United States Department of Labor

Concepts and Techniques of Machine Safeguarding United States Department of Labor

This manual has been prepared as an aid to employers, employees, machine manufacturers, machine guard designers and fabricators, and all others with an interest in protecting workers against the hazards of moving machine parts. It identifies the major mechanical motions and the general principles of safeguarding them. Current applications of each technique are shown in accompanying illustrations of specific operations and machines. The methods described here may be transferred, with due care, to different machines with similar hazards. To determine whether or not safeguarding meets the requirements of the standard, any mechanical motion that threatens a worker's safety should not remain unguarded. Contents: Introduction Basics of Machine Safeguarding Methods of Machine Safeguarding Guard Construction Machinery Maintenance and Repair Utilization of Industry Consensus Standards Robotics in the Workplace Cellular Manufacturing Systems Ergonomic Considerations of Machine Safeguarding Cooperation and Assistance Machine Guarding Checklist Worker Rights and Responsibilities Bibliography States with Approved Plans OSHA Consultation Project Directory Related Publications