What Happens Once the Safeguarding is Complete?

Even the best machine guarding system will not be effective without employee approval. The machine operator needs to understand why the guarding was installed and how it will protect them from the inherent hazards.Our experience has taught us that when the workers are included in a machine safeguarding initative, acceptance of the changes is much greater than cases when it is thrust upon them.

Therefore, machine specific training is an important part of any effort to provide safeguarding against machine-related hazards. Each machine operator should receive hands-on safety training that includes the following topics.

Identification of the hazards associated with a particular machine – This includes a review of the point of operation, the power transmission elements and power controls.

Introduction to the installed safeguards – How will the new guards, shields or process controls protect the operator from the identified hazards? What hazards have not been eliminated?

How to use the safeguards – How can the worker operate the machine while the guards are in place? How do the light curtains, interlocks or scanners control the machine functions? Can the machine be run at low speeds while the doors are open?

Who can remove the safeguards and the procedures that must be followed before this happens.

Is a lockout / tagout program required?

What to do if a safeguard is broken , lock, or doesn't work as advertised.

This kind of safety training is necessary for machine operators and maintenance or setup personnel, when any new or altered safeguards are put in service, or when workers are assigned to a new machine or operation.

Lovegreen Risk Management offers safety training programs, classes and resources to help you understand and comply with government regulations, including OSHA and ANSI. We offer specialized training programs that meet your specific needs.

For more information about machine specific training, or to discuss your machine safeguarding needs, please contact me at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by calling me at 800-262-8284.

Stop Time Measurement is now available from Lovegreen Machine Safety!

Current OSHA regulations and ANSI standards requires that a machine's stop time be measured to determine how long it takes a machine to stop after a stop signal is given.

Most accidents occur as a result of a reflex action or simply not paying attention to one''s surroundings. Often a machine operator will instinctively reach for something when there is a problem. Or they will be focused on a task and enter a hazardous area without thinking about it. Tripping towards a hazard is another common occurrence. In these situations, it is necessary that the machine''s safety devices stop the machine before the hazard is reached.

Stop-time measurement readings taken on individual machines are used to determine the minimum safety distance required for placement of the machine''s operating controls or safeguarding devices used during production. This is critical when using presence sensing devices like light curtains, pressure mats, laser scanners, etc.

Location of a safety component, whether hard guarding or electronic, is based upon the machine''s stopping time. Simply stated, a safety component should be placed far enough away from the risk area that it is not possible to reach the hazard before the machine has stopped. Safety devices are then installed using the minimum safe distance.

Stop time measurement should be performed on an annual basis in order to insure that the machine stop time has not changed. Machine maintenance, brake wear, machine alterations and other factors can extend the machine''s stopping time. If the machine stops slower than it once did, then the current safety components will need to be adjusted to continue providing the correct level of safety. For these and other reasons it is important to perform an annual stop time analysis.

Not sure how to get started?
Lovegreen can provide stop-time measurement readings for various types of industrial machines, including mechanical and hydraulic power presses, press brakes and on machines that utilize rotational movement like conveyors, indexing tables, and production line drive shafts. Experienced Lovegreen personnel conduct the inspections using a stop-time measurement device to take the stop-time readings. Lovegreen uses the same stop time analysis Saftimeter as OSHA to assure consistent results.

Inspections include details on each machine as to its compliance to current safety regulations (OSHA) and current safety standards (ANSI). Stop-time measurement readings taken on individual machines are used to help determine the minimum safety distance required for placement of the machine’s operating controls or safeguarding devices used during production operations, such as safety blocks and die blocks.

Please call us at 1.800.262.8284 or e-mail us for more information or to set up a visit to your facility.

Lovegreen Machine Safety provides machine guarding, risk assessment and safety training to help protect your business, institution or school.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

Stop Time Analysis - More Info

What is MSDS ?

MSDS or a Material Safety Data Sheet is the documentation of all the information on the potential hazards imposed by a chemical product or substance whenever they are used by people. The dangers primarily include fire hazards, effects of radioactivity, environmental hazards and other possible harm to the health of a human being. Not just the information about the potential dangers, an MSDS is supposed to contain information regarding the proper handling of the chemical substances or product to avoid the hazards and also information on steps that need to be taken in case of the occurrence of any of the hazards.

Who needs the MSDS ? The MSDS is a document that can be allowed to access by everyone. However, an ordinary consumer doesn’t have a direct interaction with a chemical substance and thus, needn’t necessarily have a deeper understanding of the MSDS (a knowledge about the hazards of these substances isn’t bad though). Workers or employees who have come in contact with these chemical substances on a day-to-day basis needs to have a thorough understanding of the MSDS and must always carry a copy of it along too. Such employees include the ones working in any chemical manufacturing factory, cleaning industry, recycling industry and so on.

How to find an MSDS ? An MSDS should be available in every workplace pertaining to chemical industry or an industry whose employees work involves a close contact with chemical substances and products. In case of non-availability of Material Safety Data Sheets in the workplace, the supplier of the material or substance should be contacted and asked to provide a MSDS.

It’s crucial to train the employees as to how to use the MSDS. Mere distribution of MSDS won’t assure safety. Thus, an effective and informative training session is necessary.

Article by Anirban Bhattacharya

For more information about this important topic, please visit Lovegreen Machine Guarding

Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations

The following article is from the OSHA website and contains valuable information on how to implement a machine guarding program to protect your most valuable asset, your employees from machine related amputations at work.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested, but not required. The full, 60 page handbook is available as a free download here.

Amputations are among the most severe and dis-abling workplace injuries that often result in permanent disability. They are widespread and involve various activities and equipment. (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2005 annual survey data indicated that there were 8,450 non-fatal amputation cases – involving days away from work – for all private industry.

Anyone responsible for the operation, servicing, and maintenance (also known as use and care) of machines (which, for purposes of this publication includes equipment) — employers, employees, safety professionals, and industrial hygienists— should read this publication.

This guide can help you, the small business employer, identify and manage common amputation hazards associated with the operation and care of machines.

To prevent employee amputations, you and your employees must first be able to recognize the con-tributing factors, such as the hazardous energy associated with your machinery and the specific employee activities performed with the mechanical operation.

Understanding the mechanical components of machinery, the hazardous mechanical motion that occurs at or near these components and specific employee activities performed in conjunction with machinery operation will help employees avoid injury.

Consult these standards directly to ensure full compliance with the provisions as this publication is not a substitute for the standards. States with OSHA-approved plans have at least equivalent standards. Contact your state office for more information.

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Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s employees by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested, but not required.

This information is available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693- 1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health

More machine guarding safety information at Lovegreen Machine Guarding

Hazard Analysis & Machine Guarding

As an employer, you are concerned about maintaining productivity, efficiency, and employee morale. Companies that institute a comprehensive safety and machine guarding program are amazed at the positive effects on the company's business and employee attitudes! Our trained professionals will come to your site, perform a Hazard Analysis Safety Audit, and recommend proactive preventive measures.

So what is Hazard Analysis? The first thing to do is to identify potential machine hazards by determining how serious the hazard is. Will an employee be injured if this hazard is not reduced? Secondly, how likely is it that the hazard will result in an accident? Finally, how often is the machine used? A combination of all three variables results in an assessment of risk score. The higher the total score is, the higher the probability of an occurrence with the machine.

Once the hazard analysis has generated a risk score, it needs to be determined if the risk can be eliminated all together. Sometimes the fix is as simple as installing a panel over the hazard with tamper proof hardware. In most cases, if the safety risk must be managed if it cannot be eliminated. Guarding the hazard with physical barriers and electronic devices can reduce the level of risk and probability of an accident.

There are several areas of interest when performing a safety audit on a cutting or turning machine. The first step is to determine if the machine’s motor controls meet current standards. OSHA and ANSI standards require that machines have an emergency stop within the operator’s reach. It should be red, latch when pushed and have a yellow background. The standards also require that there must be a way to disconnect power coming to the machine. The switch must be able to be locked in the off position.

All machines must be equipped with a power outage device that does not allow the machine to restart automatically after a power outage. The operator must take an action, such as pushing the start button to restart the machine. Image the possibilities if a machine were to restart by itself when the power turns back on.

Another area to survey is the point of operation. This is the place where the machine does its work. For example, where a drill bit enters a piece of wood. This area must have a shield that protects the operator from chips, broken bits and coolant.

One area that needs special attention is the power-transmission components. This includes belts, pulleys, gears, couplings and rotating shafts. These items create pinch and entanglement hazards and require careful inspection. All areas power transmission items up to 7 feet from the floor must be guarded.

A final category is everything else that has not been covered yet. You need to make sure that the machine is securely anchored to the floor, a workbench or is on a mobile cart that has locking wheels. Make sure that all OEM parts, guards and labels are in place. Areas that cannot be guarded must have a sign that warns the operator.

Download a FREE Machine Safety Survey Tool to conduct your own surveys to uncover the most common problems on your woodworking and metal working machines. It is easy to use and to understand.

Lovegreen Machine Guarding

Machine Guarding Basics

You might wonder why you would have to install guards on your woodworking or metal working machines. Aren't manufacturers required to install guards on the machines they sell? The short answer to that is no.

Many manufacturers continue to build and sell their tools without the necessary safeguards and electrical controls required by OSHA and various safety regulations. Current laws do not require the machine manufacturers to do so. OSHA requires that the employer make sure all of the machines that are used in the workplace comply with current standards.

Simply stated, it is up to you to make sure your machines are properly guarded so you do not get hurt or hurt anyone around you. Unfortunately, not every machine will perform the intended function without posing an injury hazard to the operator. Therefore, you must make a reasonable effort to protect the operator from its inherent hazards.

So where do most mechanical hazards occur? Moving parts pose hazards in three main places - The Point of Operation, Power Transmission and Other Moving Parts.

The Point of Operation is the place where machine's purpose takes place. For example, where a saw blade cuts wood or where a drill bit bores a hole. Common injuries include cuts ranging from minor to fatal, flying material chips, ejected parts and puncture wounds. These areas need to be guarded with chip shield or rigid barriers.

The Power Transmission is the point where power is transferred from the machine's motor to its point of operation. Belts, pulley and lead screws are a major source of crushed hands, entangled hair and clothing. These accidents occur quickly and often cause serious injury or fatalities. Exposed belts and pulleys should be covered with a panel that cannot be easily removed to protect the operator.

Other Moving Parts include any other machine part that moves in a rotating, reciprocating or feeding motion.

You might ask, “How do I know if a machine requires a safety guard? A good rule to remember is, "Any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it can injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazard must either be controlled or eliminated." (From the OSHA Machine-Guarding Standard)

After assessing the machines in your shop and performing necessary guarding, you should be confident that the machines are guarded to the relevant standards. If you are not sure that they are, it may be time to seek help from an expert.

The purpose of hiring an expert is to help you provide a workplace free of machine hazards. Working with your safety committee, the machine guarding company will provide a thorough assessment of machine hazards. Next, they will implement a machine-guarding program that meets all manufacturing and regulatory requirements.

The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your company’s most valuable asset, your employees.
Motor controls are another important item to review when performing a safety audit on a cutting or turning machine.

The first step is to determine if the machine’s motor controls meet current standards. OSHA and ANSI standards require that machines have an emergency stop within the operator’s reach. It should be red, latch when pushed and have a yellow background. The standards also require that there must be a way to disconnect power coming to the machine. The switch must be able to be pad-locked in the off position.

All machines must be equipped with a power outage device that does not allow the machine to restart automatically after a power outage. The operator must take an action, such as pushing the start button to restart the machine. Image the possibilities if a machine were to restart by itself when the power turns back on.

The safety expert you choose will help you provide a safe workplace with OSHA Compliant Hazard Guards and encourage employee involvement through a custom machine guarding program. The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your company's most valuable asset, your employees.

More information at http://www.lovegreen.com/

Welcome to Machine Guarding Today

This blog is devoted to discussing problems faced when trying to guard wood and metal working machines.

Good site to visit to learn machine guarding basics