6.2. Hazards Working with Machines

A machine is a mechanical structure that uses power to apply forces and control movement to perform an intended action. It is necessary for efficiency of work. Machines have moving parts, sharp edges and hot surfaces (OSHA).

Mechanical Hazards

They occur in 3 basic areas where safeguarding is required. These are:
– at the point of operation where work like cutting, shaping, boring, or forming are done;
– power transmission where components of the mechanical system transmit energy flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears; and
– moving parts like reciprocating, rotating, and transverse moving parts, as well as feed mechanisms and auxiliary parts of the machine (OSHA).

Non-mechanical Hazards

Aside from the mechanical hazards, machines have other hazards that workers must know. The following is the list of other hazards working with machines:

HazardsExamples
PhysicalNoise, heat, repetitive jobs, poor design, flying objects
Chemicalsolvents, cleaners, acids, dusts, fumes, mists, rust from machine parts
 Biologicaldirty work area and facilities
 Psychologicallong shifts
 Electricalbroken or frayed cords, exposed wires, faulty electrical wires

– Employers shall ensure that machineries and equipment are properly guarded in conformity with the existing safety standards.
– Guards shall be designed, constructed and used that they will provide protection against the hazards.
– No person shall remove any safeguard, safety appliance, or safety device guarding a dangerous machine or machine part unless such is authorized and the machine is stopped.
– Warning signs shall be installed near the machine being repaired or its guards removed.
– For complete guidance on Machine Guarding read through Rule 1200 of the OSHS.