Injuries resulting from inadequate machine guarding are of concern due to their potential severity. Plastics processing machines are complex pieces of equipment that require guards to protect employees from nip points, numerous moving parts, and exposure to high voltage and high temperature. Serious injuries including fatalities, amputations, avulsions, burns, cuts, and bruises can occur during operation. Such injuries may result from guards that are missing, improperly installed, removed, or bypassed.

This section was developed in cooperation with the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. as part of the OSHA-SPI alliance. The section discusses guidelines and safety measures for the following types of plastics machinery:

• Horizontal Injection Molding Machines
• Thermoforming Machines

Important: Employers must provide an effective lockout/tagout program and personal protective equipment, such as eye and face protection, when necessary, whenever employees work on or around any piece of machinery.