Module 3 - Machine Safety
Module 3 - Machine Safety
Module 3 - Machine Safety
Machine Safety
What is Machine?
Machine is a tool used to make work easier. It is an assembly of multiple parts that transmits forces, motion and
energy in a predetermined manner. Machine is a mechanically, electrically or electronically operated to perform work.
A. Mechanical Motions
a. Rotating – rotational motion of machine members that can catch clothes, body parts or loose
accessories if having contact and may result to injuries or even death.
i. Nip points – in-running nip point (or points where parts of the body, clothes or loose accessories
can be caught in-between) hazards, are caused by rotating parts.
c. Transversing – motion in straight or continuous line that may struck or caught between the worker.
B. Mechanical Actions
a. Cutting – cutting action is by rotating or reciprocating motion of machine with a sharp cutting tool that
may cut metal, wood, concrete, glass, etc. Danger exists at the point of operation where finger, arm and
any part of the body injuries occur due to sharp edges of tool, flying chips and scraps.
b. Punching – punching action is when power is applied to a slide (ram) with a sharp tool that will make
blanking, stamping or drawing to metals and other materials. Danger exists at the point of operation
where the stock (material) is inserted, held and withdrawn by hand.
c. Shearing – shearing action is when power is applied to a slide or knife to trim or cut a material using a
sharp tool. Danger exists at the point of operation where the stock (material) is inserted, held and
withdrawn by hand.
d. Bending – bending action is when power is applied to a slide to stamp or shaped the material. Danger
exists at the point of operation where the stock (material) is inserted, held and withdrawn by hand.
Machine Guarding
All moving parts of prime movers, transmission equipment and all dangerous parts of driven machinery shall be
effectively guarded, unless so constructed or located to prevent any person or object from coming or brought into contact
with them. (Rule 1200 from Occupational Safety and Health Standards – as safety standards used and prescribed by D.O.
198). Machine guarding is a safety control measure to prevent accident due to moving parts of the machines.
Hierarchy of measures
Preventing access
o Fixed enclosing guards – for machine parts that not required access.
Preventing dangerous motions
o Movable guards with interlocking switches – for machine parts that requires frequent access where an
interlock is connected to the guarding and controls of the machine that will stop its operation once the
guarding has been moved.
o Two hand controls – also referred to as bi-manual controls which are common in certain types of
machinery that requires the two buttons to press at the same time before the machine starts to
operate. It is to ensure that the hands of operator are at safe area.
o Pullback devices – a mechanical device attached to operator’s hands and connected to moving parts of
the machine wherein when the hands of operator is going near the point of operation, the device will
pull back the hands of the operator.
o Photoelectric curtain – infrared light beams are created around the machine or in place where hazard is
present, when the light beams are cut off, it send signal to machine controls to stop.
o Safety mats – pressure sensitive mats are placed in perimeter of a machine where when a pressure is
determined along the mats, it will send signals to machine to stop
o Pressure sensitive edges – a device which can be fixed to the edge of a moving part such as a machine
table or powered door where there is a risk of crushing or shearing hazard. A flexible sensitive edge is
depressed and will send a stop signal to the power source.
o Emergency stops – a mushroom headed button that should be easily accessible in case there is a trouble
in a machine or operator.