safeguarding equipment and protecting workers from amputations · tions and how to safeguard...

Small Business Safety and Health Management Series

U.S. Department of LaborOccupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 31702001

Safeguarding Equipment and ProtectingWorkers from Amputations

This publication provides a generic, non-exhaustiveoverview of a particular standards-related topic. Thispublication does not itself alter or determine compli-ance responsibilities, which are set forth in OSHAstandards themselves, and the Occupational Safetyand Health Act. Moreover, because interpretations andenforcement policy may change over time, for addi-tional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements,the reader should consult current administrativeinterpretations and decisions by the OccupationalSafety and Health Review Commission and thecourts.

Material contained in this publication is in the publicdomain and may be reproduced, fully or partially,without the permission of the Federal Government.Source credit is requested but not required.

This information will be made available to sensoryimpaired individuals upon request. Voice Phone:(202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number:1-877-889-5627.

Small Business Safety and Health Management Series

U.S. Department of LaborOccupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 31702001

Safeguarding Equipment and ProtectingWorkers from Amputations

Contents iii

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1Who Should Read This Guide? ............................................................................................................... 1Why Is This Guide Important? ................................................................................................................. 1How Can This Guide Help Me? ............................................................................................................... 1What Does This Guide Cover? ................................................................................................................ 1Are There Specific Standards and Requirements for Safeguarding Machinery? .................................... 1Are There Other Requirements I Need to Know About? ......................................................................... 1What Types of Hazards Do I Need to Look for? ...................................................................................... 2How Can I Control Potential Hazards?.................................................................................................... 2

Recognizing Amputation Hazards ....................................................................................................... 3What Types of Mechanical Components Are Hazardous? ...................................................................... 3What Types of Mechanical Motions Are Hazardous? .............................................................................. 3What Are the Hazardous Activities Involving Stationary Machines? ....................................................... 5

Controlling Amputation Hazards ......................................................................................................... 6What Are Some Basic Safeguarding Methods? ...................................................................................... 6What Are Guards? .................................................................................................................................. 6What Are Some Safeguarding Devices I Can Use? ................................................................................ 8Are There Other Ways to Safeguard Machines? ................................................................................... 13What Is Guarding by Location? ............................................................................................................. 13What Is Safeguarding by Feeding Methods? ........................................................................................ 13Can Workers Use Hand-Feeding Tools? ............................................................................................... 14Are Foot Controls Another Option? ....................................................................................................... 14What About Controls for Machines with Clutches? ............................................................................... 14Do I Need to Safeguard Machinery? ..................................................................................................... 15What Administrative Issues Must Be Considered When Safeguarding Machinery? ............................. 15Are There Standards for Machine Safeguards? .................................................................................... 16

Identifying Hazards for Specific Types of Machinery ....................................................................... 17What Are Mechanical Power Presses and Their Hazards? ................................................................... 17How Do I Safeguard My Mechanical Power Presses? .......................................................................... 18What Work Practices and Administrative Controls Should I Use? ........................................................ 19What Other Controls Pertain to Mechanical Power Press Die Set-Up and Maintenance? ................... 20What Type of Training Should I Provide? ............................................................................................... 20What Work Practices Should I Use? ..................................................................................................... 20What Do I Need to Know About Power Press Brakes? ......................................................................... 20What Are the Hazards Associated with Power Press Brakes?.............................................................. 21How Can I Safeguard Power Press Brakes? ......................................................................................... 21What About Work Practices and Administrative Controls for Power Press Brakes? ............................. 22What Are the Hazards Associated with Conveyors? ............................................................................. 23What Do I Need to Know About Conveyors? ........................................................................................ 23What Types of Engineering Controls Should I Use for Conveyors? ...................................................... 24What Work Practices and Administrative Controls Do I Need to Use? ................................................. 26What Are the Hazards from Printing Presses? ..................................................................................... 27What Types of Controls Can I Use to Safeguard Printing Presses? ..................................................... 28What Are the Work Practices and Administrative Controls I Can Use for Printing Presses? ................ 29What Are the Hazards from Roll-Forming and Roll-Bending Machines? .............................................. 29What Engineering Controls Should I Use to Protect Employees? ........................................................ 30

Contents (continued)iv

Are There Work Practice and Administrative Controls I Can Employ for These Machines?.................. 31What Are Shearing Machines and Their Hazards? ............................................................................... 32What Controls Can I Use on Shearing Machines?................................................................................ 33Are There Other Controls I Can Implement?......................................................................................... 34What Are the Hazards Associated with Food Slicers? .......................................................................... 35What Types of Controls Can I Use to Safeguard Slicers? ..................................................................... 35What Are the Hazards of Using Meat Grinders? ................................................................................... 36What Are the Engineering and Other Controls I Can Use to Prevent These Hazards? ........................ 37How Do Meat-Cutting Band Saws Pose Hazards? ............................................................................... 38What Safeguards Can I Use? ............................................................................................................... 39What About Drill Presses and Related Hazards? ................................................................................. 40What Are Some Methods for Safeguarding Drill Presses? ................................................................... 41What About Milling Machines and Related Hazards? ........................................................................... 41What Are Some Milling Machine Safeguarding Methods? .................................................................... 42What Are the Hazards of Working with Grinding Machines? ................................................................ 43How Can I Safeguard Grinding Machines? ........................................................................................... 44What Are the Hazards from Slitters?..................................................................................................... 45What Are Some Ways to Safeguard Slitter Machines? ......................................................................... 46

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance .................................................................................................. 48Safety and Health Program Guidelines ................................................................................................. 48State Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 48Consultation Services ........................................................................................................................... 48Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) ..................................................................................................... 49Strategic Partnership Program .............................................................................................................. 49Training and Education .......................................................................................................................... 49Electronic Information ........................................................................................................................... 49OSHA Publications ................................................................................................................................ 50Emergencies, Complaints, and Further Assistance .............................................................................. 50

References ........................................................................................................................................... 51

AppendicesA. Amputation Hazards Not Covered in This Guide ............................................................................. 53B. Amputation Hazards Associated with Other Equipment and Activities ............................................ 54C. OSHA Office Directory ..................................................................................................................... 55

List of TablesTable 1. Commonly Used Machine Guards ............................................................................................ 7Table 2. Types of Safeguarding Devices ................................................................................................. 9

List of FiguresFigure 1. Rotating Motion ...................................................................................................................... 3Figure 2. Reciprocating Motion ............................................................................................................. 3Figure 3. Transversing Motion ............................................................................................................... 4Figure 4. Cutting Action ......................................................................................................................... 4Figure 5. Punching Action ..................................................................................................................... 4

Contents (continued) v

Figure 6. Shearing Action ...................................................................................................................... 5Figure 7. Bending Action ....................................................................................................................... 5Figure 8. Inrunning Nip Points ............................................................................................................... 5Figure 9. Fixed Guard on a Power Press .............................................................................................. 6Figure 10. Power Press with Adjustable Barrier Guard ......................................................................... 6Figure 11. Self-Adjusting Guard on a Radial Saw ................................................................................. 8Figure 12. Interlocked Guard on Roll Make-up Machine ....................................................................... 8Figure 13. Pullback Device on a Power Press ....................................................................................... 8Figure 14. Restraint Device on Power Press ....................................................................................... 12Figure 15. Presence Sensing Device on a Power Press ..................................................................... 12Figure 16. Safety Triprod on a Rubber Mill .......................................................................................... 12Figure 17. Two-Hand Control ............................................................................................................... 12Figure 18. Power Press with Gate ....................................................................................................... 13Figure 19. Power Press with Plunger Feed ......................................................................................... 13Figure 20. Shuttle Ejection Mechanism ............................................................................................... 14Figure 21. Typical Hand Feeding Tools ................................................................................................ 14Figure 22. Properly Guarded Foot Control .......................................................................................... 14Figure 23. Part Revolution Mechanical Power Press with Two-Hand Control ...................................... 17Figure 24. Hand Feeding Tools Used in Conjunction with Pullbacks on a Power Press ..................... 19Figure 25. Power Press Brake Bending Metal ..................................................................................... 21Figure 26. Two Person Power Press Brake Operation with Pullbacks ................................................. 22Figure 27. Belt Conveyor ..................................................................................................................... 24Figure 28. Screw Conveyor ................................................................................................................. 24Figure 29. Chain Driven Live Roller Conveyor .................................................................................... 24Figure 30. Slat Conveyor ..................................................................................................................... 24Figure 31. Roll-to-Roll Offset Printing Press ....................................................................................... 27Figure 32. Sheet-Fed Offset Printing Press ........................................................................................ 27Figure 33. Roll-Forming Machine ........................................................................................................ 30Figure 34. Infeed Area of a Roll-Forming Machine.............................................................................. 30Figure 35. Hydraulic Alligator Shear .................................................................................................... 32Figure 36. Power Squaring Shear ....................................................................................................... 32Figure 37. Meat Slicer ......................................................................................................................... 35Figure 38. Stainless Steel Meat Grinder ............................................................................................. 36Figure 39. Stainless Steel Meat-Cutting Band Saw ............................................................................ 38Figure 40. Drill Press with Transparent Drill Shield ............................................................................. 40Figure 41. Bed Mill .............................................................................................................................. 42Figure 42. Horizontal Surface Grinder ................................................................................................. 44Figure 43. Paper Slitter........................................................................................................................ 46

1Introduction

Who Should Read this Guide?Anyone responsible for the use and care of

stationary machinery—employers, employees,safety professionals, and industrial hygienists—should read this publication. This guide can helpyou, the small business employer, identify andmanage common amputation hazards associatedwith operating and using stationary equipment.

Why Is This Guide Important?Amputations are among the most severe and

disabling workplace injuries. They are widespreadand involve various activities and equipment. (TheU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1996 annual surveyindicated that there were approximately 10,000amputations for all industry sectors.) About one-half of all workplace amputations occur in themanufacturing sector and the rest occur across theconstruction, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade,and service industries. These injuries result fromusing stationary machines such as saws, presses,conveyors, and bending, rolling, or shaping ma-chines as well as from powered and non-poweredhand tools, forklifts, doors, and trash compactors;and during materials handling activities.

How Can This Guide Help Me?As an employer, this information will help you

protect your employees. It will help you and youremployees recognize, manage, and control thepotential hazards of the stationary machines in yourworkplace. The information does not cover allequipment associated with amputation or amputa-tion hazards in maritime and agriculture operations.

What Does This Guide Cover?The first two sections of the document, Recog-

nizing Amputation Hazards and ControllingAmputation Hazards, look at sources of amputa-tions and how to safeguard machinery. The sectionon Specific Machinery, Hazards, and Safeguardsdeals with the hazards and safeguarding methodsfor the equipment most frequently associated withworkplace amputations: mechanical power presses,power press brakes, shears, food slicers, meatgrinders, meat-cutting band saws, drill presses,milling machines, grinding machines, and slitting

machines. In addition, the references and appendi-ces identify applicable OSHA standards, whatamputation hazards are not covered, and other typesof equipment associated with amputations.

Are There Specific Standards andRequirements for SafeguardingMachinery?

Yes. Although this guide recommends workpractices and ways to safeguard machinery, thereare legal requirements in OSHA standards that youneed to know and comply with. These include, forexample, OSHA General Industry Standards, Title29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part1910 and the Construction Industry Standards in 29CFR 1926. Specifically, Subpart O of the GeneralIndustry Standards and Subpart I of the Construc-tion Standards outline the machine guarding re-quirements for much of the equipment presented inthis publication. Consult these standards directly toensure full compliance with the provisions. Stateswith OSHA - approved plans have equivalentstandards. These and other OSHA standards anddocuments are available online at www.osha.gov

Are There Other Requirements I Need toKnow About?

The American National Standards Institute(ANSI) publishes voluntary consensus standards onthe safe care and use of specific machinery. ANSIstandards also may give you guidance for comply-ing with OSHA performance-based standards, suchas 29 CFR 1910.212-General Requirements for allmachines. ANSI standards are sometimes incorpo-rated into OSHA regulations, and in these cases,employers are accountable for complying with thespecific version referenced. OSHA generallyrecommends, however, that employers use the mostrecent version of ANSI standards.

2 Introduction

What Types of Hazards Do I Need toLook for?

To prevent worker amputations, you and youremployees must be able to recognize the contribut-ing factors, such as the mechanical components ofmachinery, the mechanical motion that occurs at ornear these components, and the specific workeractivities performed with the mechanical operation.

How Can I Control Potential Hazards?Machine safeguarding is the primary way to

control amputation hazards associated with station-ary machinery. Work practices, employee training,and administrative controls also play an importantrole in preventing and controlling these workplacehazards. (See OSHA’s 1989 Safety and HealthProgram Management Guidelines and OSHAstandards in the References section.)

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act(FLSA), the Secretary of Labor has desig-nated certain non-farm jobs as particularlyhazardous for employees younger than 18.Generally, these workers are prohibited fromoperating:

• band saws,

• circular saws,

• guillotine shears,

• punching and shearing machines,

• meatpacking or meat-processing machines, and certain power-driven machines:

- paper products machines,

- woodworking machines,

- metal forming machines, and

- meat slicers.

3

Anyone working around stationary equipmentshould be able to identify potential amputationhazards. Understanding the mechanical compo-nents of machinery, the mechanical motion thatoccurs at or near these components, and specificworker activities performed in conjunction withmachinery operation will help workers avoid injury.

.What Types of Mechanical ComponentsAre Hazardous?

Three types of mechanical components presentamputation hazards:

• Point of Operation is the area of the machinewhere the machine performs work. Mechanicalactions that occur at the point of operation,including cutting, shaping, boring, and forming.

• Power-Transmission Apparatuses are allcomponents of the mechanical system thattransmit energy such as flywheels, pulleys, belts,chains, couplings, connecting rods, spindles,cams, and gears.

• Other Moving Parts are the parts of the ma-chine that move while the machine is operating,such as reciprocating, rotating, and transversemoving parts as well as lead mechanisms andauxiliary parts of the machine.

What Types of Mechanical Motions AreHazardous?

All mechanical motion is potentially hazardous.Here are the basic types of hazardous mechanicalmotions:

• Rotating Motion (Figure 1) is circular motionsuch as action generated by rotating collars,couplings, cams, clutches, flywheels, shaft ends,and spindles, that may grip clothing or otherwiseforce a body part into a dangerous location.Projections such as screws or burrs on therotating part increase the hazard potential.

Recognizing Amputation Hazards

• Reciprocating Motion (Figure 2) is back-and-forth or up-and-down motion that may strike orentrap a worker between a moving part and afixed object.

Figure 1. Rotating Motion

Table

Bed (stationary)

Figure 2. Reciprocating Motion

4 Recognizing Amputation Hazards

• Transversing Motion (Figure 3) is motion in astraight, continuous line that may strike or catcha worker in a pinch or shear point created by themoving part and a fixed object.

• Cutting Action (Figure 4) occurs by sawing,boring and drilling, milling, and slicing orslitting machinery.

Figure 3. Transversing Motion

• Punching Action (Figure 5) begins when powercauses the machine to hit a slide (ram) to stampor blank metal or other material. The hazardoccurs at the point of operation where theworker inserts, holds, or withdraws the stock byhand.

Figure 4. Cutting Action

• Shearing Action (Figure 6) is powered slide orknife movement used to trim or shear metal orother materials generates the motion. Thehazard occurs at the point of operation where theworker inserts, holds, or withdraws the stock byhand.

Figure 5. Punching Action

5

• Bending Action (Figure 7) is power applied to aslide to draw or stamp metal or other materialsgenerates the motion. The hazard occurs at thepoint of operation where the worker inserts,holds, or withdraws the stock by hand.

• In-Running Nip Points (Figure 8), also knownas “pinch points,” develop when two parts movetogether and at least one moves in rotary orcircular motion. In-running nip points occurwhenever machine parts move toward each otheror when one part moves past a stationary object.

What Are the Hazardous ActivitiesInvolving Stationary Machines?

Workers operating stationary machinery performvarious activities that present potential amputationhazards:

• Machine set-up/threading/preparation,

• Normal operation,

• Clearing jams,

• Machine adjustments,

• Cleaning of machine,

• Lubricating of machine parts, and

• Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

When evaluating activities for potential amputa-tion hazards, you should consider the entire opera-tion, individual activities associated with theoperation, and the potential for injury to workersnearby.

Recognizing Amputation Hazards

Figure 6. Shearing Action

Typical nip points include gears, rollers, beltdrives, and pulleys.

Figure 7. Bending Action

Punch

Stock

Die

Nip Point

Nip Point

NipPoint

NipPoint

NipPoint

Typical Nip Point

Figure 8. Inrunning Nip Points

Blade

Stock

6

Machine safeguarding is the primary means ofcontrolling amputation hazards associated withstationary machinery during normal operations. Inaddition, work practices, employee training, andadministrative controls play an important role in theprevention and control of workplace amputations.

OSHA requires adequate safeguards for allmachines and equipment generating hazardousmechanical movement. OSHA’s general industryand construction industry requirements for machineguarding are listed at the end of this chapter.

What Are Some Basic SafeguardingMethods?

Two basic methods are used to safeguard ma-chines: guards and devices. Guards provide physi-cal barriers that prevent access to danger areas.Devices function by interrupting the machine’soperating cycle to prevent workers from reaching orentering the danger area while the machine iscycling. Both types of safeguards should bedesigned and installed to ensure worker protection.

Controlling Amputation Hazards

What Are Guards?Guards are physical barriers that enclose danger-

ous machine parts and prevent worker contact withthem. Guards must be secure and strong. Workersshould not be able to bypass, remove, or tamperwith guards. To prevent tampering, guards typi-cally require a tool to unfasten and remove them.Guards should not create additional hazards such aspinch points or shear points between guards andother machine parts. Guards should not obstruct

the operator’s view or prevent workers from doing ajob. Metal bars, Plexiglass™, or similar guards aresuitable. Guard openings should be small enoughto prevent workers from accessing danger areas.(See Table 1 and Figures 9 through 12 forcommonly used machine guards.)

Criteria for Machine Safeguarding• Prevents worker contact with the hazard

area during the operating cycle.

• Avoids creating additional hazards.

• Is secure, tamper-resistant, and durable.

• Avoids interfering with normal operationof the machine.

• Allows for safe lubrication andmaintenance.

TransparentInsert

EnteringStock

ExitingStock

Figure 9. Fixed Guard on a Power Press

Bar

Figure 10. Power Press with AdjustableBarrier Guard

7

Table 1. Commonly Used Machine Guards

Types of Machine Guards

Type SafeguardingAction

Advantages Limitations

Fixed Barrier that allows forstock feeding but doesnot permit operator toreach the danger area.

• Can be constructed to suitmany applications.

• Permanently encloses thepoint of operation or hazardarea.

• Provides protection againstmachine repeat.

• Allows simple, in-plantconstruction, with minimalmaintenance.

• Sometimes not practicalfor changing productionruns involving differentsize stock or feedingmethods.

• Machine adjustment andrepair often require guardremoval.

• Other means of protectingmaintenance personneloften required (lockout/tagout).

Barrier that adjusts fora variety of productionoperations.

• Can be constructed to suitmany applications.

• Can be adjusted to admitvarying stock sizes.

• May require frequentmaintenance or adjustment.

• Operator may make guardineffective.

Adjustable

Self-

AdjustingBarrier that moves accord-ing to the size of the stockentering point of operation.Guard is in place whenmachine is at rest andpushes away when stockenters the point ofoperation.

• Off-the-shelf guardsare often commerciallyavailable.

• May require periodicmaintenance or adjust-ment.

• Movable sectionscannot be used formanual feeding.

• Some designs may beeasy to defeat.

Interlocking

• Does not providemaximum protection.

• May require frequentmaintenance andadjustment.

Shuts off or disengagespower and preventsmachine start-up whenguard is open. Shouldallow for inching ofmachine.Replacing the guardshould not automaticallyrestart the machine.

• Allows access for machineset-up, adjustment, or jamremoval without time-consuming removal offixed guards when usedwith hand tools or safetyblocks.


8 Controlling Amputation Hazards

What Are Some Safeguarding DevicesI Can Use?

Safeguarding devices typically help preventoperator contact with the point of operation. Theymay be used in place of guards or as a supplementalcontrol when guarding alone does not adequatelyenclose the hazard. Safeguarding devices either (1)interrupt the normal cycle of the machine if theoperator’s hands are at the point of operation, (2)prevent the operator from reaching into the point ofoperation, or (3) withdraw the operator’s hands ifthey are located in or near the point of operationwhen the machine cycles. (See Table 2 and Figures13 through 18 for the types of safeguardingdevices.)

Handle

Blade

Anti-KickbackDevice

Guard

Figure 11. Self-Adjusting Guard on aRadial Saw

GuardSwitch

Figure 12. Interlocked Guard on Roll Make-upMachine

Wristbands

PullbackStraps

PullbackMechanism

Figure 13. Pullback Device on a Power Press

9Controlling Amputation Hazards

Table 2. Types of Safeguarding Devices

Types of Machine Devices

TypeMethod of

Safeguarding Advantages Limitations

PullbackDevices

Cords connected tooperator’s wrists and linkedmechanically to the ma-chine automatically with-draw the hands from thepoint of operation duringthe machine cycle.

• Allows the hands to enter thepoint of operation for feedingand removal.

• Provides protection even inthe event of mechanicalrepeat.

• Close supervision ensuresproper use and adjustment.Must be inspected prior toeach operator change ormachine set-up.

• Limits operator’s move-ment and may obstructtheir work space.

• Operator may easily makedevice ineffective by notadjusting the deviceproperly.

RestraintDevices

Wrists are connected bycords and secured to afixed anchor point whichlimit operator’s handsfrom reaching the point ofoperation at any time.

• Simple, few moving parts;requires little maintenance.

• Operator cannot reach intothe danger area.

• Little risk of mechanicalfailure; provides protectioneven in the event of me-chanical repeat.

• Close supervision requiredto ensure proper use andadjustment. Must beinspected prior to eachoperator change or ma-chine set-up.

• Operator must use handtools to enter the point ofoperation.

• Limits the movement of theoperator; may obstructwork space aroundoperator.

• Operator may easily makedevice ineffective bydisconnecting the device.

10

Table 2. Types of Safeguarding Devices (Continued)


TypeMethod of



Presence-SensingDevices

Interlock into themachine’s control systemto stop operation when thesensing field (photoelec-tric, radio frequency, orelectromagnetic) isdisturbed.

• Adjusts to fit different stocksizes.

• Allows access to load andunload the machine.

• Allows access to the guardedarea for maintenance andset-up activities.

• Restricted to machinesthat stop operating cyclebefore operator can reachinto danger area (e.g.,machines with partialrevolution clutches orhydraulic machines).• Must be carefully main-tained and adjusted.• Does not protect operatorin the event of a mechanicalfailure.• Operator may makedevice ineffective.

Presence-SensingMats

Interlock into machine’scontrol system to stopoperation when a prede-termined weight isapplied to the mat. Amanual reset switch mustbe located outside theprotected zone.

• Full visibility and access tothe work area.

• Install as a perimeter guardor over an entire area.

• Configure for manyapplications.

• Restricted to machinesthat stop operating cyclebefore operator can reachinto danger area (e.g.,machines with part-revolution clutches orhydraulic machines).

• Some chemicals candegrade the mats.

• Does not protect operatorduring mechanicalfailures.

Safety TripControls(pressure-sensitivebody bar,safetytriprod,safetytripwire)

Stops machine whentripped.

• Simple to use. • Must be manuallyactivated.

• May be difficult toactivate due tolocation.

• Protects operator only.

• May require a machinebrake.

11

Table 2. Types of Safeguarding Devices (Continued)


TypeMethod of


Two-HandControl

Requires concurrent andcontinued use of bothhands, preventing themfrom entering the dangerarea.

• Operator’s hands are at apredetermined location.

• Operator’s hands are free topick up new parts aftercompletion of first part ofcycle.

• Requires a partial cyclemachine with a brake andanti-repeat feature.

• Operator may make de-vices without anti-tiedownineffective.

• Protects the operator only.

Two-HandTrip

Requires concurrent use ofboth hands, prevents themfrom being in danger areawhen machine cycle starts.

• Operator’s hands are at apredetermined location.

• Can be adapted to multipleoperations.

• No obstruction to handfeeding.

• Operator may makedevices without anti-tiedown ineffective.

• Protects the operator only.

• Sometimes impracticalbecause distance require-ments may reduce produc-tion below acceptablelevel.

• May require adjustment iftooling changes.

• Requires anti-repeatfeature.

Type “A”Gate(moveablebarrier)

Applicable to mechanicalpower presses. Providesbarrier between dangerarea and operator (or otherworkers) until completionof machine cycle.

• Prevents operator fromreaching into danger areaduring machine cycle.

• Provides protection frommachine repeat.

• May require frequentinspection and regularmaintenance.

• May interfere withoperator’s ability to seework.

• Can only be used onmachines with a part-revolution clutch orhydraulic machines.

• May require frequentinspection and regularmaintenance.

• May interfere with theoperator’s ability to seework.

Type “B”Gate(moveablebarrier)

Applicable to mechanicalpower presses and pressbrakes. Provides a barrierbetween danger area andoperator (or other workers)during the downstroke.

• May increase productionby allowing the operator toremove and feed the presson the upstroke.



Figure 15. Presence Sensing Device on aPower Press

Figure 14. Restraint Device on Power Press Figure 16. Safety Tripod on a Rubber Mill

Tripod

Figure 17. Two-Hand Control

ControlBox

Emergency Stop

LightCurtain

GuardedFoot Control

PressBed

LightIndicator

Key SelectorCapable ofBeing Supervised

EmergencyStop

Top Stop

13

Are There Other Ways to SafeguardMachines?

Yes, other methods for safeguarding machinesinclude guarding by location or distance and byfeeding methods that prevent operator access to thepoint of operation.

What Is Guarding by Location?Safeguarding by location involves positioning or

designing a machine so that the hazardous parts areaway from areas where employees work or walk, oralternatively, installing enclosure walls or fencesthat restrict access to machines.

What Is Safeguarding by FeedingMethods?

The feeding process can be safeguarded bydistance if the operators maintain a safe distancebetween their hands and the point of operation. Forinstance, if the stock is several feet long and onlyone end of the stock is being worked on, the opera-tor may be able to hold the opposite end whileperforming the work. Safeguarding by distance is


sometimes used during power press brake opera-tions to ensure its effectiveness. This method ofsafeguarding requires close supervision andtraining.

Automatic and semiautomatic feeding andejection methods can protect the worker by mini-mizing or eliminating direct contact with machin-ery. These methods typically require frequentmaintenance, however, and are only protective fornormal machine operation.

Examples of semiautomatic feeding methodsinclude gravity feeds, where the part slides down achute into the point of operation and magazinefeeding, where the worker places the part in amagazine which is then fed into the point of opera-tion. Automatic and semiautomatic ejection meth-ods include pneumatic (jet of air), magnetic, me-chanical (such as an arm), or vacuum. Figures 19and 20 illustrate different types of automaticfeeding and ejecting methods.

Figure 19. Power Press with Plunger Feed

Gate

Figure 18. Power Press with Gate

Point ofOperationGuard

PlungerHandle

Nest

Plunger


Can Workers Use Hand-Feeding Tools?Operators can use tools to feed work pieces into

equipment to keep their hands away from the pointof operation, but this should be done only in con-junction with the guards and devices describedpreviously. Using hand tools requires close super-vision to ensure that the operator does not bypasstheir use to increase production. Tools should bestored near the operation to encourage their use. Toprevent repetitive trauma disorders, hand-feedingtools should be ergonomically designed for thespecific task being performed. (Figure 21 showstypical hand-feeding tools.)

Figure 21. Typical Hand Feeding Tools

Are Foot Controls Another Option?Foot controls are not safeguards because they do

not keep the operator’s hands out of the dangerarea. If you use them, they will need some type ofguard or device, such as barriers or pullouts withinterlocks capable of controlling the start up of themachine cycle. Using foot controls may increaseproductivity, but the freedom of hand movementallowed while the machine is operating increasesthe risk of a point of operation injury. Foot controlsmust be guarded to prevent accidental activation byanother worker or by falling material and not allowcontinuous cycling. They work best when theoperator is in a sitting position. Always avoid thehazard of riding the pedal (keeping the foot on thepedal while not actively depressing it.) (See prop-erly guarded and positioned foot control inFigure 22.)

Figure 22. Properly Guarded Foot Control

What About Controls for Machines withClutches?

Certain machines can be categorized based onthe type of clutch they use—full-revolution or part-revolution. Differing modes of operation for thesetwo clutches determine the type of guarding thatcan be used.

Slide inDownPosition

Figure 20. Shuttle Ejection Mechanism

Chute

Slide inUpPosition

FeedingTool

CompletedPart

Stock

PanShuttle

Point ofOperationGuard

15Controlling Amputation Hazards

Once activated, full-revolution clutches completea full cycle of the slide (lowering and raising of theslide) and cannot be disengaged until the cycle iscomplete. So, presence-sensing devices may notwork and a worker must maintain a safe distancewhen using two-hand trips. Machines incorporat-ing full-revolution clutches, such as power presses,must also incorporate a single-stroke device andanti-repeat feature.

The part-revolution clutch can be disengaged atany time during the cycle to stop the cycle before itcompletes the down stroke. For example, part-revolution presses can be equipped with presence-sensing devices, but full-revolution presses cannot.Likewise, hydraulic presses can be stopped at anypoint in the cycle, and their safeguarding is similarto guarding for part-revolution clutch presses.

Do I Need to Safeguard Machinery?You are responsible for safeguarding machines

and should consider this need when purchasingmachinery. Most new machinery is available withsafeguards installed by the manufacturer, but usedequipment may not be.

In cases where machinery has no safeguards, youcan purchase safeguards from the original machinemanufacturer or an after-market manufacturer. Youcan also build and install the safeguards in-house.Safeguarding equipment should be designed andinstalled only by technically qualified professionals.In addition, the original equipment manufacturershould review the safeguard design to ensure that itwill protect employees without interfering with theoperation of the machine or creating additionalhazards.

Regardless of the source of safeguards, theguards and devices you use should be compatiblewith a machine’s operation and designed to ensuresafe operator use. The type of operation, size, andshape of stock; method of feeding; physical layoutof the work area; and production requirements allaffect the selection of safeguards. Also, safeguardsshould be designed with the machine operator inmind. To ensure effective and safe operator use,

guards and devices should suit the operation. Forexample, if an operation is prone to jamming,installing a fixed guard may not work. An inter-locked guard or presence-sensing device may be amore practical solution.

What Administrative Issues Must BeConsidered When SafeguardingMachinery?

As an employer, you need to consider house-keeping practices, employee apparel, and employeetraining. Implement good housekeeping practicesto promote safe working conditions aroundmachinery by doing the following:

• Remove slip, trip, and fall hazards from theareas surrounding machines;

• Use drip pans when oiling equipment;

• Remove waste stock as it is generated;

• Make the work area large enough for machineoperation and maintenance; and

• Place machines away from high traffic areas toreduce worker distraction.

Workers should not wear loose-fitting clothing,jewelry, or other items that could become entangledin machinery, and long hair should be worn under acap or otherwise contained to prevent entanglementin moving machinery.

Adequate instruction in the safe use of machinesand supervised on-the-job training are essential inpreventing amputation injuries. Only trainedemployees should operate machinery.


In addition to employee instruction and training,you should provide adequate supervision to rein-force safe practices. Take disciplinary action toenforce safe work practices and workingconditions.

Are There Standards for MachineSafeguards?

Yes, there are specific OSHA standards formachine guarding. The OSHA General Industrymachine guarding requirements are established in29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart O. Section 1910.212establishes general regulations that apply to allmachines and operations. Section 1910.219 coversthe principal requirements for the guarding of mostpower-transmission apparatus. The other sectionsof Subpart O provide more detailed requirementsfor specific machinery.

The OSHA Construction Industry machineguarding requirements are in 29 CFR Part 1926Subpart I. Section 1926.300 establishes generalregulations that apply to all machines and opera-tions. Section 1926.307 covers the principalrequirements for the guarding of most power-transmission apparatus. The other sections ofSubpart I provide more detailed requirements forspecific machinery.

Train Employees in the Following:• All hazards in the work area, including

machine-specific hazards;

• Safe work practices and machine operat-ing procedures;

• The purpose and proper use of machinesafeguards; and

• All procedures for responding to safe-guarding problems such as immediatelyreporting unsafe conditions such asmissing or damaged guards and violationsof safe operating practices to supervisors.

29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart O—Machineryand Machine Guarding

• 1910.211—Definitions.

• 1910.212—General requirements for allmachines.

• 1910.213—Woodworking machineryrequirements.

• 1910.215—Abrasive wheel machinery.

• 1910.216—Mills and calenders in therubber and plastics industries.

• 1910.217—Mechanical power presses.

• 1910.218—Forging machines.

• 1910.219—Mechanical power-transmis-sion apparatus.

29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart I—Tools—Handand Power

• 1926.300—General requirements.

• 1926.301—Hand tools.

• 1926.302—Power-operated hand tools.

• 1926.303—Abrasive wheels and tools.

• 1926.304—Woodworking tools.

• 1926.305—Jacks—lever and ratchet, screw,and hydraulic.

• 1926.306—Air receivers.

• 1926.307—Mechanical power-transmissionapparatus.

17Identifying Hazards for Specific Types of Machinery

As discussed earlier, there are many machinesassociated with amputation hazards, but the onespresented here are most frequently involved inamputations. The types of machinery listed hererank from those with the most amputations to thosewith fewer injuries for all industries.1 For othertypes of hazardous equipment and machinery, seeAppendix B. In addition, as an employer youshould consult the OSHA standard for specificmachinery to ensure compliance with allrequirements.

1U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Statistics,1999. Based on BLS Annual Survey data for the number ofamputations by source and type of event for variousindustry divisions and industries with high rates and highnumbers of amputations in 1995.

What Are Mechanical Power Presses andTheir Hazards?

Although there are three major types of powerpresses—mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic—the machinery that accounts for a large number ofworkplace amputations are mechanical powerpresses.

In mechanical power presses, tools or dies aremounted on a slide, or ram, which operates in acontrolled, reciprocating motion toward and awayfrom the stationary bed or anvil containing thelower die. When the upper and lower dies presstogether on the workpiece, a re-formed piece isproduced. Once the downstroke is completed, there-formed workpiece is removed either automati-cally or manually, a new workpiece is fed into thedie, and the process is repeated. (See Figure 23.)

Amputations occurring from point of operationhazards are the most common types of injuriesassociated with mechanical power presses. Inad-equate safeguarding allows the operators to inad-vertently activate the power press’s tripping mecha-nism while their fingers are in the die (point ofoperation). For example, amputations can occurwhen an operator instinctively reaches into thepoint of operation to adjust a misaligned part orrelease a jam. Amputations also occur when anoperator’s normal feeding rhythm is interrupted,resulting in inadvertent placement of the operator’shands in the point of operation. Such injuriestypically happen while the operator is riding the

Machinery Associated with Amputations

1. Mechanical Power Presses

2. Power Press Brakes

3. Powered and Non-Powered Conveyors

4. Printing Presses

5. Roll-Forming and Roll-Bending Machines

6. Shearing Machines

7. Food Slicers

8. Meat Grinders

9. Meat-Cutting Band Saws

10. Drill Presses

11. Milling Machines

12. Grinding Machines

13. Slitters

Figure 23. Part Revolution Mechanical PowerPress with Two-Hand Control

ControlBox

LightCurtain

Two-handControl

18

foot pedal. Examples of inadequate or ineffectivesafeguarding include the following:

• Guards and devices disabled to increase produc-tion, to allow the insertion of small-piece work,or to allow better viewing of the operation.

• Two-hand trips/controls bridged or tied-down toallow initiation of the press cycle using only onehand.

• Devices such as pullbacks or restraints improp-erly adjusted to fit the specific operator.

• Controls of a single-operator press by-passed byhaving a co-worker activate the controls whilethe operator positions or aligns parts in the die,or repairs or troubleshoots the press.

• Failure to properly lockout/tagout presses or tohave a special method in place for makingadjustments, clearing jams, performing mainte-nance, installing or aligning dies, or cleaning themachine.

Identifying Hazards for Specific Types of Machinery

Some amputations are linked to machine failure,such as failure of a single-stroke linkage resultingin a “double cycle,” electronic failure of two-handcontrols, brake failure resulting in the slide falling,and jammed relays in light curtains.

How Do I Safeguard My Mechanical PowerPresses?

Mechanical power presses are extremely versa-tile, and selecting appropriate safeguarding methodsdepends on the specific press design and use. Youshould consider the press, the type of clutch used,the stock size, the length of production runs, andthe method of feeding.

You can use engineering controls such as guardsto prevent injuries. For example, 29 CFR 1910.217requires employers to provide and ensure the use ofpoint of operation guards or properly installeddevices on every operation performed on a presswhen the die opening is greater than 1/4 inch. Ifthe dies of a power press can be adjusted so thatthey never open more than 1/4 inch, there is noneed for a point of operation guard. This is referredto as “stroke limitation” and is a good choice whenpractical.

In addition, guards must conform to the maxi-mum permissible openings of Table O-10 of 29CFR 1910.217. Guards must prevent entry of handsor fingers into the point of operation through, over,under, or around the guard.

Case History #1While using an unguarded, foot pedal-

operated, full-revolution mechanical powerpress that made trip collars for wood stoves,an employee used his hands to feed andremove finished parts and scrap metal. Heplaced the completed part to the left side ofthe press, then turned to place the scrap in thebin behind him. As he turned back to face thepress, he inadvertently stepped on the footpedal and activated the press while his handwas in the die area. His left hand was ampu-tated at the wrist.

Case History #2An employee was operating an unguarded

10-ton, full-revolution mechanical power pressto stamp mailbox parts, and using a hand toolto load the press, she placed her left hand inthe lower die to reposition a misaligned part.At the same time, she inadvertently depressedthe foot pedal, activating the press andcrushing her left index finger.

Source: OSHA IMIS Accident Investigation Database

Mechanical Power Press SafeguardingMethods by Clutch Type

Full-Revolution Clutch Part-Revolution Clutch

Point of Operation Guard Point of Operation GuardPullback PullbackRestraint RestraintType A Gate Type A or B GateTwo-Hand Trip Two-Hand Control

Presence-Sensing Device


What Work Practices and AdministrativeControls Should I Use?

Mechanical power press point of operationsafeguards must accomplish the followinggoals:

• Prevent or stop the normal press stroke ifthe operator’s hands are in the point ofoperation; or

• Prevent the operator from reaching into thepoint of operation as the die closes; or

• Withdraw the operator’s hands if inadvert-ently placed in the point of operation as thedie closes; or

• Prevent the operator from reaching thepoint of operation at any time; or

• Require the operator to use both hands forthe machine controls that are located atsuch a distance that the slide completes thedownward travel or stops before theoperator can reach into the point ofoperation; or

• Enclose the point of operation before apress stroke can be started to prevent theoperator from reaching into the dangerarea before die closure or enclose the pointof operation prior to cessation of the slidemotion during the downward stroke.

Source: 29 CFR 1910.217(c)(3)(i)

The types of work practices and administrativecontrols you provide can make a big difference inreducing the potential for amputation hazards. Forexample, if workers operate presses under a “nohands in die” policy using feeding methods such ashand-tool feeding, safeguarding (two-hand trip,Type A and B gates, or presence-sensing device)you still must protect operators. Hand-tool feedingalone does not ensure that the operator’s handscannot reach the danger area. (Figure 24 illustratesthe use of hand feeding tools in conjunction withpullbacks on a power press.)

“No Hands in Die” PolicyA “no hands in die” policy should be

implemented and followed whenever possible.Under this policy, operators never place theirhands in the point of operation (die area).Adherence to this policy would eliminatepoint of operation amputations.

Removing scrap or stuck work with tools isrequired even when hand feeding is allowed accord-ing to 29 CFR 1910.217(d)(1)(ii). You must furnishand enforce the use of hand tools for freeing orremoving work or scrap pieces from the die toreduce the amount of time an operator’s hand isnear the point of operation.

Ram Up-Die Open

Ram Descending-Die Closing

Figure 24. Hand Feeding Tools Used inConjunction with Pullbacks on a Power Press

20

What Other Controls Pertain to MechanicalPower Press Die Set-Up and Maintenance?For example, always do the following:

• Control point of operation hazards created whenguards are removed for set-up and repair byoperating the machine in the inch mode. Thisinvolves using two-hand controls to graduallyinch the press through a stroke when the dies arebeing tested on part-revolution clutch presses.

• Avoid making machine repairs or modificationswhile the machine can be stroked.

• Prevent stroking by using die blocks orinterlocked barrier guards.

• Disconnect or remove foot controls while diework is being performed if they are used toinitiate the stroke.

What Type of Training Should I Provide?Training is essential for worker protection. As an

employer, you should

• Train operators in safe mechanical press opera-tion procedures and techniques before theybegin work on the press.

• Supervise operators to ensure that correctprocedures and techniques are being followed.

What Work Practices Should I Use?In addition, work practices such as regular

mechanical power press inspection, maintenance,recordkeeping, and reporting are essential.

• 29 CFR 1910.217(e)(1)(i) requires a program ofperiodic and regular inspections of mechanicalpower presses. You must inspect and test thecondition of the clutch/brake mechanism, anti-repeat feature, and single-stroke mechanism andmaintain records of these inspections and themaintenance performed.

• 29 CFR 1910.217(g), requires the reporting ofall point of operation injuries within 30 days toeither the Director of the Directorate of SafetyStandards Programs, OSHA, U.S. Departmentof Labor, Washington, DC 20210, or the stateagency administering a plan approved by OSHA.


• 29 CFR 1910.147 requires the performance ofservicing and maintenance activities under anenergy control program.

What Do I Need to Know About PowerPress Brakes?

Power press brakes are similar to mechanicalpower presses in that they use vertical reciprocat-ing motion and are used for repetitive tasks. Pressbrake operation is either mechanical or hydraulic.Press brakes are either general-purpose or special-purpose brakes, according to ANSI B11.3, Power

Applicable Standards• 29 CFR 1910.217, Mechanical power

presses.

• 29 CFR 1910.219, Mechanical power-transmission apparatus.

• 29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardousenergy (lockout/tagout).

Sources of Additional Information• OSHA Instruction CPL 2-1.24A, National

Emphasis Program on Amputations

• OSHA publication 3067, Concepts andTechniques of Machine Safeguarding(http://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/pubindex.list#3067)

• OSHA Technical Links—Machine Guarding(http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/machineguarding/index.html)

• OSHA Lockout/Tagout Interactive TrainingProgram (http://www.osha-slc.gov /dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• NIOSH CIB 49, Injuries and AmputationsResulting From Work With MechanicalPower Presses (May 22, 1987)

• OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.21—29 CFR1910.217, Mechanical Power Presses,Clarifications (10/30/78)

• ANSI B11.1-1988 (R1994), MachineTools—Mechanical Power Presses, SafetyRequirement for Construction, Care, andUse


Press Brakes, Safety Requirements for the Con-struction, Care, and Use of. General-purpose pressbrakes have a single operator control station. Aservo-system activates the special- purpose brakewhich may be equipped with multiple operator/helper control stations. (See Figure 25 for a powerpress brake operation.)

What Are the Hazards Associated withPower Press Brakes?

As with mechanical power presses, point ofoperation injuries are the most common type ofinjury associated with power press brakes. Here aresome frequent causes of amputations from powerpress brakes:

• Foot controls being inadvertently activated whilethe operator’s hand is in the point of operation.The likelihood of this type of injury increases asthe size of stock decreases and brings theoperator’s hands closer to the point of operation.

• Parts of the body caught in pinch points createdbetween the stock and the press brake framewhile the bend is being made.

• Controls of a single-operator press bypassed byhaving a coworker activate the controls whilethe operator positions or aligns stock or repairsor troubleshoots the press.

• Failure to properly lockout/tagout presses or tohave an alternative measure that provideseffective protection for safety during the neces-sary tasks of making adjustments, clearing jams,performing maintenance, installing or aligningdies, or cleaning the machine.

How Can I Safeguard Power PressBrakes?

Engineering controls, work practices, and admin-istrative controls can be used to effectively guardpower press brakes. Engineering controls such aspresence-sensing devices are sometimes used tosafeguard power press brakes. When installed onspecial-purpose press brakes, these devices may

Case History #3An operator was bending small parts using

an 80-ton unguarded press brake. Thisrequired the employee’s fingers to be veryclose to the point of operation and conse-quently, the operator lost three fingers whenhis hand entered the point of operation. Theoperator on the previous shift had reported tothe supervisor that the operator placed hisfingers close to the point of operation, butwas told nothing could be done but that theoperator should be careful.

Case History #4An operator was bending metal parts using

a 36-ton part-revolution power press brakethat was foot-activated and equipped with alight curtain. About 3-4 inches of the lightcurtain had been “blanked out” during aprevious part run. While adjusting a part atthe point of operation, the employee acciden-tally activated the foot pedal and amputatedthree finger tips.

21

Figure 25. Power Press Brake Bending Metal

Point ofoperation

Press bed

22

require muting or balancing to allow the bendingmaterial to move through the protected zone.Always ensure that these devices are properlyadjusted for the specific stock and task to be per-formed. Failure to adjust the device could leave it“blanked out” in certain areas and expose operatorsto point of operation hazards.

Be sure to safeguard general-purpose powerpress brakes by location, or by barrier guard,pullbacks, or restraints when operated by a singleoperator and helper. (Figure 26 shows a general-purpose power press brake used in conjunction withpullbacks.) Other forms of helper safeguarding areineffective and not applicable to general-purposepower press brakes. Special-purpose power pressbrakes are equipped with advanced control systemsthat are adaptable to all forms of safeguardingconcepts and devices, such as two-hand controlsand multiple operator/helper actuating controls. Useanti-repeat devices to protect operators at the pointof operation on special-purpose power press brakesto comply with ANSI B11.3.

Under some conditions, absolute safeguarding ofpower press brakes may be impractical. This isespecially true for press brakes used to processsmall-quantity runs involving the fabrication ofunique pieces. When absolute physical guarding isimpractical or infeasible for small quantity runs,OSHA recognizes the use of a “safe distance” as analternative safeguarding method. Additionalinformation about a “safe distance” safeguardingprogram can be found in OSHA CPL 2-1.25—Guidelines for Point of Operation Guarding ofPower Press Brakes.

What About Work Practices and Adminis-trative Controls for Power Press Brakes?

• Implement the following work practices toensure safe operation of power press brakes withfoot pedals, especially when the operator isworking with small parts:

–Use foot pedals only with other guards ordevices but keep a safe distance between theoperator’s hand and the point of operationwhen the use of such safeguards is notfeasible.

–Be certain that the stock size is large enoughto ensure that the operator is unable to reachinto the point of operation during the downstroke when a foot control is used to stroke thepress brake.

–Don’t ride the foot pedal.

–Protect foot pedals from accidental activationand continuous cycling.

–Use hand-feeding tools for operations whenthe operator’s hands come closer to the pointof operation as the size of stock decreases.

• Ensure that all power press brake operatorsreceive appropriate training from experiencedoperators and supervision until they can worksafely on their own.

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for power press brakes and conductperiodic inspections to ensure compliance.

• Require workers to perform servicing andmaintenance activities under an energy controlprogram in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.


Figure 26. Two Person Power Press BrakeOperation with Pullbacks

Press BedPoint ofOperation

Wristlets


What Are the Hazards Associated withConveyors?

Conveyor-related injuries typically involve aworker’s hands or fingers becoming caught in nippoints or shear points on conveyors and may occurin these situations:

• Cleaning and maintaining a conveyor especiallywhen it is still operating.

• Reaching into an in-going nip point to removedebris or to free jammed material.

• Allowing a cleaning cloth or an employee’sclothing to get caught in the conveyor and pullthe worker’s fingers or hands into the conveyor.

Other conveyor-related hazards include improp-erly guarded sprocket and chain drives. Overheadconveyors warrant special attention because most ofthe conveyor’s drive train is exposed. Employeeshave also been injured while stepping or walking onor near conveyors.

Case History #5While removing a cleaning rag from the

ingoing nip point between the conveyor beltand its tail pulley (non-powered end of theconveyor), an employee’s arm became caughtin the pulley, which amputated his arm belowthe elbow.

Case History #6While servicing a chain-and-sprocket drive

assembly on a roof tile conveyor system, anemployee turned off the conveyor, removed theguard, and began work on the drive assemblywithout locking out the system. When some-one started the conveyor, the employee’sfingers became caught in the chain-and-sprocket drive and were amputated.

What Do I Need to Know AboutConveyors?

Conveyors are used in many industries to trans-port materials horizontally, vertically, at an angle,or around curves. Types include non-powered andpowered, live roller, slat, chain, screw, and pneu-matic. Conveyors eliminate or reduce manualmaterial handling tasks, but they present amputa-tion hazards associated with mechanical motion.(See Figures 27 through 30 for examples ofcommon conveyors.)

Applicable Standards

• 29 CFR 1910.212, General requirements forall machines.



Sources of Additional Information

• OSHA publication 3067, Concepts andTechniques of Machine Safeguarding(http://www.osha-slc.gov/Publications/Mach_SafeGuard/)

• OSHA Technical Links—Machine Guard-ing (http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/machineguarding/index.html)

• OSHA Lockout/Tagout Interactive TrainingProgram (http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• OSHA Directive - CPL 2-1.25, Guidelinesfor Point of Operation Guarding of PowerPress Brakes

• OSHA Interpretation - 1910.212, Point ofOperation Guarding on Power Press Brakes(03/25/1983)

• ANSI B11.3-1982 (R1994), Power PressBrakes, Safety Requirements for theConstruction, Care, and Use of

24 Identifying Hazards for Specific Types of Machinery

What Types of Engineering ControlsShould I Use for Conveyors?

Some general controls you might use include thefollowing:

• Install guards for all sprockets, chains, rollers,belts, and other moving parts. Guarding bylocation—locating moving parts away fromemployees to prevent accidental contact with thehazard point—is one option for guarding con-veyors. It is particularly difficult, however, touse this method when guarding the in-going nippoints on certain conveyors such as roller

Figure 29. Chain Driven Live Roller Conveyor

Slats

InrunningNip Point

Fixed Guard OverPower-TransmissionApparatus

Figure 30. Slat Conveyor

Fixed Guard

Belt

InrunningNip Point

Fixed Guard OverPower-TransmissionApparatus

Figure 27. Belt Conveyor

Fixed Guard onPower-TransmissionApparatus

InrunningNip Point

Screw

InrunningNip Point

Fixed Guard

RotatingMotion

Figure 28. Screw Conveyor

Some guards and covers are not shown to facilitateviewing of moving parts. Equipment must not beoperated without guards and covers in place.

Fixed Guard

Fixed GuardInrunningNip Point

RollerSproket

Chain

InrunningNip Point


conveyors because the exposed rollers arecrucial to the function of the conveyor.

• Use prominent warning signs or lights to alertworkers to the conveyor operation when it is notfeasible to install guarding devices because theyinterfere with the conveyor’s operation.

• Ensure that all conveyor openings such as walland floor openings, and chutes and hoppers,have guards when the conveyor is not in use.

• Ensure that start buttons have guards to preventaccidental operation.

• Ensure that conveyor controls or power sourcescan accept a lockout/tagout device to allow safemaintenance practices.

For crossovers, aisles, passageways, you need todo the following:

• Ensure that all accesses and aisles that crossover or under or are adjacent to the conveyorhave adequate clearance and hand rails or otherguards.

• Place crossovers in areas where employees aremost likely to use them.

• Ensure that all underpasses have protectedceilings.

• Post appropriate hazard warning signs at allcrossovers, aisles, and passageways.

• Considering emergency egress when determin-ing placement of crossovers, aisles, andpassageways.

For emergency stops or shut-offs, you will needthese engineering controls:

• Equip conveyors with interlocking devices thatshut them down during an electrical or mechani-cal overload such as product jam or otherstoppage. When conveyors are arranged in aseries, all should automatically stop wheneverone stops.

• Equip conveyors with emergency stop controlsthat require manual resetting before resumingconveyor operation.

• Install clearly marked, unobstructed emergencystop buttons or pull cords within easy reach ofworkers.

• Provide continuously accessible conveyor beltswith emergency stop cables that extend theentire length of the conveyor belt to allow accessto the cable from any point along the belt.

Typical Conveyor Hazards andSafeguarding Methods

Belt conveyorsHazards: Conveyor take-up and dischargeends, where the belt or chain enters or exitsthe in- going nip point; where the belt wrapsaround pulleys; where the belt changesdirection, such as take-ups; or where multipleconveyors are adjoined.

Controls: Guarding of belt conveyors is notalways feasible because guarding devicesinterfere with normal operation. Options forhazard control include guarding by distanceas well as installing hazard warning signsand signals.

Screw conveyorsHazards: In-going nip points of turninghelical flights for the entire length of thescrew conveyor when the housing is opened.

Controls: Screw conveyor housing shouldcompletely enclose the moving elements ofthe conveyor except for the loading anddischarge points. If such guarding is notfeasible, the entire conveyor should beguarded by railing unless it is guarded bylocation—the hazardous areas cannot beeasily accessed by employees. Permanentlyaffixed grids or Plexiglass™ can be installedto allow the operator to inspect the operation.Open troughs can be used if such covers arenot feasible; but they should be guarded bylocation. Alternatively, the trough side wallsshould be high enough to prevent employeesfrom reaching over falling into the trough.


What Work Practices and AdministrativeControls Do I Need to Use?

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for conveyors and conduct periodicinspections to ensure compliance.

• Allow only trained individuals to operate con-veyors and only trained, authorized staff toperform maintenance.

• Train employees working with or near convey-ors regarding the location and use of emergencystopping devices and the proper procedures forconveyor operation.

• Forbid employees to ride on conveyors.

• Instruct employees to cross over or underconveyors only at properly designed andsafeguarded passageways.

• Instruct employees to lubricate, align, andmaintain conveyors when the conveyor isstopped. If this is impractical, advise workers toperform this work at a safe distance from any in-going nip points or pinch points. Installingextended oiler tubes and adjusting screws willhelp in these instances.

• Prohibit employees working with or near con-veyors from wearing loose clothing or jewelry,and require them to secure long hair with nets orcaps.

• Perform servicing and maintenance under anenergy control program in accordance with 29CFR 1910.147.

Applicable Standards• 29 CFR 1926.555, Conveyors.

• ANSI B20.1-57, Safety Code forConveyors, Cableways, and RelatedEquipment [incorporated by reference in1926.555 (a)(8)]

• 29 CFR 1910.212, General requirementsfor all machines

• 29 CFR 1910.219, Mechanicalpower-transmission apparatus

• 29 CFR 1910.147, The control ofhazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

Typical Conveyor Hazards andSafeguarding Methods (Continued)

Chain conveyorsHazards: Moving chains since the chainscan not be enclosed without impairing thefunction of the conveyor.

Controls: Guarding of chain conveyors is notalways feasible because guarding devicesinterfere with normal operation. Options forhazard control include guarding by distanceand installing hazard warning signs andsignals.

Roller conveyorsHazards: In-going nip points between thedrive chain and sprockets; nip points betweenbelt and carrier rollers; and nip points atterminals, drives, take-ups, idlers, and snubrollers.

Controls: Roller conveyors should havepermanent guards that can be adjusted asnecessary to protect the worker. For ex-ample, when transporting small items on aroller conveyor that does not require the useof the entire roller width, the unused sectionof rollers closest to the workers should beguarded.


Sources of Additional Information• OSHA publication 3067, Concepts and

Techniques of Machine Safeguarding(http://www.osha-slc.gov/Publications/Mach_SafeGuard/)

• OSHA Technical Links—MachineGuarding (http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/machine guarding/ index.html)

• OSHA Lockout Tagout Interactive Train-ing Program (http://www.osha-slc.gov /dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• ANSI/ASME B20.1-1996, SafetyStandard for Conveyors and RelatedEquipment

• ANSI/CEMA 350-1988, ScrewConveyors

• ANSI/CEMA 402-1992, Unit HandlingConveyors—Belt Conveyors

• ANSI/CEMA 404-1985, Unit HandlingConveyors—Chain Driven Live RollerConveyors

• ANSI/CEMA 403-1985, Unit HandlingConveyors—Belt Driven Live RollerConveyors

• ANSI/CEMA 401-1994, Unit HandlingConveyors—Roller Conveyors—Non-powered

• ANSI/CEMA 405-1985, PackageHandling Conveyors—Slat Conveyors

What Are the Hazards from PrintingPresses?

Printing presses vary by type and size, rangingfrom relatively simple manual presses to the com-plex large presses used for printing newspapers,magazines, and books. Printing presses are oftenpart of a larger system that also includes cutting,binding, folding, and finishing equipment. Manymodern printing presses rely on computer controls,and the high speeds of such equipment oftenrequire rapid machine adjustments to avoid waste.

This section discusses amputation hazardsassociated with two common types of printing

presses: web-fed and sheet-fed printing presssystems. Web-fed printing presses are fed by largecontinuous rolls of substrate such as paper, fabric orplastic; sheet-fed printing presses, as their nameimplies, are fed by large sheets of substrate. In bothtypes, the substrate typically feeds through a seriesof cylinders containing printing plates and support-ing cylinders moving in the opposite direction.(Figures 31 and 32 illustrate a roll-to-roll offsetprinting press and a sheet-fed offset printing press.)

Figure 31. Roll-to-Roll Offset Printing Press

Figure 32. Sheet-Fed Offset Printing Press

28

As with other machines, many printing press-related amputations occur during cleaning andmaintenance activities. For example, amputationsfrequently occur when workers get their fingers orhands caught in the in-going nip points createdbetween two rollers while performing these tasks:

• Cleaning or attempting to free material from therollers.

• Hand-feeding substrate into the in-runningrollers during press set-up while the machine isoperating.


and power-transmission apparatus (such aschains and sprockets), that are accessible duringnormal operation.

• Safeguard nip point hazards with barrier guardsor nip guards. Nip guards should be designedand installed without creating additional haz-ards. For example, the distance between the nipguard and the adjacent roller/cylinder should beminimized. Additionally, to prevent wedging,the angle between the nip guard and the surfaceof the roller should not be less than 60 degrees.

• Install fixed barrier guards at rollers that do notrequire operator access.

• Use fixed guards that can only be opened withtools (to prevent tampering) at points requiringoperator access once per shift or less.

• When you need more frequent access to thepress, use interlocked guards, which are de-signed to stop the printing press when opened ormoved, instead of fixed guards. Interlockedguards should not allow normal operation of thepress while open.

• Use an inch or reverse function to performactions such as substrate feeding, machineadjustment, and lubrication when one or moreinterlocked guards is moved to allow operatoraccess. The speed and distance of the inchfunction should be designed to ensure that itdoes not pose a hazard if not otherwise guarded.

• Require press operators to perform normal start-up procedures before the press can be operated.Replacing an interlocked guard should notautomatically trigger machine operation.

• Use additional safeguarding methods such asguarding by location as well as devices forstopping the printing press such as trip bars andpull cords.

• Remember that interlocks and stops do not stopthe press immediately and that non-driven idlerrollers may continue to rotate when the press isstopped and can cause injury.

What Types of Controls Can I Use toSafeguard Printing Presses?

As with most machinery, you can rely on engi-neering, work practice, and administrative controlsto protect employees against injuries when usingprinting presses. For example, some basic engi-neering controls include the following:

• Install guarding on all hazard points, includingall accessible in-going nip points between rollers


Case History #7An employee was adding ink at the top of a

printing press when he spotted a small piece ofwood in the area of the moving rollers. Hecaught his hand in the moving rollers as heattempted to remove the wood and had to havehis forearm surgically amputated.

Case History #8An offset printing press operator lost his

right hand while attempting to remove driedink on a moving roller using a rag. The guardcovering the lower ink train rollers had beenflipped up, exposing the rollers. The rag gotcaught in a nearby roller, pulling theemployee’s hand into the in-going nip point.The employee immediately hit the press stopbutton but the roller rotated one-half turnbefore stopping. His hand was crushed andhad to be amputated at the hospital.


All printing presses should incorporate a signal-ing system in accordance with ANSI B65.1-1995as follows:

• Make sure that printing presses attended bymore than one operator or ones outside of theoperator’s viewing area be equipped with visualand audible warning devices to alert workersregarding the press’s operational status—inoperation, safe mode, or impending operation.

• Install visual warning devices of sufficientnumber and brightness and locate them so thatthey are readily visible to press personnel.

• Ensure that audible alarms are loud enough to beheard above background noise.

• Provide a warning system that activates for atleast 2 seconds prior to machine motion.

What Are the Work Practices andAdministrative Controls I Can Use forPrinting Presses?

Work practices and administrative controlsrecommended for printing presses include thefollowing:

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for printing presses and conduct periodicinspections to ensure compliance.

• Ensure that all press operators receive appropri-ate training and supervision until they can worksafely on their own.

• Instruct workers to lubricate, align, and maintainprinting presses only when presses are stopped.If this is impractical, advise employees tomaintain a safe distance from any in-going nippoints. Installing extended oiler tubes andadjusting screws will help in these instances.

• Prohibit employees working with or near print-ing presses from wearing loose clothing orjewelry and require them to secure long hairwith a net or cap.

• Perform servicing and maintenance activitiesunder an energy control program in accordancewith 29 CFR 1910.147.

In addition, perform minor servicing tasks usingthe Inch-Safe-Service procedure specified in ANSIB65.1. These include the following tasks: clearing

certain types of paper jams; minor cleaning, lubri-cating, and adjusting operations; certain plate-changing and blanket-changing tasks; and, in somecases, webbing and paper roll changing. The Inch-Safe-Service procedure, at a minimum, calls for theuse of a stop/safe drive push-button control. Underthis procedure, the stop/safe function cannot serveas the energy control device when you areperforming lockout.

Applicable Standards• 29 CFR 1910.212, General requirements

for all machines.


• 29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazard-ous energy (lockout/tagout).



• OSHA Technical Links—Machine Guard-ing (http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/machine guarding/index.html)

• OSHA Lockout/Tagout Interactive Train-ing Program (http://www.osha-slc.gov /dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• ANSI B65.1-1995, Safety Standard-Printing Press Systems

What Are the Hazards from Roll-Formingand Roll-Bending Machines?

Roll-forming and roll-bending machines prima-rily perform metal bending, rolling, or shapingfunctions. Roll forming is the process of bending acontinuous strip of metal to gradually form a pre-determined shape using a self-contained machine.Roll-forming machines may also perform otherprocesses on the metal, including piercing holes,slots, or notches; stamping; flanging; and stretch-bending. Roll bending is essentially the sameprocess, except that the machine produces a bendacross the width of flat or pre-formed metal toachieve a curved or angular configuration.

30

Roll-forming and roll-bending machines fre-quently are set up and operated by one person.(Figure 33 illustrates a roll-forming machineproducing a finished product. Figure 34 illustratesthe in-feed section of a roll-forming machine.)


The most common type of amputation hazardassociated with roll-forming and roll-bendingmachines are point of operation hazards created byin-running nip points. Amputations occur when thehands of the operator feeding material through therolls get caught and are then pulled into the point of

Figure 33. Roll-Forming Machine

Figure 34. Infeed Area of a Roll-Forming Machine

Guide RollersInrunning Nip Point

EnteringStock

PowerTransmissionApparatus

operation. Causes of amputations related to roll-forming and roll-bending machines can occur fromthe following:

• Having an unguarded or inadequately guardedpoint of operation;

• Locating the operator control station too close tothe process;

• Activating the machine inadvertently; and

• Performing cleaning, clearing, changing, orinspecting tasks while the machine is operatingor is not properly locked or tagged out.

What Engineering Controls Should I Useto Protect Employees?

Roll-forming and roll-bending machines areavailable in a wide variety of sizes and designs, andsafeguarding methods must be tailored for eachmachine. Several factors affect the ways to safe-guard the equipment, including machine size,operating speed, thickness of product, length ofproduction runs, required production accuracy,sheet feeding methods, and part removal methods.Depending on the size and type of machine, anumber of different safeguarding devices and

Case History #9While feeding a metal sheet into a roller,

an employee caught his right hand in theroller and amputated one finger.

Case History #10An employee wearing gloves caught his

left hand in a roll-forming machine, result-ing in partial amputation of two fingers.The employee was standing close to themoving rollers, feeding flat steel sheet frombehind and catching it on the front side.There was no point of operation guard onthe front roller and the foot operating pedalwas very close to the machine.

EnteringStock

OperatorControlStation

FinishedProduct


methods may be required to adequately protect theoperator as well as other workers nearby. Forexample, you can do the following:

• Install fixed or adjustable point of operationguards at the in-feed and out-feed sections ofmachines. If the stock or end-product does notdiffer greatly from run to run, a fixed guard maybe preferable. If the stock or end-product isvariable, however, an adjustable guard may bemore suitable.

• Install fixed point of operation guards to coverthe sides of the rollers to prevent an employeefrom reaching into the in-going nip points of therollers.

• Install fixed or interlocked guards to cover anyother rotating parts, such as a power- transmis-sion apparatus.

• Install safety trip controls, such as a pressure-sensitive body bar or safety tripwire cable on thein-feed section of the machine to shut down themachine if an employee gets too close to thepoint of operation.

• Install emergency stop controls that are readilyaccessible to the operator.

• Use an awareness barrier guard with an inter-locking gate around the perimeter of themachine to prevent unauthorized entry.

• Locate foot pedal controls away from the pointof operation and guard them in such a way as toprevent inadvertent activation.

• Allow only one control station to operate at anyone time when a single machine has more thanone set of operator controls, this does not applyto the emergency stop controls which must beoperable from all locations at all times.

• Position operating stations in a way that ensuresoperators are not exposed to the machine’s pointof operation.

• Safeguard operator control stations to preventinadvertent activation by unauthorizedemployees.

Are There Work Practice andAdministrative Controls I Can Employfor These Machines?

Yes. You can also prevent hazards from thisequipment by doing the following:

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for roll-forming and roll-bending ma-chines and conduct periodic inspections of theoperation to ensure compliance.

• Ensure that all operators receive appropriate on-the-job training under direct supervision ofexperienced operators until they can work safelyon their own.

• Ensure that operators use the jog mode duringfeeding operations if appropriate; and that theymaintain a safe distance from the machine’srollers.



for all machines.


• 29 CFR 1910.147, The control ofhazardous energy (lockout/tagout).




• OSHA Lockout/Tagout Interactive Train-ing Program (http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• ANSI B11.12-1996 Roll-Forming andRoll-Bending Machines—Safety Require-ments for Construction, Care, and Use

32

What Are Shearing Machines and TheirHazards?

Mechanical power shears contain a ram for theirshearing action. The ram moves a non-rotary bladeat a constant rate past the edge of a fixed blade.Shears may be mechanically, hydraulically, hydra-mechanically, pneumatically, or manually poweredand are used to perform numerous functions such assquaring, cropping, and cutting to length.

In the basic shear operation, stock is fed into thepoint of operation between two blades. A hold-down may then be activated that applies pressure tothe stock to prevent movement. One completecycle consists of a downward stroke of the topblade until it passes the lower fixed blade followedby an upward stroke to the starting position. (SeeFigures 35 and 36 for examples of alligator andpower squaring shears.)

Figure 36. Power Squaring Shear

Shears can be categorized as stand-alonemanual shears, stand-alone automaticshears, and process-line shears.

Stand-alone manual shears. An operatorcontrols them from a control station. Theoperator feeds the shear either by hand or byactivating the automatic loading mechanismand activates the equipment using hand orfoot controls or a tripping device on theback side of the shear. An example is analligator shear.

Stand-alone automatic shears. These feedand stroke automatically and continuously.The operator uses hand-activated or foot-activated controls to initiate the operationrequiring limited additional operator interac-tion. An example is a guillotine shear.

Process-line shears. These are integratedinto an automated production process andare controlled automatically as part of theprocess. Examples include crop shears andcut-to-length shears.


Figure 35. Hydraulic Alligator Shear

Point ofOperation Guard

TopBlade

HoldDown

LowerFixedBlade

33

The primary hazard associated with shears is theshearing action at the point of operation. Amputa-tions may occur in the following situations:

• The foot control inadvertently activates whilethe operator’s hands are in the point of opera-tion. Such amputations usually relate to foot-activated, stand-alone manual shears that requirethe use of both hands to feed the stock.

• A tripping device located on the back side ofthe shear’s mouth operates the shear but doesnot prevent the operator from reaching into thehazard area. Such tripping devices, commonlyfound on stand-alone manual shears, mayincrease productivity but must be used inconjunction with appropriate safeguards.

• When there is no hold-down and stock being fedinto a stand-alone manual shear kicks out andstrikes the operator’s hands or fingers.

• The shear is not equipped with either a full-revolution or a part-revolution clutch. Evenafter it is shut down, a shear that is not equippedwith either type of clutch continues to cycleuntil its energy is exhausted.

What Controls Can I Use on ShearingMachines ?

Because shears have a wide variety of applica-tions, safeguarding methods must be determinedindividually for each machine based on its use. Anumber of different safeguarding methods may benecessary to adequately protect the operator as wellas other workers nearby. For example, you willneed to consider the machine size, operating speed,size and type of material, length of production runs,required accuracy of the work, methods for materialfeeding and removal, operator controls, and clutchtype.

Here are some engineering controls you should use:• Use automatic-feeding devices such as convey-

ors with stand-alone manual shears when thematerial is uniform in size and shape.

• Equip mechanical shears with either a part-revolution or full-revolution clutch. Methods ofsafeguarding depend on the type of clutch inuse. Shears equipped with full-revolutionclutches used in single-stroke operations mustbe equipped with an anti-repeat feature.

The following recommendations apply to safe-guarding the shear’s point of operation duringfeeding activities at the front of the machine:

• Install a fixed or adjustable point of operationguard at the in-feed of the shearing machine toprevent operator contact with the shear’s pointof operation as well as the pinch point of thehold-down. The guard’s design should preventthe employee from reaching under or around it.

• Install a safety trip control device—such as apressure-sensitive body bar, safety tripod, orsafety tripwire cable—at the in-feed section ofthe shear.

• Install a presence-sensing device, such as a lightcurtain, near the in-feed area of a stand- aloneautomatic or process-line shear.

• Install hold-down devices that prevent the workpiece from kicking up and striking the operator.


Case History #11After breaking metal with a mechanical

alligator shear, an employee turned the shear offand was picking up debris on the ground whenhe placed his left hand on the shear and ampu-tated his fingers. The shear’s flywheel was notequipped with a clutch or similar device. So,when the shear was shut off, the jaw continuedto operate on stored energy.

Case History #12An employee was cutting material with a 50-

inch guillotine shear equipped with two-handtrip buttons to prevent employees from reachinginto the blade area. He had taped up one of thebuttons and used his knee to trip the otherbutton. With both hands under the blade heinadvertently hit the free button with his knee.This activated a stroke of the blade whichamputated both of his hands just below thewrists.


34

• Install and arrange two-hand trips and controlsso that the operator must use both hands toinitiate the shear cycle. Two-hand trips andcontrols should be designed so they cannot bedefeated easily. The ANSI B11.4 Shears—Safety Requirements for Construction, Care, andUse standard recommends the installation ofadditional safeguarding when two-hand controlsare used on part-revolution shears, based on thenature of the shearing operation. ANSI specifiesthe use of guards on full-revolution shears.

• Use restraints for stand-alone manual shearswhen other guarding methods are not feasible ordo not adequately protect employees. Thesedevices may not be appropriate if the jobrequires employees mobility.

• Install guarded operating stations at a safedistance from the shear’s point of operation toprevent inadvertent activation.

• Mount guarded foot pedal controls at a safedistance away from the point of operation toprevent accidental activation.

The following recommendations apply to safe-guarding for operations performed at the rear of theshear:

• Install fixed guards on the back side of shears.

• Install an awareness barrier guard with aninterlocking gate, a presence-sensing device(light curtain), or a safety trip control (safetytripwire cable or safety tripod) on the back sideof the shear.

Are There Other Controls I CanImplement?

Yes. Here are some work practices and adminis-trative controls for shearing machines you canfollow:

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for shearing machines and conduct peri-odic inspections to ensure compliance.

• Instruct operators to use distancing tools whentheir hands might reach into the point of opera-tion because of the size of the material beingcut.

• Instruct employees to perform routine mainte-nance on the clutch and braking systems.

• Instruct employees to inspect all guarding toensure that it is in place properly before themachine is operated.

• Instruct supervisors to ensure that operatorskeep their hands out of the shear’s point ofoperation at all times while the machine isenergized and not properly locked out.

• Instruct employees not to perform activities onthe back side of a shear while it is operating orstill energized.

• Prohibit employees from riding the footactivation pedal.

• Ensure that all operators receive on-the-jobtraining under the direct supervision of experi-enced operators until they can work safely ontheir own.



for all machines.






• OSHA Technical Links—Machine Guard-ing (http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/ma-chine guarding/index.html)


• ANSI B11.4-1993, Shears—Safety Require-ments for Construction, Care, and Use


35

What Are the Hazards Associated withFood Slicers?

Food slicers are electrically powered machinestypically equipped with a rotary blade, an on/offswitch, thickness adjustment, and a food holder orchute. A pushing/guarding device or plunger maybe used to apply pressure to the food against theslicer blade, or pressure may be applied by gravityand/or by an attachment connected to the foodholder. (See Figure 37.)

Amputations resulting from work with foodslicers can occur as follows:

• When the operator adjusts or services the slicerwhile it is still operating or while it is switchedoff but still plugged in, or energized. In thelatter case, amputations occur when the operatoraccidentally switches the slicer on.

• When the operator fails to use the slidingattachment on the food-holding device,especially when slicing small pieces of meat.

• When the operator hand-feeds food into a chute-fed slicer without using the proper pushing/guarding device or plunger.

What Types of Controls Can I Use toSafeguard Slicers?

Some engineering controls you should useinclude the following:

• Install guards that cover the unused portions ofthe slicer blade on both the top and bottom ofthe slicer.

• Buy slicers already equipped with a feedingattachment on the sliding mechanism of the foodholder or purchase the attachment separately andinstall it prior to use.

• Instruct employees to use a pushing/guardingdevice with chute-fed slicers.

• Provide employees with a plunger for chute-fedslicers that are not equipped with a pushing/guarding device.

Other work practices and administrative controlsyou can employ for food slicers include appropriateprocedures and training. For example, you shoulddo the following:

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for slicers and conduct periodic inspec-tions to ensure compliance.

Case History #13Two employees, an operator and an

assistant, were using a meat slicer to sliceturkey. The assistant was holding a box ofturkey in a tilted position while the operatorfed the turkey into the slicer. The operatorremoved the guard from the meat slicerbecause the turkey kept jamming. Theslicer’s knives caught the operator’s gloveand pulled his hand into the knives, amputat-ing his finger just above the nail.

Case History #14An employee was cleaning a meat slicer

that was turned off but still plugged in. Heinadvertently turned the machine on bybumping the on/off switch, resulting in anamputation of his right ring finger.


Figure 37. Meat Slicer

Meat Holder

RotatingBlade

On/OffSwitch

ThicknessAdjustment

36

• Ensure that all operators receive on-the-jobtraining under the direct supervision of experi-enced operators until they can work safely ontheir own.

• Instruct operators to turn off and unplug slicerswhen not in use or when left unattended for anyperiod of time.

• Instruct operators to use plungers to feed foodinto chute-fed slicers. For other slicers, theyshould use the feeding attachment located on thefood-holder. Never place food into the slicer byhand-feeding or hand pressure.

• Tell operators that, although not required, wiremesh gloves may be worn while operating theslicer or cleaning the slicer’s blade.

• Instruct operators to retract the slicer bladeduring cleaning operations.

• Instruct employees to perform servicing andmaintenance activities under an energy controlprogram in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.If the slicer is cord-and-plug connected equip-ment for which exposure to the hazards ofunexpected energization or start up of theequipment is controlled by the unplugging of theequipment from the energy source and by theplug being under the exclusive control of theemployee performing the servicing andmaintenance, 1910.147 does not apply.


What Are the Hazards of Using MeatGrinders?

Electrically powered meat grinders typicallyhave a feeding tray attached to a tubular throat, ascrew auger that pushes meat to the cutting bladeand through the cutting plate, an on/off switch, areverse switch, and a plunger. (See Figure 38.)


for all machines.

• 29 CFR 1910.219, Mechanicalpower-transmission apparatus.






Amputations can occur when:• The operator reaches into the throat of the

grinder while it is still operating or while it isswitched off but still plugged in (energized). Inthe latter case, amputations occur when theoperator accidentally switches the grinder backon.

Figure 38. Stainless Steel Meat Grinder

Feeding TrayPlunger

Throat

GrinderPlate


• The operator fails to use the attached feedingtray and throat.

Defective meat grinders, such as ones with holesin the throat or screw auger area, are also a sourceof workplace amputations and must be taken out ofservice.

What Are the Engineering and OtherControls I Can Use to Prevent TheseHazards?

In terms of engineering controls, the followingare effective:

• Equip meat grinders with properly sized throatsthat prevent the operator’s hands from inadvert-ently reaching the point of operation.

• Provide operators with properly sized plungersto eliminate the need for their hands to enter thefeed throat during operation.

Case History #15An operator amputated his arm below the

elbow while hand-feeding potatoes into afive-horsepower meat grinder through a feedthroat with a 4-inch by 6-inch opening andno point of operation guard. This untrainedemployee had been working on the machinefor only 15 minutes.

Case History #16An employee amputated her hand about 4

inches above the wrist while using an inad-equately guarded meat grinder. She haddisassembled the grinder to clean it, but didnot replace the fixed guard along withstainless steel tray when she reassembled it.Also, she did not use the plunger providedfor feeding the meat into the grinder. Themachine pulled her hand into the 3-inchdiameter auger and amputated it above thewrist.


In addition, work practice and administrativecontrols such as these can help prevent accidentsand injuries:

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for meat grinders to ensure that the guardsare adequate and in place, and that the grinderfeeding methods are performed safely. Conductperiodic inspections of grinder operations toensure compliance.

• Ensure that all operators receive appropriate on-the-job training under direct supervision ofexperienced operators until they can work safelyon their own.

• Instruct operators to turn off and unplug grinderswhen not in use or when left unattended for anyperiod of time.

• Instruct operators to use the proper plungerdevice to feed meat into grinders. No otherdevice should be used to feed the grinder.

• Instruct employees to operate only grinders withfeeding trays and throats installed.

• Instruct operators to use the meat grinder onlyfor its intended purpose.

• Perform appropriate servicing and maintenanceactivities under an energy control program inaccordance with 29 CFR 1910.147. If the sliceris a cord and plug connected equipment forwhich exposure to the hazards of unexpectedenergization or start up of the equipment iscontrolled by the unplugging of the equipmentfrom the energy source and by the plug beingunder the exclusive control of the employeeperforming the servicing and maintenance,1910.147 does not apply.


How Do Meat-Cutting Band Saws PoseHazards?

Band saws can cut wood, plastic, metal, or meat.These saws use a thin, flexible, continuous steelstrip with cutting teeth on one edge, that runsaround two large motorized pulleys or wheels. Theblade passes through a hole in the work table wherethe operator feeds the stock. Blades are availablewith various teeth sizes, and the saws usually haveadjustable blade speeds.

Unlike band saws used in other industries, meat-cutting band saws are usually constructed of stain-less steel for sanitary purposes and for easy clean-ing. The table, which may slide or roll, has apushing guard installed to protect the operatorwhile feeding the saw. Meat-cutting band saws mayalso be equipped with a fence and pushing guard tofeed the meat through the band saw.(See Figure 39.)

Amputations occur most frequently when opera-tors’ hands contact the running saw blade whilefeeding meat into the saw. The risk of amputationis greatest when operators place their hands tooclose to the saw blade, in a direct line with the sawblade, or beneath the adjustable guard duringfeeding operations. Here are some common causesof amputations involving meat-cutting band saws:

• The operator’s hand slips off the meat or other-wise accidentally runs through the blade.

• The operator attempts to remove meat from theband saw table while the blade is still moving.

• The operator’s gloves, jewelry, or loose-fittingclothing became entangled in the saw blade.




• OSHA Technical Links—MachineGuarding (http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/machine guarding/index.html)



for all machines.


• 29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazard-ous energy (lockout/tagout).

FixedPowerTransmissionApparatusGuard

AdjustablePoint ofOperationGuard

Blade

SlidingTable

PushingGuard

OperatorControl

38

Figure 39. Stainless Steel Meat-Cutting Band Saw


What Safeguards Can I Use?Engineering controls you can use include the

following:• Install a guard over the entire blade, except at

the working portion, or point of operation of theblade. The guard must be adjustable to coverthe unused portion of the blade above the meatduring cutting operations.

• Enclose the pulley mechanism and motorcompletely.

• Install a brake on one or both wheels to preventthe saw blade from coasting after the machineshut off.

• Provide a pushing guard or fence to feed meatinto the saw blade.

The following work practice and administrativecontrols will help ensure safety in your workplace:

• Develop and implement safe operating proce-dures for meat-cutting band saws to ensure theguards are adequate and in place and thatoperators safely perform feeding methods.Conduct periodic inspections of the saw opera-tion to ensure compliance.

• Ensure that all operators receive adequate on-the-job training under the direct supervision ofexperienced operators until they can work safelyon their own.

• Instruct operators to adjust the point of opera-tion guard to admit only the meat.

• Instruct operators to use the pushing guard orfence to feed the saw, especially when cuttingsmall pieces of meat.

• Instruct operators to use only sharp meat-cuttingblades and to tighten blades to the appropriatetension.

• Instruct operators not to wear gloves, jewelry, orloose-fitting clothing while operating a bandsaw and to secure long hair in a net or cap.

• Prohibit operators from removing meat from theband saw while the saw blade is still moving.

• Instruct operators to turn off and unplug bandsaws when not in use or when left unattendedfor any period of time.

• Instruct employees to perform servicing andmaintenance activities under an energy controlprogram in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.If the band saw is a cord and plug connectedequipment for which exposure to the hazards ofunexpected energization or start up of theequipment is controlled by the unplugging of theequipment from the energy source and by theplug being under the exclusive control of theemployee performing the servicing andmaintenance, 1910.147 does not apply.

Case History #17While operating a band saw to cut pork

loin, an employee amputated his right indexfinger when his hand slipped and contacted themoving blade.

Case History #18An operator amputated the tip of his right

ring finger while using a band saw to cut 1/4-inch slabs of meat from a 4-inch thick pieceof beef. As the piece of meat got smaller, hishands moved too close to the saw blade. Theemployee was not using the pusher guardprovided for the saw.



What About Drill Presses and RelatedHazards?

Electrically powered drill presses use a rotatingboring bit to drill or cut holes in wood or metal.The holes may be cut to a desired preset depth orcompletely through the stock. A basic drill pressoperation consists of selecting an appropriate drillbit, tightening the bit in the chuck, setting the drilldepth, placing the material on the drill press bed,securing the work to the bed so that it will notrotate during drilling, turning the drill press on, andpulling the drill press lever down so that the drill bitwill be lowered into the stock. (See Figure 40.)

Amputations typically occur when the operator’sgloves, loose-fitting clothing, or jewelry becomeentangled in the rotating drill bit. Here are someother causes of drill press-related amputations:

• Inadequately guarding points of operation orpower-transmission devices.

• Performing servicing and maintenance activitiessuch as changing pulleys and belts, changing ortightening drill bits, lubricating the drill press,and cleaning the drill press without de-energiz-ing the drill press.

• Making adjustments to the drill press such assetting the depth, securing the material to thedrill press bed, and repositioning the wood ormetal while the drill bit is still rotating.

Applicable Standards• 29 CFR 1910.212, General requirements for

all machines.

• 29 CFR 1910.213, Woodworking machineryrequirements.







• OSHA publication 3157, A Guide forProtecting Workers from WoodworkingHazards

Case History #19A mechanic amputated the first joints of

his left index and middle fingers whilechanging the belt position on a multi-pulleydrill press. While the mechanic was pullingthe belt on, it suddenly went around theoutside pulley, pulling the mechanic’s fingersthrough the nip point.

Drill Bit

Clamps to HoldWork Piecein Place

Figure 40. Drill Press with Transparent Drill Shield


What Are Some Methods forSafeguarding Drill Presses?

For drill presses, you can install guards and othercontrols and perform work practices:

• Install guarding over the motor, belts, andpulleys.

• Install an adjustable guard to cover the unusedportion of the bit and chuck above the materialbeing worked.

• Replace projecting chucks and set screws withnon-projecting safety-bit chucks and set screws.

• Cover operator controls so that the drill presscannot be turned on accidentally.

• Develop and implement safe work practices fordrill-press operations and conduct periodicinspections to ensure compliance.

• Train and supervise all operators until they canwork safely on their own.

• Instruct employees not to wear gloves, jewelry,or loose-fitting clothing while operating a drillpress and to secure long hair in a net or cap.

• Make sure operators secure material to the drillpress bed with clamps before drilling, so thatthe material will not spin and strike the operator.The operator should not manually secure thework to the drill press bed while drilling holes.

• Do not adjust the drill press while the drill bit isstill rotating.

• Use the drill press only for its intendedpurposes.

• Shut off the drill press when not in use or whenleft unattended for any period of time.

• Remove the chuck immediately after each use.

• Perform appropriate servicing and maintenanceactivities under an energy control program inaccordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.

What About Milling Machines andRelated Hazards?

Electrically powered milling machines cut metalusing a rotating cutting device called a millingcutter. These machines cut flat surfaces, angles,slots, grooves, shoulders, inclined surfaces, dove-tails, and recessed cuts. Cutters of different sizesand shapes are available for a wide variety ofmilling operations.

Milling machines include knee-and-columnmachines, bed-type or manufacturing machines,and special milling machines designed for specialapplications. Typical milling operations consist of


Case History #20A machinist amputated his left index finger

at the first joint while drilling holes into amachined part. As he moved the part to begindrilling another hole, his gloved hand gotcaught in the drill bit.


for all machines.

• 29 CFR 1910.213, Woodworking machineryrequirements.







• OSHA publication 3157, A Guide forProtecting Workers from WoodworkingHazards

42

selecting and installing the appropriate millingcutter, loading a work piece on the milling table,controlling the table movement to feed the partagainst the rotating milling cutter, and calipering ormeasuring the part. (See Figure41.)


There are some frequent causes of amputationfrom milling machines:

• Loading or unloading parts and calipering ormeasuring the milled part while the cutter is stillrotating.

• Performing servicing and maintenance activitiessuch as setting up the machine, changing andlubricating parts, clearing jams, and removingexcess oil, chips, fines, turnings, or particleswhile the milling machine is either stopped butstill energized, or while the cutter is stillrotating.

• Getting jewelry or loose-fitting clothingentangled in the rotating cutter.

What Are Some Milling MachineSafeguarding Methods?

You should implement the following engineer-ing, work practices, and administrative controls:

• Install self-closing guards that enclose themilling cutter when the table has beenwithdrawn.

• Install an interlocked barrier guard around thetable. When equipped with a cutter blade brake,the brake should be applied when opening orremoving the interlocked barrier guard.

• Use other safeguarding devices such as splashshields, chip shields, or barriers if they provideeffective protection to the operator and when itis impractical to guard cutters without interfer-ing with normal production operations orcreating a more hazardous situation.

• Instruct operators not to use a jib or vise thatprevents the point of operation guard from beingadjusted appropriately.

Case History #21While replacing parts on a horizontal

milling machine, an employee shut off themachine, which put the revolving cutter in aneutral position. The employee, however, didnot disengage the clutch to stop the cutter andproceeded to replace parts while the cutterwas still moving. He amputated three fingers.

Case History #22An employee was using a milling machine

to cut metal samples to length. After a parthad been cut, the employee needed to gaugethe part size. While he was checking theedge of the sample, the blade caught the tipof his glove, pulled his hand into the cuttingarea, and amputated his right ring finger andpart of his middle finger.


ControlSystem

MillingBed

MillingCutter

Figure 41. Bed Mill


• Develop and implement safe work practices formachine operators and conduct periodicinspections to ensure compliance.

• Ensure that all operators receive appropriate on-the-job training by experienced operators untilthey can work safely on their own.

• Instruct operators to move the work holdingdevice back to a safe distance when loading orunloading parts and calipering or measuring thework and not to perform these activities whilethe cutter is still rotating unless the cutter isadequately guarded.

• Prohibit operators from reaching around thecutter or hob to remove chips while the machineis in motion or not de-energized.

• Instruct operators to remove fines, turnings, orparticles only with a brush while the cutter isstopped.

• Instruct operators to place the jib or vise lockingarrangement so that force must be exerted awayfrom the milling cutter.

• Instruct operators not to leave the cutter exposedafter withdrawing work piece.

• Instruct operators to turn off the milling machinewhen not in use or when left unattended for anyperiod of time.

• Instruct employees not to wear gloves, jewelry,or loose-fitting clothing while operating amilling machine and to secure long hair in a netor cap.

• Instruct operators to perform servicing andmaintenance activities under an energy controlprogram in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.

What Are the Hazards of Working withGrinding Machines?

Grinding machines primarily alter the size,shape, and surface finish of metal by placing aworkpiece against a rotating abrasive surface orwheel. Grinding machines may also be used forgrinding glass, ceramics, plastics, and rubber.

Examples of grinding machines include abrasivebelt machines, abrasive cutoff machines, cylindricalgrinders, centerless grinders, gear grinders, internalgrinders, lapping machines, offhand grinders,surface grinders, swing frame grinders, and threadgrinders. (See Figure 42.)

Amputation injuries occur when the operator’shands enter the point of operation during thefollowing activities:

• Grinding on the side of the wheel not designedfor grinding.

• Using an inadequately guarded grinding wheel.

• Using an incorrectly adjusted or missing workrest or a poorly maintained or unbalancedabrasive wheel.

Sources of Additional Information• OSHA publication 3067 Concepts and



• OSHA Lockout/Tagout Interactive Train-ing Program (http://www.osha-slc.gov /dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• National Safety Council, Accident Preven-tion Manual for Industrial Operations:Engineering and Technology. 10th. Ed.Itasca, IL


for all machines.




Figure 42. Horizontal Surface Grinder

• Wedging a tool between the work rest and theabrasive wheel, causing the wheel to break intoflying particles.

• Adjusting the work rest, balancing the wheel,cleaning the area around the abrasive wheel,attempting to stop a rotating abrasive wheel byhand, and loading and unloading parts or mea-suring parts while the abrasive wheel is stillrotating.

How Can I Safeguard GrindingMachines?

You can help prevent worker accidents andinjuries by using guards and other engineeringcontrols. Here are some examples:

• Install safety guards that cover the spindle end,nut, and flange projections or otherwise ensureadequate operator protection.

• Install adjustable and rigid work rests on off-hand grinding machines.

• Install guards on foot-operated controls toprevent accidental activation.

• Instruct operators to use hand tools to maintain asafe distance between the operator and the pointof operation when needed.

Work practices and administrative controls alsoare important. Here are some recommended waysto safeguard grinding machines by using thefollowing controls:

• Develop and implement safe work practices forgrinding machine operations and conductperiodic inspections to ensure compliance.

Case History #23After grinding a piece of steel on an offhand

grinder, an employee turned off the machineand tried to stop the wheel with a piece ofscrap steel. His hand slipped and hit therotating abrasive wheel, amputating the tip ofhis left middle finger.

Case History #24An employee was operating a large surface

grinder to grind a groove into a steel part in alarge pump repair shop. The part was securedwith a vise and placed on a magnetic table.The employee was trying to measure thegroove while the table was moving back andforth beneath the grinding wheel. The safepractice, both written and customary, is todisengage the hydraulics for the table and stopthe wheel before reaching in to measure orremove a part. Though experienced at operat-ing this machine and aware of the strict rule,the employee attempted to take measurementswhile the table and wheel were moving andground off part of his left index finger.

Grinding Wheel

FixedGuard

Fixed Guard

Grinding Bed


• Ensure that all operators receive appropriate on-the-job training and supervision until they canwork safely on their own.

• Instruct operators to inspect the grinding wheelto ensure that it is not defective, unbalanced,loose, or too small.

• Instruct operators to inspect the point of opera-tion guard and to adjust it if necessary prior toeach use.

• Instruct operators to adjust the work rest towithin 1/8 inch from the wheel.

• Instruct employees not to wear gloves, jewelry,or loose-fitting clothing while operating grind-ing machines and to secure long hair in a net orcap.

• Instruct employees to keep their hands as faraway as possible from the point of operationwhile feeding work into an offhand grinder.

• Instruct employees not to adjust the guard orclean the grinding machine while the abrasivewheel is still rotating.

• Instruct employees to perform servicing andmaintenance activities under an energy controlprogram in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.

What Are the Hazards from Slitters?Slitters use rotary knives to slit flat rolled metal,

plastic film, paper, plastic, foam, and rubber as wellas other coiled or sheet fed materials. Slitters rangefrom small hand-fed paper slitters to large-scaleautomated metal slitters, complete with metalprocessing and handling units such as unwindersand rewinders. Both light and heavy gage slittersare available. (See Figure 43.)

Amputations often occur when clothing or bodyparts come in contact with slitter blades or getcaught in the movement of coils and rolls. Here aresome example:

• Workers can inadvertently get their fingers andhands caught in the in-going nip points of theslitter or associated machinery such asrewinders.

• Gloves, jewelry, and loose clothing can getentangled in in-going nip points or in the rotaryknives of the slitter.





• ANSI B7.1—2000, Use, Care, and Protec-tion of Abrasive Wheels

• ANSI B11.9—1975 (R1997), GrindingMachines, Safety Requirements for theConstruction, Care, and Use of

• ANSI B5.37—1970 (R1994), ExternalCylindrical Grinding Machines—Centerless

• ANSI B5.42—1981 (R1994), ExternalCylindrical Grinding Machines—Universal

Applicable Standards• 29 CFR 1910.215, Abrasive wheel

machinery.

• ANSI B7.1-70, Safety Code for the Use,Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels[incorporated by reference in1910.215(b)(12)]

• 29 CFR 1926.303, Abrasive wheels andtools.



46

Figure 43. Paper Slitter

• Workers can suffer an amputation when clear-ing, adjusting, cleaning, or servicing the slitterwhile it is either still operating, or shut off butstill plugged in (energized).

What Are Some Ways to Safeguard SlitterMachines?

You can use guards and other engineeringcontrols such as the following:

• Install a fixed or adjustable point of operationguard at the in-feed and out-feed section of themachine.

• Install a fixed point of operation guard to coverthe sides of the unwinder/rewinder to prevent anemployee’s hands or clothing from entering intothe rollers.

• Install fixed or interlocked guards to cover othermoving parts of the machine such as the power-transmission apparatus.

• Use an awareness barrier guard with an inter-locking gate around the perimeter of the ma-chine to prevent unauthorized entry.

• Provide guards for operator control stations toprevent inadvertent activation.

You can also implement work practices andadministrative controls to help do the following:

• Develop and implement safe work proceduresfor machine operators and conduct periodicinspections to ensure compliance.

• Ensure that all operators receive appropriate on-the-job training and supervision until they canwork safely on their own.

• Instruct employees to perform servicing andmaintenance activities under an energy controlprogram in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147.

Case History #25An employee was operating a precision

slitting machine to slit a roll of aluminum. Asthe employee reached into the machine tomake an adjustment because the aluminum wasnot being slit properly, the employee’s rightarm got caught in the slitter. A set of rollerspulled his arm and amputated his right thumband forefinger.

Case History #26An employee was feeding cardboard strips

onto slit steel as it was being coiled on a slittermachine. While the machine was operating,the employee was placing the cardboard stripson the coils. After reaching over the steelstrips, the coiled steel on the mandrel pulledhis right arm into the machine and amputatedit.





for all machines.



Sources of Additional Information• OSHA publication 3067 Concepts and



• OSHA Lockout/Tagout Interactive TrainingProgram (http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

48

OSHA can provide extensive help through avariety of programs, including assistance aboutsafety and health programs, state plans, workplaceconsultations, voluntary protection programs,strategic partnerships, and training and education,and more.

Safety and Health Program ManagementGuidelines

Effective management of worker safety andhealth protection is a decisive factor in reducing theextent and severity of work-related injuries andillnesses and their related costs. In fact, an effectivesafety and health programs forms the basis of goodworker protection and can save time and money–about $4 for every dollar spent–and increaseproductivity.

To assist employers and employees in developingeffective safety and health programs, OSHA pub-lished recommended Safety and Health ProgramManagement Guidelines (Federal Register 54(16):3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntaryguidelines can be applied to all places of employ-ment covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elementsthat are critical to the development of a successfulsafety and health management system:

• Management leadership and employee involvement,

• Worksite analysis,

• Hazard prevention and control, and

• Safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions,under each of these general elements, to achieve aneffective safety and health management system. TheFederal Register notice is available online atwww.osha.gov

State ProgramsThe Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

(OSH Act) encourages states to develop and operatetheir own job safety and health plans. OSHAapproves and monitors these plans. There arecurrently 26 state plans: 23 cover both private and

public (state and local government) employment; 3states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York,cover the public sector only. States and territorieswith their own OSHA-approved occupational safetyand health plans must adopt and enforce standardsidentical to, or at least as effective as, the federalstandards and provide extensive programs ofvoluntary compliance and technical assistance,including consultation services.

Consultation ServicesConsultation assistance is available on request to

employers who want help in establishing andmaintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Largelyfunded by OSHA, the service is provided at no costto the employer. Primarily developed for smalleremployers with more hazardous operations, theconsultation service is delivered by state govern-ments employing professional safety and healthconsultants. Comprehensive assistance includes anappraisal of all aspects of the employer’s existingsafety and health management system. In addition,the service can help employees in developing andimplementing an effective safety and health man-agement system. No penalties are proposed orcitations issued for hazards identified by the con-sultant. OSHA provides consultation assistance tothe employer with the assurance that his or hername and firm and any information about theworkplace will not be routinely reported to OSHAenforcement staff.

Under the consultation program, certain exem-plary employers may request participation inOSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recogni-tion Program (SHARP). Eligibility for participationin SHARP includes, but is not limited to, receivinga full service, comprehensive consultation visit,correcting all identified hazards, and developing aneffective safety and health program managementsystem.

Employers accepted into SHARP may receive anexemption from programmed inspections (notcomplaint or accident investigation inspections) fora period of 1 year initially, or 2 years upon renewal.For more information concerning consultationassistance, see the list of consultation projects listedat the end of this publication. For more informationconcerning consultation assistance, see the list of

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

49

consultation projects listed at the end of thispublication.

Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite

consultation services, when coupled with an effec-tive enforcement program, expand worker protec-tion to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. Thethree VPPs—Star, Merit, and Demonstration—aredesigned to recognize outstanding achievements bycompanies that have developed and implementedeffective safety and health management systems.The VPPs motivate others to achieve excellentsafety and health results in the same outstandingway as they establish a cooperative relationshipbetween employers, employees, and OSHA.

For additional information on VPPs and how toapply, contact the OSHA regional offices listed atthe end of this publication.

Strategic Partnership ProgramOSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, the

newest member of OSHA’s cooperative programs,helps encourage, assist, and recognize the efforts ofpartners to eliminate serious workplace hazards andachieve a high level of worker safety and health.Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program and VPPentail one-on-one relationships between OSHA andindividual worksites, most strategic partnershipsseek to have a broader impact by building coopera-tive relationships with groups of employers andemployees. These partnerships are voluntary,cooperative relationships between OSHA, employ-ers, employee representatives, and others (e.g.,trade unions, trade and professional associations,universities, and other government agencies).

For more information on this program, contactyour nearest OSHA office, or visit OSHA’s websiteat www.osha.gov.

Training and EducationOSHA’s area offices offer a variety of informa-

tion services, such as compliance assistance,technical advice, publications, audiovisual aids andspeakers for special engagements. OSHA’s TrainingInstitute in Des Plaines, IL, provides basic andadvanced courses in safety and health for federaland state compliance officers, state consultants,

federal agency personnel, and private sector em-ployers, employees, and their representatives.

The OSHA Training Institute also has estab-lished OSHA Training Institute Education Centersto address the increased demand for its coursesfrom the private sector and from other federalagencies. These centers are nonprofit colleges,universities, and other organizations that have beenselected after a competition for participation in theprogram.

OSHA awards grants through its Susan HarwoodTraining Grant Program to nonprofit organizationsto provide safety and health training and educationto employers and workers in the workplace. Thegrants focus on programs that will educate workersand employers in small business (fewer than 250employees), training workers and employers aboutnew OSHA standards or about high-risk activitiesor hazards. Grants are awarded for 1 year and maybe renewed for an additional 12-month perioddepending on whether the grantee has performedsatisfactorily.

OSHA expects each organization awarded agrant to develop a training and/or education pro-gram that addresses a safety and health topic namedby OSHA, recruit workers and employers for thetraining, and conduct the training. Grantees arealso expected to follow up with people who havebeen trained to find out what changes were made toreduce the hazards in their workplaces as a result ofthe training.

Each year OSHA has a national competition thatis announced in the Federal Register and on theInternet at http://www.osha-slc.gov/Training/sharwood/sharwood.html. For more information ongrants, training, and education, contact the OSHATraining Institute, Office of Training and Educa-tion, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018,(847) 297-4810.

Electronic InformationOSHA has a variety of materials and tools

available on its website–www.osha.gov. Theseinclude e-Tools, Expert Advisors, Electronic Com-pliance Assistance Tools (e-CATs), Technical Links,regulations, directives, publications, videos, and


50

other information for employers and employees.OSHA’s software programs and compliance assis-tance tools walk you through challenging safety andhealth issues and common problems to find the bestsolutions for your workplace.

OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, interpreta-tions, directives, and more and can be purchased onCD- ROM from the U.S. Government PrintingOffice. To order, write to the Superintendent ofDocuments, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA15250-7954 or phone (202) 512-1800. SpecifyOSHA Regulations, Documents and TechnicalInformation on CD-ROM (ORDT), GPO Order No.S/N 729-013-00000-5. The price is $45 per year($56.25 foreign); $21 per single copy ($26.25foreign).

OSHA PublicationsOSHA has an extensive publications program.

For a listing of free or sales items, visit OSHA’swebsite at www.osha.gov or contact the OSHAPublications Office, U.S. Department of Labor,OSHA/OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535,Washington, DC 20013-7535. Telephone (202)693-1888 or fax to (202) 693-2498.

Emergencies, Complaints, and FurtherAssistance

To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seekOSHA advice, assistance, or products, call1-800-321-OSHA or contact your nearest OSHAregional or area office listed at the end of thispublication. The teletypewriter (TTY) number is1-877-889-5627.

You can also file a complaint online and obtainmore information on OSHA federal and stateprograms by visiting OSHA’s website atwww.osha.gov.


51

American National Standards Institute• ANSI B5.52M-1980 (R1994), Presses, General

Purpose, Single Point, Gap Type, MechanicalPower (Metric)

• ANSI B5.37—1970 (R1994), ExternalCylindrical Grinding Machines—Centerless

• ANSI B5.42—198 (R1994), ExternalCylindrical Grinding Machines—Universal

• ANSI B7.1—2000, Use, Care, and Protection ofAbrasive Wheels

• ANSI B11.1-1988 (R1994), Machine Tools—Mechanical Power Presses, Safety Requirementfor Construction, Care, and Use

• ANSI B11.3-1982 (R1994), Power PressBrakes, Safety Requirements for theConstruction, Care, and Use of

• ANSI B11.9—1975 (R1997), GrindingMachines, Safety Requirements for theConstruction, Care, and Use of

• ANSI B11.12-1996 Roll-Forming and Roll-Bending Machines—Safety Requirements forConstruction, Care, and Use

• ANSI B11.4-1993, Shears—SafetyRequirements for Construction, Care, and Use

• ANSI B20.1-57, Safety Code for Conveyors,Cableways, and Related Equipment [incorpo-rated by reference in 1926.555 (a)(8)]

• ANSI B65.1-1995, Safety Standard—PrintingPress Systems

American National Standards Institute/Conveyor EquipmentManufacturers Association

• ANSI/CEMA 401-1994, Unit HandlingConveyors—Roller Conveyors—Non-powered

• ANSI/CEMA 402-1992, Unit HandlingConveyors—Belt Conveyors

• ANSI/CEMA 403-1985, Unit HandlingConveyors—Belt Driven Live Roller Conveyors

American National Standards Institute/American Society of Mechanical Engineers

• ANSI/ASME B20.1-1996, Safety Standard forConveyors and Related Equipment

National Institute for Occupational Safetyand Health

• NIOSH CIB 49, Injuries and AmputationsResulting from Work with Mechanical PowerPresses (May 22, 1987)

National Safety Council• National Safety Council, Accident Prevention

Manual for Industrial Operations: Engineeringand Technology. 9th. Ed. Itasca, IL

• National Safety Council, Accident PreventionManual for Business and Industry: Engineeringand Technology 11th Ed. Itasca, IL

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration Standards

• 29 CFR 1910.147—The control of hazardousenergy (lockout/tagout).

• 29 CFR 1910.211—Definitions.

• 29 CFR 1910.212—General requirements forall machines.

• 29 CFR 1910.213—Woodworking machineryrequirements.

• 29 CFR 1910.215—Abrasive wheel machinery.

• 29 CFR 1910.217—Mechanical power presses.

• 29 CFR 1910.219—Mechanical power-trans-mission apparatus.

• 29 CFR 1926.300—General requirements.

• 29 CFR 1926.301—Hand tools.

• 29 CFR 1926.302—Power-operated hand tools.

• 29 CFR 1926.303—Abrasive wheels and tools.

• 29 CFR 1926.304—Woodworking tools.

• 29 CFR 1926.307—Mechanical power—transmission apparatus.

• 29 CFR 1926.555—Conveyors.

References

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration Instructions

• OSHA Instruction CPL 2-1.24A, NationalEmphasis Program on Amputations

• OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.21—29 CFR1910.217, Mechanical Power Presses,Clarifications (10/30/78)

• OSHA Directive— CPL 2-1.25, Guidelines forPoint of Operation Guarding of Power PressBrakes

• OSHA Directive STD 1-7.3, The Control ofHazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)—Inspec-tion Procedures and Interpretive Guidance

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration Interpretations

• OSHA Interpretation - 1910.212, Point ofOperation Guarding on Power Press Brakes(03/25/1983)

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration Training Programs

• OSHA’s Lockout Tagout Interactive TrainingProgram (http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration Publications

• OSHA Publication 3067- Concepts andTechniques of Machine Safeguarding(http://www.osha-slc.gov/Publications/Mach_SafeGuard/

• OSHA Publication 3120- Control of HazardousEnergy (Lockout/Tagout)

• OSHA publication 3157- A Guide for ProtectingWorkers from Woodworking Hazards

Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration Technical Links


References52

The following amputation hazards and relatedactivities are not covered in detail in this document.They are either covered in other OSHA publicationsor specific OSHA standards. While you may findthe general hazard recognition and machine guard-ing concepts presented in the Recognizing Ampu-tations Hazards and Controlling AmputationHazards sections of this document helpful, pleaserefer to the applicable topic-specific resources andstandards listed in the reference section of thispublication for a complete discussion of thesehazards.

Amputation Hazards Associated with SawsSaws are the top source of amputations in whole-

sale and retail trade and in the construction indus-try. Table saws, radial arm saws, and band saws arethe primary stationary saws responsible for saw-related amputations in the workplace. Sawingmachinery used for woodworking applications isnot specifically addressed in this guide. You canfind specific guidance on these saws in OSHAPublication 3157, A Guide for Protecting WorkersFrom Woodworking Hazards; 29 CFR 1910.213,Woodworking machinery requirements; 29 CFR1910.243, Guarding of portable powered tools; and29 CFR 1926.304, Woodworking tools.

Amputation Hazards Associated withMachine Servicing and Maintenance

Most machine servicing and maintenance ampu-tations occur when workers failed to render safe allpotentially hazardous energy before starting workor do not properly apply lockout/tagout devices to amachine’s energy control devices. Servicing andmaintenance activities associated with amputationsinclude setting up machines for production opera-tions, bypassing guards to clear jams, and replacingor servicing machine parts. OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) and the sourceslisted below contain further information.

Amputation Hazards in Agriculture and Mari-time Operations

Requirements for machine guarding in agricul-ture operations are contained in the Standards forAgriculture, 29 CFR Part 1928 Subpart D—Safetyfor Agricultural Equipment, and requirements formachine guarding in maritime operations can befound in the Shipyard Employment Standards, 29CFR Part 1915 Subpart H—Tools and RelatedEquipment, the Marine Terminals Standard, 29 CFRPart 1917 Subpart G—Machine Guarding, and theLongshoring Standard, 29 CFR Part 1918 SubpartI—General Working Conditions.

Additional Health and Safety HazardsOther health and safety hazards associated with

using stationary machines, but not addressed inthis guide, include noise, vibration, ergonomicstresses, exposure to hazardous chemicals (e.g.metalworking fluids) and dust, electric hazards, andflying objects.

Please visit the OSHA website at www.osha.govfor more information on how to recognize andcontrol these hazards.

For detailed information about lockout/tagout see the following publications:

• OSHA Directive STD 1-7.3, The Control ofHazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)—Inspection Procedures and InterpretiveGuidance

• OSHA’s Lockout Tagout Interactive Train-ing Program (http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.htm)

• OSHA Publication 3120, Control of Haz-ardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

Appendix A Amputation Hazards Not Coveredin This Guide 53

53

Although stationary machines are associatedwith amputations more frequently than any othersource, amputations can result from other sources.This appendix briefly identifies other equipmentand activities associated with amputations:

• Powered and Non-Powered Hand Tools.Portable hand tools such as saws, grinders,shears, and bolt cutters, are associated withamputations in the construction, retail trade, andservices industries.

• Material Handling. Amputations related tomanual material handling tasks often resultwhen heavy or sharp objects fall from an el-evated surface or shift during transfer. Amputa-tion often occurs when the employee attempts tolimit the movement of, or damage to, material asit shifts or falls.

• Forklifts. Amputation hazards related to forkliftoperation and use include employees beingtrapped or pinned between the forklift andanother object; struck or run over by the forklift;struck by falling or shifting loads or overturningforklifts.

• Doors and Covers. Amputation hazards are notlimited to mechanical equipment or heavy loads.Doors also have the potential to amputatefingers. These injuries typically result when adoor closes while a person’s hands are in thedoor jamb. Manhole covers, commercial gar-bage disposal covers, and tank or bin covers canalso amputate fingers and toes.

• Trash Compactors. Many businesses use smalltrash compactors for reducing the volume ofwastes such as cardboard. Often these compac-tors are not properly guarded and employees arenot properly trained in their use. The majority ofthese amputations result from employees beingstruck by the ram/piston either during theinitiating stroke or the return stroke. The ram/piston should be guarded if any part of anoperator’s body is exposed to the danger areaduring the operating cycle. Likewise, beforereaching into any trash compactor the operatorshould deenergize and lock out the machine.

Appendix B Amputation Hazards Associated withOther Equipment and Activities54

Appendix C

REGION I(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)JFK Federal Building, Room E340Boston, MA 02203(617) 565-9860

REGION II(NJ,* PR,* VI*)201 Varick Street, Room 670New York, NY 10014(212) 337-2378

REGION III(DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV)The Curtis Center170 S. Independence Mall WestSuite 740 WestPhiladelphia, PA 19106-3309(215) 861-4900

REGION IV(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,* TN*)Atlanta Federal Center61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50Atlanta, GA 30303(404) 562-2300

REGION V(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3244Chicago, IL 60604(312) 353-2220

REGION VI(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)525 Griffin Street, Room 602Dallas, TX 75202(214) 767-4731 or 4736 x22

REGION VII(IA,* KS, MO, NE)City Center Square1100 Main Street, Suite 800Kansas City, MO 64105(816) 426-5861

REGION VIII(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)1999 Broadway, Suite 1690Denver, CO 80202-5716(303) 844-1600

REGION IX(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI, NV,*Northern Mariana Islands)71 Stevenson Street, Room 420San Francisco, CA 94105(415) 975-4310

REGION X(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715Seattle, WA 98101-3212(206) 553-5930

*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and health programs(Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York plans cover public employees only). States with approvedprograms must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.

OSHA Regional Offices

OSHA OfficeDirectory 55

Appendix C

OSHA Area Offices

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAVestavia Village, 2047 Canyon RoadBirmingham, AL 35216-1981(205) 731-1534

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA3737 Government Boulevard, Suite 100Mobile, AL 36693-4309(334) 441-6131

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA301 W. Northern Lights Blvd, Suite 407Anchorage, AK 99503-7571(907) 271-5152

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHATCBY Building, Suite 450425 West Capitol AvenueLittle Rock, AR 72201(501) 324-6291(5818)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA3221 North 16th Street, Suite 100Phoenix, AZ 85016(602) 640-2348

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA5675 Ruffin Road, Suite 330San Diego, CA 92123(619) 557-5909

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA101 El Camino Plaza, Suite 105Sacramento, CA 95815(916) 566-7471

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 210Denver, CO 80204-2552(303) 844-5285

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA7935 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 209Englewood, CO 80111-2714(303) 843-4500

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAOne Lafayette Square, Suite 202Bridgeport, CT 06604(203) 579-5581

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Building450 Main Street, Room 613Hartford, CT 06103(860) 240-3152

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHACaleb Boggs Federal Building844 N King Street, Room 2209Wilmington, DE 19801-3319(302) 573-6518

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA8040 Peters Road, Building H-100Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324(954) 424-0242

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHARibault Building, Suite 2271851 Executive Center DriveJacksonville, FL 32207(904) 232-2895

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA5807 Breckenridge Parkway, Suite ATampa, FL 33610-4249(813) 626-1177

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA450 Mall Boulevard, Suite JSavannah, GA 31406(912) 652-4393

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250Smyrna, GA 30080-2968(770) 984-8700

OSHA OfficeDirectory56

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHALaVista Perimeter Office Park2183 N. Lake ParkwayBuilding 7 - Suite 110Tucker, GA 30084-4154 (770) 493-6644/6742/8419

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA210 Walnut Street, Room 815Des Moines, IA 50309(515) 284-4794

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 201Boise, ID 83706(208) 321-2960

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1600 167th Street, Suite 9Calumet City, IL 60409(708) 891-3800

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA701 Lee StreetSuite #950Des Plaines, IL 60016(847) 803-4800

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA11 Executive Drive, Suite 11Fairview Heights, IL 62208(618) 632-8612

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA344 Smoke Tree Business ParkNorth Aurora, IL 60542(630) 896-8700

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA2918 West Willow Knolls RoadPeoria, IL 61614(309) 671-7033

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA46 East Ohio Street, Room 423Indianapolis, IN 46204(317) 226-7290

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA217 W. 3rd Street NorthRoom #4500Wichita, KS 67202(316) 269-6644

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAJohn C. Watts Federal Building330 W. Broadway, Room 108Frankfort, KY 40601-1922(502) 227-7024

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA9100 Bluebonnet Centre BoulevardSuite 201Baton Rouge, LA 70809(225) 389-0474 (0431)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA639 Granite Street, 4th FloorBraintree, MA 02184(617) 565-6924

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAValley Office Park13 Branch StreetMethuen, MA 01844(617) 565-8110

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1441 Main Street, Room 550Springfield, MA 01103-1493(413) 785-0123

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1099 Winterson Road, Suite 140Linthicum, MD 21090-2218(410) 865-2055/2056

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA202 Harlow Street, Room 211Bangor, ME 04401(207) 941-8177

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA100 Middle Street, Suite 410 WestPortland, ME 04101(207) 780-3178

Appendix C OSHA OfficeDirectory 57

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA40 Western Avenue, Room 608August, ME 04330(207) 622-8417

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA801 South Waverly Road, Suite 306Lansing, MI 48917-4200(517) 327-0904

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA300 South 4th Street, Room 1205Minneapolis, MN 55415(612) 664- 5460

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA6200 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 100Kansas City, MO 64120(816) 483-9531

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA911 Washington Avenue, Room 420St. Louis, MO 63101(314) 425-4289

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA3780 I-55 North, Suite 210Jackson, MS 39211-6323(601) 965-4606

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA2900 4th Avenue North, Suite 303Billings, MT 59101(406) 247-7494

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHACentury Station Federal Office Building300 Fayetteville Street Mall, Room 438Raleigh, NC 27601-9998(919) 856-4770

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAOverland - Wolf Building6910 Pacific Street, Room 100Omaha, NE 68106(402) 221-3182

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1640 East Capitol AvenueBismark, ND 58501(701) 250-4521

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA279 Pleasant Street, Suite 201Concord, NH 03301(603) 225-1629

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1030 St. Georges AvenuePlaza 35, Suite 205Avenel, NJ 07001(732) 750-3270

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA500 Route 17 South, 2nd FloorHasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604(201) 288-1700

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAMarlton Executive Park, Building 2701 Route 73 South, Suite 120Marlton, NJ 08053(609) 757-5181

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA299 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 304Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 263-1003

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA505 Marquette Avenue, NWSuite 820Albuquerque, NM 87102(505) 248-5302

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA705 North Plaza, Room 204Carson City, NV 89701(775) 885-6963

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA401 New Karner Road, Suite 300Albany, NY 12205-3809(518) 464-4338

Appendix C OSHA OfficeDirectory58

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA42-40 Bell BoulevardBayside, NY 11361(718) 279-9060

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA5360 Genesee StreetBowmansville, NY 14026(716) 684-3891

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA6 World Trade Center, Room 881New York, NY 10048(212) 466-2482

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA3300 Vickery RoadNorth Syracuse, NY 13212(315) 451-0808

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA660 White Plains Road, 4th FloorTarrytown, NY 10591-5107(914) 524-7510

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1400 Old Country Road, Room 208Westbury, NY 11590(516) 334-3344

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA36 Triangle Park DriveCincinnati, OH 45246(513) 841-4132

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building1240 East 9th Street, Room 899Cleveland, OH 44199(216) 522-3818

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building200 North High Street, Room 620Columbus, OH 43215(614) 469-5582

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building234 North Summit Street, Room 734Toledo, OH 43604(419) 259-7542

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA420 West Main, Suite 300Oklahoma City, OK 73102(405) 231-5351/5389

U.S. Department of Labor, OSHAFederal Office Building1220 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Room 640Portland, OR 97204(503) 326-2251

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA850 North 5th StreetAllentown, PA 18102(610) 776-0592

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA3939 West Ridge Road, Suite B12Erie, PA 16506-1887(814) 833-5758

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAProgress Plaza49 North Progress AvenueHarrisburg, PA 17109(717) 782-3902

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAU.S. Custom House, Room 242Second and Chestnut StreetsPhiladelphia, PA 19106-2902(215) 597-4955

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building1000 Liberty Avenue, Room 1428Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4101(412) 395-4903


U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA20 North Pennsylvania AvenuePenn Place, Room 2005Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-3590(570) 826-6538

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHATriple SSS Plaza Building1510 F. D. Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 5BGuaynabo, PR 00968(787) 277-1560

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building380 Westminster Mall, Room 543Providence, RI 02903(401) 528-4669

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA1835 Assembly Street, Room 1468Columbia, SC 29201-2453(803) 765-5904

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite C-205Nashville, TN 37215-2809(615) 781-5423

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA903 San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 319Austin, TX 78701(512) 916-5783 (5788)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAWilson Plaza606 N. Carancahua, Suite 700Corpus Christi, TX 78476(512) 888-3420

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA8344 East R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 420Dallas, TX 75228(214) 320-2400 (2558)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA700 E San AntonioRoom C-408El Paso, TX 79901(915) 534-6251

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHANorth Starr II, Suite 3028713 Airport FreewayFort Worth, TX 76180-7610(817) 428-2470 (485-7647)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA350 N. Sam Houston Parkway, Suite 120Houston, TX 77060(281) 591-2438 (2787)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA17625 El Camino Real, Suite 400Houston, TX 77058(281) 286-0583/0584 (5922)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building1205 Texas Avenue, Room 806Lubbock, TX 79401(806) 472-7681 (7685)

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA160 E 300 SouthHeber-Wells BuildingP. O. Box 146650Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6650(801) 530-6901

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Office Building200 Granby Street, Room 835Norfolk, VA 23510(757) 441-3820

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA505 106th Avenue, N.E., Suite 302Bellevue, WA 98004(206) 553-7520

Appendix C OSHA OfficeDirectory60

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA2618 North Ballard RoadAppleton, WI 54911-8664(920) 734-4521

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAFederal Building U.S. Courthouse500 Barstow Street, Room B-9Eau Claire, WI 54701(715) 832-9019

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA4802 E. BroadwayMadison, WI 53716(608) 264-5388

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHAHenry S. Reuss Building310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1180Milwaukee, WI 53202(414) 297-3315

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA405 Capitol StreetSuite 407Charleston, WV 25301(304) 347-5937


62

CommissionerAlaska Department of Labor1111 W. 8th Street, Room 306P.O. Box 21149Juneau, AK 99802-1149(907) 465-2700

DirectorIndustrial Commission of Arizona800 W. WashingtonPhoenix, AZ 85007(602) 542-5795

DirectorCalifornia Department of Industrial Relations455 Golden Gate Avenue - 10th floorSan Francisco, CA 94102(415) 703-5050

CommissionerConnecticut Department of Labor200 Folly Brook BoulevardWethersfield, CT 06109(860) 566-5123

DirectorHawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations830 Punchbowl StreetHonolulu, HI 96831(808) 586-8844

CommissionerIndiana Department of LaborState Office Building402 West Washington Street - Room W195Indianapolis, ID 46204(317) 232-2378

CommissionerIowa Division of Labor1000 E. Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA 50319(515) 281-3447

OSHA-Approved Safety and Health Plans

CommissionerIndiana Department of LaborState Office Building402 West Washington StreetRoom W195Indianapolis, IN 46204(317) 232-3325

SecretaryKentucky Labor Cabinet1047 U.S. Highway 127 South, Suite 4Frankfort, KY 40601(502) 564-3070

CommissionerMaryland Division of Labor and IndustryDepartment of Labor Licensing and Regulation1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 613Baltimore, MD 21201-2206(410) 767-2215

DirectorMichigan Department of Consumer and Industry ServicesP.O. Box 30004 - 4th Floor, Law BldgLansing, MI 48909(517) 373-7230

CommissionerMinnesota Department of Labor and Industry443 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155(651) 296-2342

CommissionerNorth Carolina Department of Labor4 West Edenton StreetRaleigh, NC 27601-1092(919) 807-2900

CommissionerNew Jersey Department of LaborJohn Fitch Plaza - Labor BuildingMarket and Warren StreetsP.O. Box 110Trenton, NJ 08625-0110(609) 292-2975

Appendix C OSHA OfficeDirectory

SecretaryNew Mexico Environment Department1190 St. Francis DriveP.O. Box 26110Santa Fe, NM 87502(505) 827-2850

CommissionerNew York Department of LaborW. Averell Harriman State OfficeBuilding-12, Room 500Albany, NY 12240(518) 457-2741

AdministratorNevada Division of Industrial Relations400 West King StreetCarson City, NV 89703(775) 687-3032

AdministratorOregon Department of Consumer and Business ServicesOccupational Safety and Health Division(OR-OSHA)350 Winter Street, N.E., Room 430Salem, OR 97310-0220(503) 378-3272

SecretaryPuerto Rico Department of Labor and Human ResourcesPrudencio Rivera Martinez Building505 Muñxoz Rivera AvenueHato Rey, PR 00918(787) 754-2119

DirectorSouth Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and RegulationKoger Office Park, Kingstree Building110 Centerview DriveP.O. Box 11329Columbia, SC 29210(803) 896-4300

CommissionerTennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development710 James Robertson ParkwayNashville, TN 37243-0659(615) 741-2582

CommissionerLabor Commission of Utah160 East 300 Street, 3rd floorP.O. Box 146650Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6650(801) 530-6901

CommissionerVirginia Department of Labor and IndustryPowers-Taylor Building13 South 13th StreetRichmond, VA 23219(804) 786-2377

CommissionerVirgin Islands Department of Labor2203 Church StreetChristiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820-4660(340) 773-1990

CommissionerVermont Department of Labor and IndustryNational Life Building—Drawer 20120 State StreetMontpelier VT 05620-3401(802) 828-2288

DirectorWashington Department of Labor and IndustriesP.O. Box 44001Olympia, WA 98504-4001(360) 902-4200(360) 902-5430

AdministratorWorker’s Safety and Compensation Division (WSC)Wyoming Department of EmploymentHerschler Building, 2nd Floor East122 West 25th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002(307) 777-7786


OSHA Consultation Offices

Safety State Program University of Alabama432 Martha Parham WestPost Office Box 870388Tuscaloosa, AL 35487(205) 348-3033

Consultation SectionADOL/AKOSH3301 Eagle StreetPost Office Box 107022Anchorage, AK 99510(907) 269-4957

OSHA ConsultationArkansas Department of Labor10421 West MarkhamLittle Rock, AR 72205(501) 682-4522

Consultation and TrainingDivision of Occupational Safety and HealthIndustrial Commission of Arizona800 West WashingtonPhoenix, AZ 85007-9070(602) 542-1695

CAL/OSHA Consultation Service2211 Park Towne Circle, Suite #4Sacramento, CA 95825(916) 574-2555

Occupational Safety and Health SectionColorado State University115 Environmental Health BuildingFort Collins, CO 80523(970) 491-6151

Division of Occupational Safety and HealthConnecticut Department of Labor38 Wolcott Hill RoadWethersfield, CT 06109(860) 566-4550

Office of Occupational Safety and HealthD.C. Dept of Employment Services950 Upshur Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20011(202) 541-3727

Occupational Safety and HealthDivision of Industrial AffairsDelaware Department of Labor4425 Market StreetWilmington, DE 19802(302) 761-8219

Director of Environmental Safety and HealthEnvironmental and Occupational HealthCollege of Public Health13201 Bruce B. Downs BoulevardMDC 56Tampa, FL 33612(813) 974-9962

Onsite Consultation ProgramGeorgia Institute of TechnologyO’Keefe Building, Room 22151 6TH Street N.W.Atlanta, GA 30332(404) 894-2643

OSHA Onsite ConsultationDepartment of Labor, Government of Guam107 F StreetTiyam, GU 969319-1-(671) 475-1101

Consultation and Training BranchDept of Labor and Industrial Relations830 Punchbowl StreetHonolulu, HI 96813(808) 586-9100

Iowa Workforce Development Labor ServicesBureau of Consultation and Education1000 East Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA 50319(515) 281-7629

64 Appendix C OSHA OfficeDirectory

65

Safety and Health Consultation ProgramBoise State UniversityDepartment of Health1910 University DriveBoise, ID 83725(208) 426-3283

Illinois Onsite ConsultationIndustrial Service DivisionDepartment of Commerce and Community AffairsState of Illinois Center - Suite 3-400100 West Randolph StreetChicago, IL 60601(312) 814-2337

Division of LaborBureau of Safety, Education and TrainingRoom W195402 West WashingtonIndianapolis, IN 46204-2287(317) 232-2688

7(c)(1) Consultation ProgramKansas Department of Human Resources512 South West 6th StreetTopeka, KS 66603-3150(785) 296-7476

Division of Education and TrainingKentucky Labor Cabinet1047 U.S. Highway 127, SouthFrankfort, KY 40601(502) 564-6895

7(c)(1) Consultation ProgramLouisiana Department of Labor1001 N. 23rd Street, Rm 230Post Office Box 94094Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094(225) 342-9601

Division of Occupational Safety and HealthDepartment of Workforce Development1001 Watertown StreetWest Newton, MA 02165(617) 727-3982

MOSH Consultation ServicesAttention: Ms. Colleen Ridler312 Marshall Avenue Rm 600Laurel, MD 20707(410) 880-4970

Division of Industrial SafetyMaine Bureau of Labor StandardsWorkplace Safety and Health DivisionState House Station #45Augusta, ME 04333-0045(207) 624-6460

Consultation Education and Training DivisionBureau of Safety and RegulationMichigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services7150 Harris Drive Post Office Box 30643Lansing, MI 48909-8143(517) 322-1809

Department of Labor and IndustryConsultation Division443 LaFayette RoadSaint Paul, MN 55155(651) 297-2393

Onsite Consultation ProgramDivision of Labor StandardsDepartment of Labor and Industrial Relations3315 West Truman BoulevardPost Office Box 449Jefferson City, MO 65109(573) 751-3403

Mississippi State UniversityCenter for Safety and Health2906 North State StreetSuite 201Jackson, MS 39216(601) 987-3981

Department of Labor and IndustryBureau of SafetyPost Office Box 1728Helena, MT 59624-1728(406) 444-6418


Bureau of Consultative ServicesNC Department of Labor–OSHA Division4 West Edenton StreetRaleigh, NC 27601-1092(919) 807-2905

Division of Environmental EngineeringRoom 3041200 Missouri AvenueBismarck, ND 58504(701) 328-5188

Division of Safety and Labor StandardsNebraska Department of LaborState Office Building, Lower Level301 Centennial Mall, SouthLincoln, NE 68509-5024(402) 471-4717

New HampshireDepartment of Health and Human Services,Office of Health Management6 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301-6527(603) 271-2024

New Jersey Department of LaborDivision of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health225 E. State Street - 8th Floor WestP.O. Box 953Trenton, NJ 08625-0953(609) 292-3923

New Mexico Environment DeptOccupational Health and Safety Bureau525 Camino de los Marquez, Suite 3Post Office Box 26110Santa Fe, NM 87502(505) 827-4230

Division of Safety and HealthState Office CampusBuilding 12, Room 130Albany, NY 12240(518) 457-2238

Safety Consultation and Training SectionDivision of Industrial RelationsDepartment of Business and Industry1301 Green Valley ParkwayHenderson, NV 89014(702) 486-9140

On-Site Consultation ProgramBureau of Occupational Safety and HealthLAWS Division/ Ohio Department of Commerce50 W. Broad Street, Suite 2900Columbus, OH 43215(614) 644-2631

Oklahoma Department of LaborOSHA Division4001 North Lincoln BoulevardOklahoma City, OK 73105-5212(405) 528-1500

Oregon OSHADepartment of Consumer and Business Services350 Winter Street, N.E., Room 430Salem, OR 97310(503) 378-3272

Indiana University of PennsylvaniaRoom 210 Walsh Hall302 E. WalkIndiana, PA 15705-1087(724) 357-2396

Occupational Safety and Health OfficeDepartment of Labor and Human Resources21st Floor505 Muñoz Rivera AvenueHato Rey, PR 00918(787) 754-2171

OSHA Consultation ProgramDivision of Occupational Health and Radiation ControlRhode Island Department of Health3 Capital HillProvidence, RI 02908(401) 222-2438

66 Appendix C OSHA OfficeDirectory

67

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation3600 Forest DrivePost Office Box 11329Columbia, SC 29204(803) 734-9614

Engineering ExtensionOnsite Technical DivisionSD State University, West HallBox 510,907 Harvey Dunn StreetBrookings, SD 57007(605) 688-4101

OSHA Consultative Services DivisionTennessee Department of Labor3rd Floor710 James Robertson ParkwayNashville, TN 37243-0659

Workers’ Health and Safety DivisionWorkers’ Compensation CommissionSouthfield Building4000 South I H 35Austin, TX 78704(512) 804-4640

State of Utah Labor CommissionWorkplace Safety and HealthConsultation Services160 East 300 SouthSalt Lake City, UT 84114-6650(801) 530-6901

Division of Occupational Safety and HealthVermont Department of Labor and IndustryNational Life Building, Drawer #20Montepilier, VT 05602-3401(802) 828-2765

Virginia Department of Labor and IndustryOccupational Safety and HealthTraining and Consultation13 South 13th StreetRichmond, VA 23219(804) 786-6359

Division of Occupational Safety and HealthVirgin Islands Department of Labor3021 Golden RockChristiansted St. Croix, VI 00840(809) 772-1315

Washington Dept of Labor and IndustriesDivision of Industrial Safety and HealthPost Office Box 44643Olympia, WA 98504(360) 902-5638

Wisconsin Department of Health and Human ServicesDivision of HealthSection of Public Occupational HealthRoom 1121414 East Washington AvenueMadison, WI 53703(608) 266-9383

Wisconsin Department of CommerceDivision of Marketing, Advocacy and Technical DevelopmentBureau of Manufacturing AssessmentN14W23833 Stone Ridge Drive Suite B100Waukesha, WI 53188-1125(262) 523-3044

West Virginia Department of LaborCapitol Complex Building #3, Room 3191800 East Washington StreetCharleston, WV 25305(304) 558-7890

Wyoming Department of EmploymentWorkers’ Safety and Compensation DivisionHerschler Building, 2 East122 West 25th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002(307) 777-7786
