726 Introduction to Machine Guarding

Maintenance and Repair

Good maintenance and repair procedures contribute significantly to the safety of the maintenance workers and machine operators.

The following demands placed on maintenance personnel can make repairing and maintaining machine safeguards hazardous.

• The variety and complexity of machines serviced and operated
• The hazards associated with their varied power sources
• The special dangers that may be present during machine breakdown
• The time constraints placed on maintenance workers to correct malfunctions

Hazard Identification and Reporting

Maintenance workers and machine operators need to be properly trained so that they can identify the hazards to which they may be exposed. Electrical failure, a worn part, an inappropriate noise, or other signs that warn of impending or possible safeguard damage, must be identified and corrected before operators and others are injured.

By observing machine operators performing their tasks and listening to their comments, maintenance workers may learn where potential trouble spots are and give them early attention before they develop into sources of accidents and injury.

Sometimes all that is needed to keep things running smoothly and safely is machine lubrication or adjustment. However, observed or suspected safeguard damage that might cause serious damage or injury must be reported to the supervisor immediately. If the condition impairs safe operation, the machine should be taken out of service for repair. Safeguards that are missing or altered should be reported so appropriate action can be taken.

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