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702.3 - Machine Guarding Policy

1. Purpose

This policy is designed to ensure that UA Fort Smith employees and students follow procedures that ensure equipment and machines are operated safely and comply with state, federal, and industry machine guarding standards.

2. Application

This policy applies to all employees and students who work with or near equipment or machines that may pose a safety hazard. Machines include, but are not limited to, fans, compressors, bench grinders, fuel pumps, dumpsters, trash compactors, and table saws.

Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. Machine hazards may occur at the point of operation and can be created by:

  • Energy-transmitting components (pulleys, belts, chains, gears, couplings, flywheels)
  • Moving parts (reciprocating, rotating, or transverse motion)

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Environmental & Occupational Safety (EOS)

  • Develop machine guarding policies
  • Maintain and update the written policy
  • Respond to employee and student concerns

3.2 Personnel

  • Understand and follow machine guarding policies
  • Ensure safeguards remain in place and are used properly

3.3 Lab and Shop Supervisors

  • Oversee daily operations and ensure equipment safety
  • Ensure guards are in place and used correctly

3.4 Machine Operators

  • Inspect guards and equipment before each use

3.5 Employees and Students

  • Report unguarded hazards immediately
  • Communicate safety concerns to supervisors

4. Hierarchy of Guarding

  1. Eliminate the hazard through design
  2. Engineer controls to remove exposure
  3. Guard the hazard and use PPE
  4. Use warning devices
  5. Post warning signs
  6. Follow safe work practices

5. Inspections & Audits

Machines requiring guarding will be inspected regularly by Environmental & Occupational Safety (EOS). Maintenance or replacement of guards will be conducted as needed. EOS will conduct annual audits and recommend corrective actions.

6. Training

All individuals working with or near machines must receive training before operating equipment. Training includes:

  • Hazard-specific machine guarding training for employees
  • Supervisor-led training for students
  • Annual training for maintenance personnel

7. Record Keeping

EOS maintains records of machine guarding training and annual inspection documentation.

8. References

  • OSHA Machine Guarding Standard — 29 CFR 1910.212
  • Lockout/Tagout Policy

Policy Approved: [Insert Date]

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Last Reviewed: [Insert Date]