OSHA - Safety Certificate Machine Guarding Requirements Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An operator is working at a bench grinder. To comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.215, what are the maximum allowable openings for the work rest and the adjustable tongue guard?
- 1/4-inch for the work rest, and 1/2-inch for the tongue guard.
- 1/8-inch for the work rest, and 1/4-inch for the tongue guard. (Correct answer)
- 1/2-inch for the work rest, and 1/4-inch for the tongue guard.
- 1/4-inch for the work rest, and 1/8-inch for the tongue guard.
Correct answer: 1/8-inch for the work rest, and 1/4-inch for the tongue guard.
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4), work rests on offhand grinding machines must be kept adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of 1/8-inch. Additionally, 29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9) requires the adjustable tongue guard to be kept adjusted to within 1/4-inch of the wheel. These specific measurements are designed to prevent the work from being jammed and to contain fragments if the wheel breaks.
Question 2: Which of the following is a fundamental requirement for all machine guards according to OSHA's general requirements at 29 CFR 1910.212?
- The guard must be painted yellow to indicate a hazard.
- The guard must be removable without the use of tools for easy access.
- The guard must be affixed to the machine and not create a new hazard. (Correct answer)
- The guard must be equipped with an audible alarm that sounds during operation.
Correct answer: The guard must be affixed to the machine and not create a new hazard.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(2) states that guards shall be affixed to the machine where possible and secured elsewhere if attachment is not possible. It also specifies that the guard shall be such that it does not offer an accident hazard in itself. The other options are not universal requirements for all machine guards.
Question 3: A mechanical power-transmission belt is located with its lower part 6 feet above the work platform. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.219, what action is required?
- No guard is required as it is above head height.
- The belt must be guarded on its sides and bottom. (Correct answer)
- Only a standard railing is required to keep workers away from the area.
- The belt only needs to be guarded if it is wider than 12 inches.
Correct answer: The belt must be guarded on its sides and bottom.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i) specifies that overhead horizontal belts with their lower parts 7 feet or less from the floor or platform must be guarded on the sides and bottom. Since the belt is at 6 feet, it falls within this requirement and must be guarded.
Question 4: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3), the 'point of operation' on a machine is defined as:
- The area where the machine's operating controls are located.
- Any moving part of the machine, including belts and pulleys.
- The area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material. (Correct answer)
- The designated floor space around the machine reserved for the operator.
Correct answer: The area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(i) explicitly defines the point of operation as 'the area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material being processed.' This is the location of actions like cutting, shaping, boring, or forming.
Question 5: A metal fabrication shop uses a large mechanical shear. To protect the operator, a guard is installed that automatically shuts down the machine's motion if the guard is opened or removed. This type of safeguard is best described as which of the following?
- A self-adjusting guard
- A fixed guard
- A presence-sensing device
- An interlocked guard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An interlocked guard
An interlocked guard is a type of barrier that is connected to the machine's power and/or control system. When the guard is opened or removed, the machine's hazardous motion is stopped, preventing injury. This matches the scenario described.
Question 6: Which of the following machine parts, functions, or processes must be safeguarded according to the general requirements of OSHA 1910.212?
- Only the primary on/off switch.
- Only areas where routine maintenance is performed.
- Point of operation, ingoing nip points, and rotating parts. (Correct answer)
- Only machines less than 10 years old.
Correct answer: Point of operation, ingoing nip points, and rotating parts.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1) requires that one or more methods of machine guarding be provided to protect employees from hazards such as those created by the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.
OSHA - Safety Certificate Machine Guarding Requirements Questions and Answers 1
An operator is working at a bench grinder.
To comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.215, what are the maximum allowable openings for the work rest and the adjustable tongue guard?