example, if you’re working in a manufacturing facility, you should be aware of the potential for hazardous chemicals and materials. By understanding the risks associated with the machinery and the industry, you’ll be better equipped to take the necessary steps to prevent accidents.
Tip #2: Train your Employees Proper training is key when it comes to machine guarding safety. All employees should be trained on the specific machinery they’ll be operating, as well as any emergency procedures that may be necessary. This training should include information on how to properly operate the machinery, as well as how to identify and address potential hazards. In addition to providing training for new employees, it’s also important to provide ongoing training for all employees. This can include refresher courses, as well as training on new machinery or procedures. By providing ongoing training, you can ensure that all employees are up-to-date on the latest safety information and are equipped to handle any potential hazards.
Tip #3: Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is essential for keeping employees safe when working with heavy machinery. This can include items such as hardhats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. It’s important to make sure that all employees are wearing the appropriate PPE at all times while working with machinery. In addition to providing PPE, it’s also important to ensure that the PPE is in good working condition. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage and replacing it as needed. By making sure that all employees are wearing the appropriate PPE and that it’s in good working condition, you can help prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
Tip #4: Keep the Work Area Clean and Organized A cluttered and disorganized work area can increase the risk of accidents. It’s important to keep the work area clean and free of debris, and to ensure that all tools and equipment are properly stored. This can help prevent tripping hazards and make it easier to identify potential hazards. In addition to keeping the work area clean and organized, it’s also important to ensure that all machinery is properly maintained. This includes regular inspections to identify any potential hazards and to make sure that all machinery is in good working condition. By keeping the work area clean and organized and maintaining the machinery, you can help prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
Tip #5: Inspect Machinery Regularly Regular inspections are essential for identifying potential hazards and preventing accidents. All machinery should be inspected regularly to ensure that it’s in good working condition and that any necessary repairs or maintenance are made promptly. During an inspection, it’s important to check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or leaks. Any issues that are identified during an inspection should be addressed immediately. In addition to regular inspections, it’s also important to have a formal maintenance program in place to ensure that all machinery is properly maintained and that any issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
Tip #6: Use Machine Guards Machine guards are designed to protect employees from moving parts and other hazards. It’s important to make sure that all machinery is equipped with the appropriate guards and that they’re in good working condition. When installing machine guards, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to make sure that the guards are properly secured. It’s also important to make sure that the guards do not interfere with the proper operation of the machinery. By using machine guards, you can help prevent accidents and injuries caused by moving parts and other hazards. It’s also important to ensure that all employees are aware of the location and function of machine guards. They should be trained on how to properly use and maintain the guards, as well as how to identify and address any issues. By providing training and making sure that all employees are aware of the machine guards, you can ensure that they are used properly and that they are effective in protecting employees from hazards.
Tip #7: Use Lockout/Tagout Procedures When maintenance or repairs are being made on a machine, it’s important to use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent unexpected startup. These procedures involve locking and tagging the machinery to prevent it from being accidentally started while maintenance or repairs are being performed. It’s important to make sure that all employees are trained on lockout/tagout procedures and that they understand the importance of following these procedures. It’s also important to ensure that all employees are aware of the location of lockout/tagout devices, such as emergency stop buttons, and that they know how to use them. By using lockout/tagout procedures, you can help prevent accidents and injuries caused by unexpected startup of machinery.
Tip #8: Be aware of your Surroundings Accidents can happen quickly, so it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings while operating machinery. Keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as spills or debris, and take the necessary steps to avoid them. It’s also important to be aware of the location of other employees and to make sure that you’re not working in an area where they might not be able to see you. By being aware of your surroundings, you can help prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
Tip #9: Follow OSHA Regulations The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations in place for machine guarding. It’s important to make sure that your workplace is in compliance with these regulations to help prevent accidents. This includes making sure that all machinery is equipped with the appropriate guards and that they’re in good working condition. It also includes making sure that all employees are properly trained on the machinery they’ll be operating and that they understand the potential hazards. By following OSHA regulations, you can help ensure that your workplace is safe and that accidents are prevented.
Tip #10: Never Bypass Safety Devices Safety devices, such as emergency stop buttons, are there for a reason. They are designed to help prevent accidents and injuries. Never bypass these devices, as doing so can increase the risk of an accident. It’s important to make sure that all safety devices are in good working condition and that all employees are trained on how to use them. By following this tip, you can help ensure that safety devices are effective in preventing accidents and injuries on the job.
Wrapping it all up, machine guarding is an essential aspect of safety when it comes to operating heavy machinery. By understanding the risks associated with the machinery and the industry, providing proper training and personal protective equipment, keeping the work area clean and organized, and conducting regular inspections of machinery, you can help prevent accidents and injuries on the job. It is important to remember that safety should always be the top priority when it comes to operating heavy machinery. By following these tips and implementing safety measures, you can ensure the safety of yourself and your employees.
