Case Study 7: Equipment Guarding

Instruction:
Make a reaction paper of what you have learned about the video
about Machine Safety, including the hazards of machines and how the
risks are eliminated.

Link for Case Study 7:

https://youtu.be/kLGcRX4kO7o Reference:
Youtube.com

With today's increased need for minerals, cold metal, and non-metal, high
complicated machinery is playing a more important role, according to what I've learned
from 1970s stock footage regarding accident prevention through equipment guarding. A
range of potential risks is introduced along with the complexity and speed of the
machinery. Equipment guarding and greater worker knowledge are two of the most
effective methods for reducing or eliminating these hazards. Guards should be put to
expose moving parts such as gears, wheels, and shaft ends. It is physically difficult to
completely guard every piece of machinery, but where it is possible, guards should be
placed to expose rotating parts such as gears, wheels, and shaft ends. If not properly
guarded, reciprocating arms and moving belts can all be dangerous.
 Understand and follow all clothing safety rules. Wear a safety helmet and safety
glasses. Cleaning around conveyor pulleys and driving mechanisms should never be
done while the conveyor is running. Emergency stop devices must be installed on
conveyors. Potential risks such as nipping and pinching places can result in accidents.
Where there is a risk of pinch points or running nip points, head-tail pulleys should be
protected. Guardrails are an essential piece of safety equipment, especially while
working at heights or on narrow or treacherous areas. Enclosure guards are effective
protection against such hazards when mechanical power transmitting parts of
machinery is left unattended. Unauthorized removal of equipment guards and failure to
lockout electrical switches can result in serious accidents. Do not change or remove
guards without direct permission from your supervisor. When the work is finished,
remember to reinstall the guard.

The placement of guards on machinery or in dangerous workplaces can help to

decrease injury-related accidents. Guards will prevent you from coming into contact
with the hazardous moving parts. When working with machines, you must be skilled in
the field as well as having a safety mindedness and attitude to control the machine's
dangers. Guarding greatly decreases the risk of human error, if the guard is effective in
eliminating the hazard, you won't have to be mindful of the potential threats all of the
time. Guards must be functional, but they must also be designed or adjusted to
maximize efficiency. You don't have to be afraid of getting too close to risky moving
parts if you use guarding. Once you have overcome your fear, you'll be able to focus on
the task at hand, allowing you to work efficiently and safely.