Hazardous Mechanical Motions and Actions
A wide variety of mechanical motions and actions may present hazards to the worker.
Machine Motions
These different types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions are basic in varying combinations to nearly all machines, and recognizing them is the first step toward protecting workers from the danger they present. These can include the movement of rotating members, reciprocating arms, moving belts, meshing gears, cutting teeth, and any parts that impact or shear.
Machine Actions
The basic types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions are:
Motions
- Rotating (including in-running nip points): Movement in a circular motion, which can catch clothing or body parts. In-running nip points occur where two rotating parts move toward each other.
- Reciprocating: A back-and-forth or up-and-down motion that can strike or trap body parts.
- Transversing: A straight-line motion in one direction, often found in moving belts or sliders, which can cause injury if contact is made.
Actions
- Cutting: Action that uses sharp edges to slice materials, which can also cut skin or limbs.
- Punching: Movement that forces a tool into a material to create holes, which can trap or crush hands.
- Shearing: Two cutting edges pass each other to cut materials, posing a risk of amputation.
- Bending: Pressure is applied to shape or form material, which can pinch or crush body parts.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. Which of the following is considered a mechanical action?
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