OSHA Machine Guarding Checklist

Do the safeguards provided meet the minimum OSHA requirements?

Do the safeguards prevent workers' hands, arms, and other body parts from making contact with dangerous moving parts?

Are the safeguards firmly secured and not easily removable?

Do the safeguards ensure that no objects will fall into the moving parts?

Do the safeguards permit the safe, comfortable, and relatively easy operation of the machine?

Can the machine be oiled without removing the safeguard?

Is there a system for shutting down the machinery before safeguards are removed?

Can the existing safeguards be improved?

Is the machine installed following the National Fire Protection Association and National Electrical Code requirements?

Are there loose conduit fittings?

Is the machine properly grounded?

Is the power supply correctly fused and protected?

Do workers occasionally receive minor shocks while operating any of the machines?

Have maintenance workers received up-to-date instructions on the machines they service?

Do maintenance workers lock out the machine from its power sources before beginning repairs?

Where several maintenance persons work on the same machine, are multiple lockout devices used?

Do maintenance persons use appropriate and safe equipment in their repair work?

Is the maintenance equipment itself properly guarded?

Are maintenance and servicing workers trained in the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.147, lockout/tagout, and do the procedures for lockout/tagout exist before they attempt their tasks?

Are appropriate measures taken to safeguard workers against noise hazards?

Are special guards, enclosures, or personal protective equipment provided, to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances used in machine operation?

Are safeguards provided for all hazardous moving parts of the machine, including auxiliary parts?

Are there any unguarded gears, sprockets, pulleys, or flywheels on the apparatus?

Are there any exposed belts or chain drives?

Are there any exposed set screws, keyways, collars, etc.?

Are there starting and stopping controls within easy reach of the operator?

If there is more than one operator, are separate controls provided?

Is protective equipment required?

If protective equipment is required, is it appropriate for the job, in good condition, kept clean and sanitary, and stored carefully when not in use? Is the operator dressed safely for the job (i.e., no loose-fitting clothing or jewelry?

Is there a point-of-operation safeguard provided for the machine?

Does it keep the operator's hands, fingers, and body out of the danger area?

Is there evidence that the safeguards have been tampered with or removed?

Has a more practical safeguard been suggested?

Have there been changes made to the machine to eliminate the point-of-operation hazard?

Do operators and maintenance workers have the necessary training to use the safeguards and why?

Are operators and maintenance workers trained in where the safeguards are located, how they provide protection, and what hazards they protect against?

Are operators and maintenance workers trained in how and under what circumstances guards can be removed?

Are workers trained in the procedures to follow if they notice guards that are damaged, missing, or inadequate?