OSHA Machine Guarding Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT one of OSHA's recognized safeguarding methods?
- Guards
- Devices
- Location/distance
- Verbal warnings (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Verbal warnings
Verbal warnings are not an accepted safeguarding method; guards, devices, and location are.
Question 2: A two-hand control device provides protection by requiring what from the operator?
- One hand on a lever
- Both hands on controls away from the danger zone during the cycle (Correct answer)
- A foot pedal only
- Wearing gloves
Correct answer: Both hands on controls away from the danger zone during the cycle
Two-hand controls keep both of the operator's hands occupied and away from the point of operation.
Question 3: What is the minimum requirement for guarding a fan when the blades are less than 7 feet above the floor?
- No guard needed
- Openings no more than 1/2 inch (Correct answer)
- Openings no more than 2 inches
- A warning label only
Correct answer: Openings no more than 1/2 inch
Fan guards within 7 feet of the floor must have openings of no more than 1/2 inch.
Question 4: An interlocked guard works by doing what when the guard is opened?
- Sounding an alarm only
- Automatically shutting off machine power (Correct answer)
- Slowing the machine down
- Locking the operator out of the room
Correct answer: Automatically shutting off machine power
Interlocked guards cut power to the machine when opened, preventing operation with the guard removed.
Question 5: Which of these is an example of guarding by location?
- A light curtain
- Placing a hazard 8 feet above the walking surface out of reach (Correct answer)
- A two-hand trip
- A pullback device
Correct answer: Placing a hazard 8 feet above the walking surface out of reach
Guarding by location uses distance or height to keep the hazard beyond a person's reach.
Question 6: A pullback (pull-out) device is used to protect the operator by doing what?
- Sounding a horn
- Physically withdrawing the operator's hands from the danger zone as the machine cycles (Correct answer)
- Slowing the ram
- Lubricating the dies
Correct answer: Physically withdrawing the operator's hands from the danger zone as the machine cycles
Pullback devices attach to the operator's hands and pull them clear during the machine cycle.
Question 7: What should be done with a machine guard that is found bent, cracked, or missing fasteners?
- Continue using the machine
- Tag the machine out of service until repaired (Correct answer)
- Tape the guard temporarily
- Ignore it if the machine still runs
Correct answer: Tag the machine out of service until repaired
A damaged guard no longer provides protection, so the machine must be taken out of service until repaired.
OSHA Machine Guarding Requirements 3
Which of the following is NOT one of OSHA's recognized safeguarding methods?