Chapter 25
Machine Safeguarding—Shop and Lab Machine Safety

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

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Limit access to areas, such as shops, laboratories, and equipment rooms where machine tools, machine equipment, and power tools are used, to restrict unauthorized visitors. Qualified personnel have appropriate training in safety procedures and in procedures for equipment operation.

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Wear required PPE (i.e., protective clothing, eye and face protection, and safety shoes, etc.) when operating or maintaining machine tools, machine equipment or power tools.

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Maintain good housekeeping in work areas.

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Sweep and clean all waste, shavings, and chips. Dispose of rags and towels in the proper receptacles.

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Remove machined chips from machine tables and parts using vacuum, brushes, or, when necessary, regulated compressed air (≤ 30 psi). Never use compressed air on any part of a person’s body or clothing.

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Ensure that egress and aisles are not impeded by materials or storage that are located or may fall into workers’ way.

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Get help from coworkers, use lifting devices, and use proper lifting techniques when lifting heavy objects.

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Conduct work activities in a safe and professional manner.

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Use a wooden or plastic-handled file to remove burrs and sharp edges from work pieces.

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Use machine and power tools for their intended purpose.

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Secure items being worked.

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Ensure machine guarding meets or exceeds the minimum OSHA requirements.

____ Points of operation (cutting, shaping, boring, bending, punching, etc.)

____ Power transmission apparatuses (pulleys, belts, flywheels, couplings,                 cams, spindles, chains, cranks, gears, etc.)

____ Nip and pinch points

____ Entanglement hazards

____ Use portable chip guards when required.

____ The guards themselves do not pose a safety hazard.

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Keep hands, loose clothing, and long hair away from rotating machine parts. Roll long sleeves above the elbow.

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Shut down and ensure equipment is stopped (not with hands) when making adjustments to the machine or the work.

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Remove broken, damaged, or unusable machinery and equipment from service. 

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Ensure that the power disconnect is identified, and has necessary clearance and unimpeded access.