Manufacturers and industrial facilities must comply with machine guarding OSHA standards. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 standards apply to most industrial worksites, outlining the machine hazards for general industry, agriculture, construction, and maritime sectors. Facility managers must consider their facility’s specific machine guarding requirements to keep workers and surrounding equipment safe. Use this quick guide to learn more about these requirements, how to comply, and the costs of non-compliance.
Understanding OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standards
Most industrial machines can be dangerous—they have sharp cutters, rotating parts, and other moving components that can catch on loose fabric or hair. Some machines also generate sparks or work at high temperatures and pressures that present a danger to people nearby. OSHA standards cover machine guarding for all these types of equipment to minimize worker exposure to these hazards.
What Are the Criteria for a Guard Having to Be Used on a Machine?
Found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O, Machinery and Machine Guarding, OSHA 1910.212(a)(1) establishes the core purpose of machine guard standards: “to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.” All machinery should be equipped with at least one machine guarding method, which may include physical barriers, electronic safety systems, and two-hand tripping devices.
Different machines require different types of guards. For example, presses, CNC machines, revolving vessels, and guillotine cutting tools generally require point-of-operation guarding solutions that protect people while the machine is in use. Machinery should also be anchored in place, and exposed blades require physical guards.
Types of Machine Guarding
Machine guards must meet the following requirements:
- Be secure
- Prevent physical contact
- Create no new hazards or interference
- Protect from falling objects
- Allow for safe lubrication
Depending on your machines, choose from any combination of these four main types of machine guarding devices and methods:
- Fixed guards
- Sensor devices
- Safety trip controls
- Movable gates
Machine guards are typically made from plastic, wood, or metal, though metal is generally the best option due to its superior durability. Plastic offers less strength, and wood is flammable.
Ensuring OSHA Machine Guarding Compliance
To maintain full compliance with OSHA machine guarding requirements, implement these best practices:
- Conduct risk assessments. Audit your machinery and facilities regularly to guarantee compliance with current machine guard standards.
- Train employees. Provide employees with training on how to identify hazards, how the machine guarding works, and how to use the machines safely.
- Stay up-to-date on OSHA requirements. Proactively update your informational resources and training to reflect new changes in OSHA standards.
- Work with external experts. Backed by years of industry experience in developing the right products for specific needs, machine guarding experts like Madsen Steel Wire can match you with high-quality metal machine guards for your facility.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with machine guard standards is costly and dangerous. OSHA fines for non-compliance can cost over $15,000 per violation, sometimes per day if the deadline to comply has already passed. Non-compliance may also incur these indirect costs:
- Costs related to replacing damaged machinery
- Costs related to replacing or installing machine guards
- Potential medical costs, workers’ compensation, and lawsuits due to injuries
- More turnover and reduced employee morale
- Lost productivity or unplanned downtime due to employee injuries
- Legal fees
- Damage to your company’s reputation
Contact Madsen Steel Wire for All Your Machine Guarding Needs
For over 80 years, Madsen Steel Wire has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality steel wire products for a variety of industrial customers. We provide wire mesh panels and cage assemblies for machine guarding applications across many industries. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, Madsen Steel Wire offers a range of premium wire fabrication, forming, powder coating, engineering, and packaging services in-house from our facilities in the United States.
Learn more about our standard wire security cages, partitions, and machine guards, or contact us today to discuss your unique machine guarding needs.
