OSHA Requirements for Machine Guarding and Rotating Parts Safety

When it comes to rotating machine parts, the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) requires guards and protections be put in place to prevent, as much as is possible, direct access to rotating parts by employees. Guards also need to be in place to prevent any spray from rotating parts.

Guards

• OSHA requires one or more machine guards be put in place to protect machine operators and others working nearby. Guards should be used at points of operation, as well as rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

Tools

• Employees who need to place or remove material near rotating or other moving parts must be provided the tools to do this. These tools are in addition to the machine guards and do not replace them.

Drums and Fans

• Fans that are less than 7 feet above the work area need to be guarded. Rotating drums and barrels have to be guarded in such a way that they cannot rotate without the guard in place.