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OSH -Mechanical Hazards

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Mechanical Hazards

With the difficulties faced bycontractors in obtaining workers,more and more machines are beingused in worksites. Mechanicalhazards in worksites come from theuse of the various mechanicalequipment.

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Mechanical Hazards

It should be noted that mechanicalaction or motion of machinery isprimarily hazardous. Workerscould be struck by the movingpart, or their body part could betrapped between these parts.

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Struck by moving partsof machines

Machines such as excavators,dumpers, tipper trucks etc havemassive moving parts which couldcause serious injuries or even deathshould it strike anyone.

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Struck by moving partsof machines

A safety zone should be createdaround this machine and anyunauthorized workers should beprevented from coming near thismachine.

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Struck by moving partsof machines

Machines should be operated onlyby authorized operators.Precautions should be taken toprevent unauthorized persons fromusing the machine such as byremoval of the keys to start theequipment.

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Struck by moving partsof machines

Machines should be maintainedregularly by competent persons toEnsure that it is safe to operateand use.

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Trapped between movingparts of machinery

Moving parts of machines may causeparts of the body to be trappedbetween them. For example, in gears,couplings and beltings, there is alwaysa hazard of workers having theirfingers trapped at the nip point ofthese components and thereby losingtheir fingers.

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IN-RUNNING NIP POINT

Two machine parts eitherboth or one part move, themeeting point is the nippoint.

Limbs can be caught inthe nip points andcaused crushed oramputation injuries.

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Examples:

Chain & spocketBelt & pulleyMoving gearsConveyor belt

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Trapped between movingparts of machinery

Moving parts of machines should beprovided with proper guarding. Thepurpose of the guarding is to ensurethat the possibility of contact betweenthe user and the moving part iseliminated.

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Trapped between movingparts of machinery

The guarding provided must beeffective. It should be of goodconstruction, sufficient strengthand good material. It must also beproperly maintained. Guarding shouldalways be in place except when themachine is undergoing repair ormaintenance.

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Cutting Hazard

Worksite utilizes various kinds ofcutting devices such as circularsaws, grinders, drills etc. Thesedevices could pose a hazard shouldthe cutting edge come into contactwith a worker.

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Cutting Hazard

Only trained workers are allowed touse the cutting machine. Theworkers should also exercise duecare when using the cuttingmachines.

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