Mechanical hazards

The exposure to moving parts,

whether automatic or manually
operated

Moving parts are as follows:

Points

of operation
Power transmission
In-running Nip points
Shear points
Other moving parts

Points of operation Actual work is performed on the

material
Ex. Milling, blending, drilling

Point of operation

Power transmission points Where energy or motion is

transferred from source to
destination (point of operation)
Ex. Gears, pulleys, belt, chains

Nip points Two or more components.

Running in opposite directions,
come in contact with each other

In-running or Nip point

Shear points Where one moving component of

a machine runs past one which
is stationary

Shear points

Machine guards & safeguards

These are components that
protect the worker from direct
contact with mechanical hazards

Guards
These are static protective
devices that prevent access to
moving parts
(barriers, fences & enclosures)

Guards
If the machine guard can not
effectively prevent the moving part
from being touched or accessed,
the machine should be stopped
from operation until it can be
properly applied with a guard

Safeguards
These are dynamic protective
devices that activate or
deactivate machines (or moving
parts) when accessed

Safeguards
These prevent the machine from
operating if the guards have
been moved or are out of
position

Automatic doors

Activated Guards

Presence Sensing Devices

Special Tools

Robotics

Activated Guards

Samples:
Fixed guards or barriers
Automatic guards
Interlocks
Presence sensing devices
Hand positioners
Guardrails, gates & fences

Inspecting for Mechanical

Hazards
Check

each guard and

safeguard to see that it is in
place and operating correctly

 Inspect

each guard for signs of

abuse, tampering or damage that
could affect its performance

 Test

each alarm, warning

indicator or emergency system

 Check

to see that permanent

guards are in place and in good
condition

 Examine

the ventilation holes or

hatches in guards. They should
be dirt-free and not at risk of
overheating

 For

moving mechanical parts,

check presence of appropriate
signage