GP : Risk & Hazards at Unguarded Rotating Equipments

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Chapter : Guarding Protection 

Risk & Hazards at Unguarded Rotating Equipments 

Unguarded machines and equipment may cause severe cuts, amputations, or even death. Manager/Supervisor/Worker are responsible to take ownership and pride in making sure all equipment and machines are properly guarded and are working correctly.
 
Pre-Task Planning:

• Make sure that you are properly trained on the machine use and safety features.
• Pre-plan the job and set up the work environment correctly.
• Make sure all machine guards are in place before the machine is turned on.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help if the machine in not working properly or a guard is missing.

Hazards:

Mechanical movements are hazardous. Watch for

• The movement of rotating parts.
• Reciprocating arms.
• Moving belts, meshing gears, cutting teeth, moving parts, and points of rotation.

Safe procedures:

When working with machines:

• Do not remove guards.
• Remove your jewelry.
• Tie back long hair.
• Roll up long sleeves.
• Do not wear loose clothing.
• Maintain a clean working environment.
• Keep the area free of debris.
• Do not wear gloves around moving parts.

Be aware of safety devices and know how to properly use the following:

• Wire trips.
• Two button controls.
• Wrist restraints.
• Foot pedals.
• Light curtains.

Guards are to protect you, the equipment, and the product. Removing guards may cause serious damage to all three.

It is essential that the operator of the machine be properly trained to recognize hazards present during operation. Machines that are properly guarded may save your or a co-worker’s life, limb, or other serious injury.