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RPM TBT – EHS Machine Guarding

Guarding is there to protect ourselves and others from potential hazards from machines and equipment in the workplace.

Employee exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines is unfortunately prevalent in many workplaces. Consequently, in the USA alone workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 20,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year. Amputation is one of the most severe and crippling types of injuries in the occupational workplace, and often results in permanent disability.

Here are some key points on machine guarding to help keep you working safely:

1. Keep safeguards affixed and secured to the machine.
2. Lockout/tagout the machine when guards need to be removed for maintenance or cleaning.
3. Periodic lubrication of machine parts should be done with the guards in-place.  If removal is needed, shut down the machine, perform lockout/tagout per operating procedures and keep a safe distance away.
4. Only operate machines with guards in place.
5. Do not operate the machine if guards are damaged, missing or provide inadequate protection.
6. Long hair, jewelry, gloves and loose clothing are potential entanglement hazards and should be kept away from machinery.
7. THINK BEFORE YOU START!

If you are unfamiliar with how to operate the machine safely or proper guard use, get your supervisor involved to assist.