Machine Safety Procedures

Safety at work is one of the most crucial aspects of any job. While there are various ways to ensure personal safety, one of the most important safety issues at work is machine safety. Machine safety is promoted through a set of general guidelines to protect workers from personal injury by a wide variety of machines.

Colors

• Colors are actually one of the most important aspects of machine safety. There are seven types of posted colors associated with work safety, four of which pertain to machine safety. Blue represents caution in the use, repair and movement of machinery. Yellow represents a general hazard or the need for above-average awareness in certain areas. Orange designates parts of machinery that can crush, cut or electrocute, and is most often posted in high-risk areas. Although red often designates firefighting equipment, it is also used to emphasize high-risk or high-awareness areas.

Lockout and Tag Out

• Lockout and Tag Out is a common and simple procedure in machine safety, but a very important one. Lockout and Tag Out occurs during the machine repair process, from the moment the machine either breaks or is designated for repair until the moment the machine is deemed "working." The process involves disconnecting the machine from its power source and using a Lockout device to prevent it from being reconnected, then applying tags to the machine explaining its required repairs. This procedure prevents accidental activation of the machine while it is being repaired.

Protective Gear

• Protective gear is another important aspect of machine safety. Wearing the required protective gear while operating or around machinery protects you from accidents that may occur as a result of machine malfunction or incorrect operation of the machine by the operator. While most protective gear will not safeguard against from severe or life-threatening injuries caused by a machine, it can protect from less severe injuries or reduce the severity of an injury.

Machine Guards

• The guards on a machine are the first line of defense against personal injury, and one of the main aspects of machine safety. Guards are put in place to prevent bodily extremities from being injured or amputated by the moving or hazardous parts of the machine. Most machines are designed to require that all guards are in place before operation. Also, most machines are designed to shut off if guards are removed during operation, or if there are no guards attached to the machine.

Understanding

• Understanding a machine's operations, functions, colors, and controls is the most valuable protection against personal injury from the machine. Understanding the capabilities of the machine, as well as the accessible moving parts, and the purpose of the guards can prevent severe injuries. Operating machinery that you are not trained to operate, or able to efficiently operate, can injure you or others.