A machine guard will ensure that sheet metal laser cutting
manufacturers a worker s body will not have contact with the very dangerous
moving parts. The size of a machine doesn t matter, even machines that are small
might require guards; for example, welding something small still impacts
everyone who is in the area.
Machine guards ensure a work environment that is more safe than it would be
without the guarding. OSHA also mandates that any machine part, function or
process which may cause injury must be safeguarded . Machine guarding is made
for all kinds of machines, such as custom made barriers for safety, standard
fencing, fully computerized light curtains, two hand operating devices and
plastic guards. Currently, no laws exist that would require them to have the
covers. The three fundamental areas that are on all machines are the power
transmission device, which includes pulleys, belts, flywheels and other moving
parts; the point of operation, which includes shaping, cutting, forming of stock
and boring; and the operating controls, which includes rotating, reciprocating,
feed mechanisms and transverse moving parts.
Professional installation of machine guards is highly recommended; however,
self installation of some machine guards, such as safety switches, shields and
lighting, could be done.In an industrial work environment, machine guards are
vitally important for the protection of the workers. High temp valves and wires
that are exposed also need to have machine guards.
It is important to keep in mind all the different people who will have access
to the machines, such as mechanics that do scheduled maintenance on them and the
janitor who could bump into them, when purchasing machine guards. OSHA conducts
regular audits of industrial areas to ensure that worker safety regulations are
being followed. Serious injuries, such as loss of fingers and toes, injuries to
sensory organs such as eyes or ears, or getting arms and hands crushed, can
happen if machine guards are not installed on industrial equipment.
According to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) rules,
when the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it can injure the
operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be either controlled or
eliminated . It is the responsibility of employers to comply with OSHA
requirements and be certain that all the machines have the necessary protective
covers.
There are still manufacturers of machinery that continue making and selling
their equipment without having the necessary machine guarding that is required
by OSHA. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA s role is to
promote safe and healthful working conditions for America s working men and
women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and
education. Whether or not they are actually attached to a machine, many guards
are permanent and treated accordingly; an example would be robotics stations
that have fencing around them.
Machine covers will protect the operator of the machine and any other
employees who are in that work area from any hazards that are created by
rotating parts, sparks, flying chips and ingoing nip points
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