MAGM 215 Recognizing Common Machine Hazards

2. People and Hazards Man’s greatest limitation is the tendency to make errors. When accidents are caused by human error it is usually caused by: Forgot Something – ie: setting brake, shifting transmission Took a short cut – ie starting from the ground Took a calculated risk – ie stepping over a PTO shaft in operation. Ignored a warning Unsafe practice knowingly Preoccupied Failed to recognize hazard

3. The Environment The environment may add even more risks to the situation. Wind Rain Cold Heat

4. Safety by Design Manufactures recognize that operators make mistakes and fail to recognize hazards. Therefore they often design safety into the machinery. Design so that the safe way is the best way or only way. Use shields to prevent operator contact with potential danger area. Protect operator by minimizing injury in case of accident Minimize fatigue Many accident occur when operators override the manufacture designed safety feature.

5. Common Machine Hazards The most common machine hazards are: Pinch points Wrap points Shear points Crush points Pull-in points Free-wheeling parts Thrown objects Stored energy Slips and falls Slow-moving vehicle Second party

6. Pinch Points Pinch points on rotating parts are formed when two objects move together and at least one moves in a circle. Most common in power transmission devices. Injury can occur when hands, feet, hair or other parts are caught directly in the parts or pulled in by clothing. Prevention – keep guards and shield is place. If none are available keep clear.

7. Wrap Points Any exposed machinery component that rotates is a potential wrap point Wrapping only needs a thread, frayed clothing or hair to begin wrapping. Once clothing or hair is grabbed and starts wrapping it takes very little time to entangle body parts. The only escape is for clothing to tear but this rarely happens. Smooth shafts can also cause wrapping but if rust, nicks, splines, dirt, or components are present wrapping starts even more easily.

8. Shear Points Shear points are created when the edges of two objects are moved towards or next to one another. Often these points can not be guarded therefore you must learn to recognize them and avoid them.

9. Crush Points Crush points are created when two objects move towards each other. Two things must be done to avoid crush points. Recognize potential crush points Stay clear of potential crush areas

10. Pull-in Points Pull-in accidents often happen when someone attempts to remove “material” from machinery or by hand feeding material into machinery The operator is then grabbed and pulled into the machine. To avoid pull-ins realize you are not fast enough to avoid the machine. If a machine becomes plugged turn off machine, be sure all moving parts have stopped, and all energy storing devices have dissipated its energy.

11. Free-wheeling parts Often parts on machinery can rotate for up to 2 ½ minutes after power is disengaged. Though moving slowly they are very dangerous. Injury often occurs because the operator fails to recognize the part is still moving. Avoid free wheeling by watching and listening.

12. Thrown Objects Some machines can hurl objects of substantial size a great distance. Learn to machines that pose this type of hazard and keep their shields in place. Keep a safe distance from these machines when in operation.

13. Stored Energy Energy confined just waiting to be released. Can be completely safe as long as it is confined or controlled. Often difficult to recognize but it is vital the you learn to do so.

14. Slips and Falls Slips and falls can be avoided by practicing good housekeeping and proper mounting and dismounting techniques. Generally machines are designed with adequate steps and handle – use them.

15. Second Party Hazards Be sure to know the location of all who are in the operation area. Don’t allow riders or watchers. When using a spotter agree on signals before hand, move equipment slowly, and do not stand between equipment and other objects.

16. Safety It all comes down to you!