Working Safely with

Mechanical Equipment
The Risks
It can happen to us
Missing or broken
guards cause:
Amputations
Broken bones
Cuts, bruises
Eye injuries
What Are Machine Guards?
Definition: Physical barriers that prevent
contact with moving parts
Effective guards:
Are strong, secure
Prevent contact
Protect from falling objects
Create no new hazards
Shouldnt interfere with work
Shouldnt prevent safe lubrication
Effective Guards
Guards are most
effective when theyre
used the right way
Never tamper with
guards when machines
are running
4 Types of Guards
Machine guards are
best way to prevent
injuries
4 types of guards:
Fixed
Interlocked
Adjustable
Self-adjusting
Safeguarding Devices
Devices dont provide a physical barrier,
therefore not as effective
5 types of safeguards:
Presence-sensing
Pullback
Safety trip
Restraint
Two-hand
Danger Areas
Six places where
machine injuries
happen:
Point of operation
Nip points
Rotating parts
Blades
Power transmission
Any other moving parts
Hazardous Motions
People get hurt from
these kinds of motions:
Rotating
Reciprocating
Transversing (straight-
line)
Cutting
Punching
Shearing
Bending
Grinder Safety
The safety guard shall
cover the spindle end,
nut, and flange
projections
Operator should be
protected by grinder
shields or suitable eye
protection
Personal Role
Whats your
responsibility?
You need to look every
day
Ask yourself:
Are guards in working
order?
Are they in proper place?
Preventing Injuries
Follow procedures
Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, loose hair
Protect eyes if needed
Never move materials into machine with
hands
Pay attention always
Problems: What to do
Replace it!
Report it!
Tell your supervisor
Let maintenance know
Do NOT begin work or continue working with
that equipment until the proper guard is in
place
You have a duty to yourself as well as your
co-workers
Summary
Cant take guards for granted
Guards are physical barriers that protect from
moving parts
Serious injuries, like amputations, are a
reality
Bottom line: Always check guards and report
problems!