Or. Admin. R. 437-004-1910

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 6, June 1, 2024

Section 437-004-1910 - General Equipment Guarding

(1) Scope - These are general requirements that apply to all equipment.

(2) Definitions.

(a) Ground driven components - Components powered by the turning motion of a wheel as the equipment travels over the ground.

(b) Guard or shield - A barrier to protect against contact with a moving machine part.

(c) Point of operation - The area of a machine that contacts the work material.

(d) Power take-off shafts - Shafts and knuckles between the tractor, or other power source, and the first gear set, pulley, sprocket, or other components on power take-off shaft driven equipment.

(3) Operating instructions. Instruct every employee on their initial assignment about the safe operation and servicing of all equipment they will use. Renew this instruction at least annually. Include at least these safe practices:

(a) Keep all guards in place when the machine is in use;

(b) Permit no riders on farm field equipment other than persons required for instruction or assistance;

(c) Stop engine, disconnect the power source and wait for all machine movement to stop before servicing, adjusting, cleaning, or unclogging the equipment. Instruct employees in the safe procedures necessary to service or maintain the equipment when it must remain running;

(d) Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating the machine;

(e) Refer to and comply with 4/J, OAR 437-004-1275, Lockout/Tagout.

(4) Methods of guarding. Except as otherwise stated, prevent contact with moving machinery parts as follows:

(a) By a guard or shield or guarding by location;

(b) When a guard or shield or guarding by location is infeasible, use a guardrail or fence.

(5) Strength and design of guards.

(a) Design and place guards to protect against inadvertent contact with the hazard. [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

NOTE: Minimum requirements for guards are in Table 1.

(b) Unless otherwise specified, each guard and its supports must be able to withstand the force applied to it.

(c) Guards must be free from burrs, sharp edges, and sharp corners. Secure guards to the equipment or building.

(6) Guarding by location. A component is guarded by location during operation, maintenance, or servicing when, because of its location, no employee can inadvertently come in contact with the hazard.

(7) Guarding by railings. Use guardrails or fences to protect employees from inadvertently entering the hazardous area.

(8) Servicing and maintenance. When a moving machinery part presents a hazard during servicing or maintenance, stop the engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before proceeding, except where the employer can establish that:

(a) The equipment must be running for proper service or maintenance; and

(b) Service or maintenance is not possible while a guard or guards required by these rules are in place.

(9) Miscellaneous general requirements. Cover or install a guard on machines that throw stock, material, or objects. (Such machines as rip saws, rotary mowers and beaters, rotary tillers are a few in this classification.)

(10) Machine controls.

(a) A power control switch to stop the machine or machine feed must be within reach of the operator without leaving their normal operating position.

(b) Mark the power control switch to indicate its function and the machine that it controls. Indicate the positions of ON and OFF.

(c) On fixed machines, use red or orange to mark "Stop" buttons. Each machine must have one or more stop buttons according to the working position of the operator or operators.

(d) Locate and guard the machine control switch to prevent its unexpected or accidental movement. Recess electrical switch "Start" buttons.

(11) Anchoring fixed machinery. Securely anchor machines designed for a fixed location to prevent walking or moving.

Or. Admin. R. 437-004-1910

OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98

The table referenced in this rule is not printed in the OAR Compilation. Copies are available from the agency.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & ORS 656.726(3)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - ORS 654.295