Earlier this month, the Ontaio Ministry of Labour announced that their focus on inspections for February and March 2019 will be machine guarding. We work with many different types of equipment that require guarding and lockouts. Each presenting their own unique factors.
Dough Mixers
Dough mixing machines need to be guarded to prevent workers from being exposed to moving parts (i.e. whisks, paddles, hooks etc.). Guards should be interlocked so that the equipment cannot be operated when it is opened for pouring or cleaning, or when the bowl is lowered.
Equipment Blocking
In addition to properly locking out control mechanisms, it is critical to block all forms of hazardous energy including: potential energy due to gravity, hydraulic pressure, or any stored energy that may cause equipment to move or drift, such as electrical or mechanical energy.
Depending on the industry there are different regulations pertaining to blocking. Please refer to the appropriate legislation or regulation that is relevant to your industry.
Machine Shop Lathes
Manual polishing of workpieces on lathes are to be done before milling keyways or other slots. Loose clothing, gloves, jewellery shall not be worn and operators shall wear safety glasses and appropriate foot protection.
Other safety precautions must be taken including ensuring that operators have adequate training.
Meat Mixer/Grinder
Meat grinder/mixing machines must be guarded to prevent workers from being exposed to moving parts.
Pre-start reviews may be required when installing or modifying a safeguarding device.
Portable Trolley Track Hoists
In the case of the trolley track hoist, operators can be protected from the drawing-in hazard between the cable and the reel using one of three methods.
- Guard the hazard area in front of the reel
- Barrier on the power pack
- Two hand control
Agriculture Equipment
- Vine Pullers
- Vine pulling machines can present several safety risks for workers who are exposed to the rollers and shafts which may engangle them. Guards that are supplied should be used.
2. Wood Splitters
- In addition to fixed guard solutions that prevent access to hazards, other solutions may be used. Devices such as interlocked moveable guards, two hand controls and electronic devices such as light curtains may be used to prevent operators from accessing the point of operation.
Collector Shoe Assemblies on Overhead Cranes
In general, there is a hazard when there are two cranes sharing the same crane way when the second crane is allowed to operate and the crane’s first set of collector shoes encroaches into the isolation section while its second set of collector shoes remains in the energized main section. This results in current bridging the isolation gap, despite the first crane having been placed in the isolated (de-energized) section.
When electrical maintenance work is carried out on a crane, the power supply must be disconnected, locked out of service and tagged before any work is performed. If there are multiple cranes operating on the same crane way, additional precautions may be required.
Conveyor Guarding
As a general matter, accessible pinch points must be guarded at the head, tail, drive and deflection pulleys or if the lift of the belt is restricted, the return rollers and carry rollers. An accessible pinch point is a place where it is possible for a body part, article of clothing or an object to be caught between moving machine parts or between moving and stationary machine parts.
Overall safety is always a priority. When in doubt, be sure to check the operating guides for any equipment and inspect equipment regularly. We can work with your health and safety committee and operators to ensure that your guarding is functional and meets Ministry requirements.