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Note: This OSH Answers fact sheet is part of a series. Please see Safeguarding – General for more information.
The CSA Standard Z432-16 Safeguarding of machinery provides detailed guidance for the design, installation, use and maintenance of machinery. The use of machinery in a workplace exposes workers using it, and people near it, to various hazards. CSA standard Z432-16 defines machinery as:
“an assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, with the appropriate machine actuators, control and energy circuits, etc. joined together for a specific application, in particular for the processing, treatment, moving, or packaging of material.”
Note: This OSH Answer fact sheet is based on CSA standard Z432-16 Safeguarding of machinery. Please refer to this standard in its entirety and any regulatory requirements that may apply for your jurisdiction.
Hazards associated with working near or on machinery vary depending on the exact machine used but can include exposure to:
Because there are many different types of machines and processes, a risk assessment should be conducted for each machine or situation, and in some cases, before each use. It may be necessary to involve individuals with specialized or technical expertise (i.e., engineer, safety professional, manufacturer, etc).
Each piece of powered equipment should be assessed using the following process:
Severity of the injury can be determined by asking two main questions:
The probability of the injury should be determined by reviewing information about the machine’s operation such as:
These three factors can be combined to determine the probability of injury from a particular task.
Determine a risk rating for each type of injury by assuming no protective measures have been installed on the machine. This evaluation will help when determine if sufficient action has been taken to prevent injury. The CSA Standard Z432 provides additional details on the assessment process.
The following checklist will help identify hazards in your workplace. It is important to tailor the information to your workplace and add any additional items as necessary.
|Possible Hazard||Check One||Notes|
|Identify the use and limits of the machine by considering: |
|Identify how much space the machine needs to safely operate for all tasks being performed by and on the machine, including access for maintenance and repairs.|
|Identify the life expectancy of parts and fluids as a result of wear and tear|
|Identify the environmental limits of the machine (e.g., operating temperatures, humidity, noise, etc…)|
|Consider how the machine interfaces with other machines, equipment, and energy sources|
|Consider all tasks the machine performs, and is performed on the machine during its use |
|Consider tasks associated with different phases of the machine’s life |
|At the point of operation, identify the following: |
|Identify how power is transmitted to the machine |
|If present, identify if the machine has a brake or clutch, and how it operates|
|Identify all the “in-running nip points” on the machine|
|Identify all the pinch points on the machine|
|Identify entanglement hazards of the machine as a result of contact with: |
|Identify where a worker could come in contact with parts moving at a high velocity (e.g., abrasion or friction hazards)|
|Identify cutting or severing hazards where a worker could come in contact with cutting tools, saws, routers, knives, or sharp materials|
|Identify shearing hazards where a worker could be severely cut by being between two machine parts or between a machine part and a workpiece or stationary object|
|Identify crush hazards where a worker could be caught between parts of a machine moving against one another|
|Identify if it is possible to be struck or punctured by flying objects|
|Review the machine’s operation to determine if a worker could come into contact with pressurized liquids or gases|
|Identify any sharp edges and angular parts that protrude (stick out) from the machine|
|Identify situations where harm may occur if there was a fault or break in the machine or material (breakage point)|
|Identify situations where harm may occur if the machine’s operating software (if applicable) fails.|
|Worker specific considerations|
|Identify all work that a worker must perform while operating the machine, including: |
|Identify all work that must be done when performing maintenance|
|Identify all work that must be done to change a tool or die|
|Identify any potential slip or fall hazards in and around the machine as a result of the floor surface, or due to material spills (e.g., lubricating oils, grease, water, saw dust, plastic pellets)|
|Identify other possible hazards, for example vibration or noise|
|Identify potential ergonomic issues in the operation of the machine. Make sure that the: |
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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.