Woodworking » Table 2. Other Methods of Safeguarding Machines

Table 2. Other Methods of Safeguarding Machines
Method Safeguarding Principle Examples Comments
Location/
Distance		 Dangerous parts of machinery positioned so that they are not accessible to workers during normal operation.
  • Placement of machine's power apparatus against wall.
  • Fencing off access to automatic machines.
  • Feeding long stock into machine.
 Not always feasible, particularly on non-automatic machines.
Automatic Feeding and Ejection Methods Operator not required to place his or her hands in the danger area.
  • Self-feeder planers.
  • Sanders.
  • Lathes.
 Malfunctioning can create hazard. Controls should be set at a distance.
Prevent Accidental Startup Controls shrouded or recessed. Standard on many machines. Off switch should be easily accessible, and operator should be able to operate machine with ease.
Miscellaneous Hazardous part of machine automatically retracted after operation is complete. Counterweight/stroking mechanisms that return blade to rest after stock has been cut on over-head swing and radial saws. Improperly adjusted counterweights can create hazard. Blade may travel in wrong direction or may fail to retract.
Placement of Controls Place controls sufficiently far from point of operation to prevent reaching into point of operation. Two hand controls sit at a distance from the point of operation. Stopping time of machine is a factor in calculating the distance.
Source: Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations, National Safety Council