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Machine Guarding Safety and Health Topics:
Machine Guarding

In Focus
Moving machine parts have the potential for causing severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these needless and preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it can injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be either eliminated or controlled.

This page contains general information on the various hazards of mechanical motion and techniques for protecting workers. The following commonly asked questions link to resources that provide information about machine guarding in the workplace.


Standards What standards apply?
OSHA Standards | ANSI | Directives | Interpretations and Compliance Letters
Hazard Recognition What hazards are involved in machine guarding?
Hazard Recognition
Possible Solutions What are some examples of possible solutions in machine guarding?
Possible Solutions
Additional Information Where can I find additional information?
Related Safety and Health Topics | Training | Additional Resources


In Focus
Machine Guarding eTool OSHA eTools
  • Machine Guarding eTool. OSHA eTool (2003, September).  This eTool focuses on recognizing and controlling common amputation hazards associated with the operation and use of certain types of machines.

 
Revised: 19 December 2003
 
 
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