Machine Safeguarding by Location and Distance
To consider a part of a machine to be machine safeguarded by location, the dangerous moving part of a machine must be positioned so that those areas are not accessible or do not present a hazard to a worker during the normal operation of the machine. This can be accomplished in two ways:
- locating a machine so that the hazardous parts of the machine are located away from operator work stations or other areas where employees walk or work.
- positioning a machine with its power transmission apparatus against a wall and leaving all routine operations conducted on the other side of the machine.
The feeding process can be machine guarded by location if a safe distance can be maintained to protect the worker's hands. The dimensions of the stock being worked on may provide adequate safety.
For instance, if the stock is several feet long and only one end of the stock is being worked on, the operator may be able to hold the opposite end while the work is being performed. An example would be a single-end punching machine. However, depending upon the machine, protection might still be required for other personnel.
The positioning of the operator's control station provides another potential approach to machine safeguarding by location. Operator controls may be located at a safe distance from the machine if there is no reason for the operator to tend it.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. One way to ensure effective machine safeguarding by location is to _____.
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