Chapter 25
Machine Safeguarding—Shop and Lab Machine Safety

Appendix C
LBNL Laboratory Machine Equipment Guarding Requirements

The LBNL Laboratory Machine Equipment Guarding Program follows the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart O 212, General Requirements, which requires employees to be protected from machine hazards, such as dangerous points of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks, etc.  It also requires that protective steps be taken, such as location (distance), barrier guards, two-handed tripping devices, and electronic safety devices where practicable and appropriate.

Use an appropriate alternate standard (e.g., ANSI) when a specific OSHA regulation does not exist.  If there is no ANSI or OSHA standard, LBNL may design one, as long as it prevents exposure to the machine hazards.  Contact the Occupational Safety Group for guidance on guarding requirements or to provide machine guarding design assistance. 

Use the example of a Laboratory Machine Equipment Safety Checklist as optional documentation of self-checks, walkarounds, or inspections of work areas (e.g., shops, laboratories, equipment rooms, etc.) where such equipment is located. 

Some examples of laboratory machine hazards and guards:

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