Machine Guarding Today

STEEL MESH EJECTION CURTAIN SAVES 2 FROM INJURY!

2012-01-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

An object that ejects from a hydraulic press can become a deadly projectile and cause serious injury if it hits the machine operator or another bystander. Recently, a part was ejected from a 50 ton press at one of our customer's facilities.

The following is the unsolicited testimonial that he sent us.

"Yesterday two people working for us were using our 50 Ton press when the object they were pressing broke and was ejected at speed from the press. Fortunately one of your screens was in place saving them from injury. Just thought I'd let you know your product was a very valuable safety precaution for us and it worked as advertised and saved our people from harm." L.G. December 8, 2011

The screen he referred to was in fact a Lovegreen Steel Mesh Ejection Curtain. The curtains are fabricated from Cascade Coil Defense steel mesh. Originally intended to protect people in the vicinity of a bomb blast, this product makes the workplace environment safer.

Installing a steel mesh curtain allow easy access to machines while providing a lower cost method of meeting hydraulic press guarding standards. Because the mesh is black, the press operator's eyes can easily focus on the point of operation. The curtains are lightweight, easy to install, maintenance free and allow natural light visibility. More About the Steel Curtain

For more information, please email or please give me a call.

Frank Schmidt
800-262-8284
fschmidt@lovegreen.com

www.lovegreen.com

OSHA educational videos show how to protect workers from construction hazards

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Every year in the U.S. more than 800 construction workers die and nearly 137,000 are seriously injured while on the job. Construction workers engage in many activities that may expose them to serious hazards, such as falling from rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, electrocutions, silica dust, and asbestos.

OSHA has released 12 educational videos about potential hazards in the construction industry. The educational videos are brief, easy to understand, and geared to the needs of employers and workers. One in every five workers killed on the job nationwide is in construction-totaling nearly 800 construction worker deaths every year.

The videos are based on real-life incidents and include detailed depictions of hazards and the safety measures that would have prevented these injuries and fatalities. OSHA's videos cover falls in construction, workers who are struck by vehicles and heavy equipment, sprains and strains, trenching and excavation hazards, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

View the Construction Hazards Prevention Videos

For more information, please email or please give me a call.

Frank Schmidt
800-262-8284

fschmidt@lovegreen.com

http://www.lovegreen.com/

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

2011-11-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

According to the OSHA website, "Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)" refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.

Compliance with the lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year. Workers injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.

In a study conducted by the United Auto Workers (UAW), 20% of the fatalities (83 of 414) that occurred among their members between 1973 and 1995 were attributed to inadequate hazardous energy control procedures specifically, lockout/tagout procedures.

OSHA has developed a Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program to expand your knowledge of the LOTO standard.

The program has three major components. You can go through these components at your own pace and in any sequence:

Tutorial: Explains the standard in a question/answer format.
Hot topics: Contains five abstracts with a detailed discussion of major issues. Relevant highlighted sections of the all-inclusive documents are linked here.
Interactive case studies: Seven simulated LOTO inspections are presented. You will be making decisions on the application of the LOTO standard, based on information presented on the screen.

The OSHA Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program may be found in its entirety at the OSHA Website. It explains what a job hazard analysis is and offers guidelines to help you conduct your own step-by-step analysis.

For more information about Lockout-Tagout services, or to discuss your machine safeguarding needs, please contact me at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by calling me at 800-262-8284.

Sincerely,

Frank Schmidt

http://www.lovegreen.com/

New Protection From Hydraulic Press Hazards

2011-10-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

An object that ejects from a hydraulic press can become a deadly projectile and cause serious injury if it hits the machine operator or another bystander. When properly installed, the steel mesh curtain will stop projectiles, safely dropping them to the floor. Originally intended to protect people in the vicinity of a bomb blast, this product makes the workplace environment safer.

View Steel Mesh Ejection Curtain

In the past, guarding a hydraulic press meant installing expensive, cumbersome doors that interfered with the ability of operators to do their jobs efficiently. Installing our new steel mesh curtains allow easy access to machines while providing a low cost method of meeting hydraulic press guarding standards.

Government safety standards require that machine hazards must either be eliminated or properly guarded. The steel mesh curtains meet or exceed GSA testing standards, providing effective hydraulic press safety as well as government compliance for the workplace. Recent testing certified that the mesh exceeded the ISC/GSA Performance Condition 3b criteria for acceptable levels of protection from glass fragment hazards during an explosion. (GSA-TS01-2003) It also meets the tougher Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 4-010-01 standard.

The curtains are fabricated from Cascade Coil Defense steel mesh. When installed on a hydraulic press, the mesh curtain secures at the top but hangs free at the sides and bottom, providing easy access to the machine. The mesh will stop dangerous, flying debris and allow it to fall safely to the ground. Because the mesh is black, the press operator’s eyes can easily focus on the point of operation. The curtains are lightweight, easy to install, maintenance free and allow natural light visibility.

Cascade Coil steel mesh curtains feature interlocking wire coils, which act as individual springs that absorb energy, expand and stretch. The holes in the material allow the pressure of an explosion to go through the mesh while stopping the flying objects that pose a danger.

The product was designed for, and is used in areas with a high likelihood of terrorist attacks. It has proved to be effective protection from flying glass and shattered window frames. Tests reveal that most of the shattered glass and debris lands within two feet of a window covered with a steel mesh curtain. The product has saved lives and decreased injuries in bombing attacks near restaurants and hotels in Israel and in other countries as well.

About Lovegreen - Vernon Lovegreen Sr. founded Lovegreen Industrial Services in 1948, and it remains a family-owned business located in Eagan, MN. The businesses include a Machine Safeguarding Department, Fabrication Facility and Millwright Division. The Lovegreen Risk Management Department has more that 30 years of experience in machine guarding and assists employers in complying with government safety standards and regulations.

To learn how Lovegreen can meet your machine safeguarding needs, please contact Frank Schmidt at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by calling 800-262-8284.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

What is a Hazard?

2011-09-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our back to school issue starts with a pop quiz!

Question: What is a Hazard?

Answer: A hazard is the potential for harm. In practical terms, a hazard often is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness. Identifying hazards and eliminating or controlling them as early as possible will help prevent injuries and illnesses.

If you answered the question correctly, take a bow and move on to the bonus round. How do you identify and eliminate or control the hazards?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. A safety manager will call us and ask us to help develop an orderly plan to identify hazards before they occur.

OSHA has a free Job Hazard Analysis hand book that is a great resource for employers, supervisors, and employees to analyze their own jobs and recognize workplace hazards so they can identify the hazards. identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.

The OSHA Job Hazard Analysis handbook may be found in its entirety at the OSHA Website. It explains what a job hazard analysis is and offers guidelines to help you conduct your own step-by-step analysis.

For more information about machine specific training, or to discuss your machine safeguarding needs, please contact me at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by calling me at 800-262-8284.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

What Happens Once the Safeguarding is Complete?

2011-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Even the best machine guarding system will not be effective without employee approval. The machine operator needs to understand why the guarding was installed and how it will protect them from the inherent hazards.Our experience has taught us that when the workers are included in a machine safeguarding initative, acceptance of the changes is much greater than cases when it is thrust upon them.

Therefore, machine specific training is an important part of any effort to provide safeguarding against machine-related hazards. Each machine operator should receive hands-on safety training that includes the following topics.

Identification of the hazards associated with a particular machine – This includes a review of the point of operation, the power transmission elements and power controls.

Introduction to the installed safeguards – How will the new guards, shields or process controls protect the operator from the identified hazards? What hazards have not been eliminated?

How to use the safeguards – How can the worker operate the machine while the guards are in place? How do the light curtains, interlocks or scanners control the machine functions? Can the machine be run at low speeds while the doors are open?

Who can remove the safeguards and the procedures that must be followed before this happens.

Is a lockout / tagout program required?

What to do if a safeguard is broken , lock, or doesn't work as advertised.

This kind of safety training is necessary for machine operators and maintenance or setup personnel, when any new or altered safeguards are put in service, or when workers are assigned to a new machine or operation.

Lovegreen Risk Management offers safety training programs, classes and resources to help you understand and comply with government regulations, including OSHA and ANSI. We offer specialized training programs that meet your specific needs.

For more information about machine specific training, or to discuss your machine safeguarding needs, please contact me at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by calling me at 800-262-8284.

Garbage Disposal Safety Guards Now Available

2011-07-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC, a machine safety solutions company, is pleased to announce that it is now a distributor of Safety Enterprises garbage disposal guarding products. This partnership allows us to offer an even larger selection of machine safety products – assuring that your machines are properly guarded.

Garbage disposals in schools, nursing homes, commercial kitchens and other applications present a clear and present danger to people. Disposals are designed to indiscriminately grind up anything encountering the cutting heads.

Because of these dangers, OSHA safety standards require a blade guard to be put in place while the unit is operating to protect people from accidental injury and harm. (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212 (a)(3)(ii))

The Made in America GARD-U Ultra disposal guards provide simple solutions to the hazardous nature of garbage disposals. Made from yellow food grade ultra high molecular plastic (UHMD), the line of GARD-U blade guard products provide excellent protection and ease of installation.

Three models to choose from and installation is a snap. Simply place the blade guard into the throat of the disposal unit, tighten the set screws and enjoy peace of mind. A GARD-U Ultra blade guard is available for most disposal units no matter how old or new. Oddly sized or shaped units require an additional set-up fee, but the blade guard can be produced and shipped within days of ordering.

"Our decision to distribute Safety Enterprises products was based on the real need for simple disposal guarding solutions. Their products are reliable, durable and easy to install,” said Chuck Shield, Manager of New Product Development. “The product selection and technical assistance made Safety Enterprises the logical choice to partner with."

About Lovegreen - Founded in 1948, Lovegreen Industrial Services is located in Eagan, MN, minutes south of Minneapolis / St. Paul metropolitan area. Founded by Vernon Lovegreen Sr. in 1948, it remains a family owned business. Our core businesses include a Millwright Division, Machine and Fabrication facility and a Machine Safeguarding Department. With over 30 years of machine guarding experience, Lovegreen Risk Management is here to help protect your employees from injuries. Services offered include on-site machine guarding surveys, risk assessments, guarding installation services and guarding supplies.

Safety Enterprises - is a disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. The Made in America GARD-U Ultra line of products provides excellent durability and protection at great value.

To learn more about how this partnership can help your meet your machine safeguarding needs, please contact Frank Schmidt at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by phone at 800-262-8284.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

View Disposal Guards

Silvaflame-Cleervue Products Now Available in the United States from Lovegreen

2011-06-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC, a machine safety solutions company, is pleased to announce that it has become the North American distributor of Silvaflame–Cleervue machine guarding products. This partnership allows us to offer an even larger selection of machine safety products – assuring that your machines are properly guarded.

Silvaflame offers an extensive line of machine guarding products, ranging from simple eye shields to large anti-splash screens for metal lathes. There is also a large variety of drilling machine guards and guards for metal turning lathes. The milling machine table enclosure protects the operator from flying swarf and the entanglement hazards. Most products can be equipped with an interlock switch to provide an additional measure of safety.

What makes Silvaflame-Cleervue unique is their line of retractable lead screw covers for metal turning lathes. Guarding the rotating leadscrew and feedshaft on metal turning manual lathes is often a difficult problem. However in most cases this can be solved by a so called "Lead Screw Cover".

Manufactured with a steel casing, the guard uses heavy weight neoprene nylon as its sheet medium, sprung to give a full closure against the leadscrew, therefore offering full protection for the operator. Working just like a window blind, the swarf and emulsion resistant heavy weight neoprene / nylon material pulls out of its spring loaded roller box as the lathe saddle moves, and recoils as the saddle returns.

"Our decision to partner with Silvaflame–Cleervue was based on our customers' desire for complete machine guarding solutions from a single vendor. Their products are reliable, durable and user friendly,” said Bob Adomaitis, Vice President of Lovegreen. “The product selection and technical assistance made Silvaflame the logical choice to partner with."

About Lovegreen - Founded in 1948, Lovegreen Industrial Services is located in Eagan, MN, minutes south of Minneapolis / St. Paul metropolitan area. Founded by Vernon Lovegreen Sr. in 1948, it remains a family owned business. Our core businesses include a Millwright Division, Machine and Fabrication facility and a Machine Safeguarding Department. With over 30 years of machine guarding experience, Lovegreen Risk Management is here to help protect your employees from injuries. Services offered include on-site machine guarding surveys, risk assessments, guarding installation services and guarding supplies.

About Silvaflame-Cleervue - Established in 1946, Silvaflame-Cleervue is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most respected manufacturers of machine safety guards and shields. In addition to their standard products, they also produce custom safety guards for special purpose machines, perimeter fencing and enclosures.
To learn more about how this partnership can help your meet your machine safeguarding needs, please contact Frank Schmidt at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by phone at 800-262-8284.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

http://www.lovegreen.com/shop/UserMods/cleervue.html

Electrically Interlocked Chip Shields for Drill Presses, Lathes and Mills Now Available from Lovegreen Risk Management

2011-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC, a machine safety solutions company, is pleased to announce that is now a reseller of Repar 2 electrically interlocked safety shields for drill presses, lathes, & mills. This partnership allows us to offer an even larger selection of machine safety products – assuring that your machines are properly guarded.

REPAR2 shields are available for drilling machines, metal lathes, milling machines and grinders. When the interlocked shield is lifted up or moved to the side, the micro switch opens and sends a stop signal to the machine control. The safety switches are mounted in an IP 67 enclosure which makes them difficult to defeat.

Many sizes and styles are available. The full REPAR2 catalog is available here. Email us or call us at 800-262-8284 for more information.

"Our decision to sell the Repar 2 line was based on our customers' desire for interlocked chip shields. Their products are reliable, durable and easy to use,” said Chuck Shield, Director of New Product Development. “The product selection and technical assistance made Repar 2 the logical choice to partner with."

About Lovegreen - Founded in 1948, Lovegreen Industrial Services is located in Eagan, MN, minutes south of Minneapolis / St. Paul metropolitan area. Founded by Vernon Lovegreen Sr. in 1948, it remains a family owned business. Our core businesses include a Millwright Division, Machine and Fabrication facility and a Machine Safeguarding Department. With over 30 years of machine guarding experience, Lovegreen Risk Management is here to help protect your employees from injuries. Services offered include on-site machine guarding surveys, risk assessments, guarding installation services and guarding supplies.

About Repar 2 - REPAR2 is a leading European manufacturer of interlocked chip shields and machine safety guard equipment. The shields are fabricated out of steel and transparent polycarbonate to protect the machine operator from flying chips and coolant. All REPAR2 shields exceed OSHA and ANSI standards, and comply with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/CE. Repar 2 is imported into North America by Ferndale Machinery.

To learn more about how this partnership can help your meet your machine safeguarding needs, please contact Frank Schmidt at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by phone at 800-262-8284.

View Interlocked chip shields Here

http://www.lovegreen.com/

Lovegreen Risk Management and Leuze Electronic Announce Strategic Partnership

2011-04-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC, a machine safety solutions company, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Leuze Electronic, Inc. This association offers customers more machine safeguarding options by combining Lovegreen’s vast guarding experience with the worldwide integration capabilities of Leuze Electronic.

Leuze offers an extensive line of optical-electronic products including safety light curtains and grids, laser area scanners, a full line of sensor products, bar code readers for both standard and 2D applications, optical data transmission as well as innovative positioning systems using barcode or laser measurement technology. Leuze products are reliable, durable and user friendly.

"Our decision to partner with Leuze was based on our customers' desire for complete machine guarding solutions from a single vendor. They have earned the reputation of solving even the most difficult applications,” said Bob Adomaitis, Vice President of Lovegreen. “Their product selection and technical assistance made Leuze the logical choice to partner with."

About Lovegreen - Founded in 1948, Lovegreen Industrial Services is located in Eagan, MN, minutes south of Minneapolis / St. Paul metropolitan area. Founded by Vernon Lovegreen Sr. in 1948, it remains a family owned business. Our core businesses include a Millwright Division, Machine and Fabrication facility and a Machine Safeguarding Department. With over 30 years of machine guarding experience, Lovegreen Risk Management is here to help protect your employees from injuries. Services offered include on-site machine guarding surveys, risk assessments, guarding installation services and guarding supplies.

About Leuze USA - Leuze USA was established in 1994 as part of the Leuze group with more than 15 subsidiaries and nearly 2000 employees all over the globe. Leuze USA has developed a reputation for providing high-technology value added products and outstanding customer support as solution provider for a wide range of industries. Main applications are industrial automation, material handling, packaging, food and beverage process, pharmaceutical and printing industries. Leuze systems can be quickly linked to all common international field bus systems, while customized Leuze software solutions offer a maximum operating convenience.

To learn more about how this partnership can help your meet your machine safeguarding needs, please contact Frank Schmidt at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by phone at 800-262-8284.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

http://www.leuzeusa.com/

Lovegreen Machine Safeguarding Products and Services Catalog

2011-03-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC announces that its updated product catalog is now available. The new, 32 page, color catalog features a large variety of machine safeguarding products and services designed to make your work place safer. This is a comprehensive product catalog showcases machine safeguarding products for aerospace, manufacturing and general industry.

The catalog is an easy-to-use reference for sourcing machine-safeguarding products. Products include chip shields, barrier guarding and motor controllers. Also featured in the catalog are process controls, including interlocks, light curtains and rope pull switches. Each product page contains product photos and descriptions to help you find the right guarding solution.

In addition to safety products, the catalog lists a variety of machine safeguarding services. Services offered include on-site machine guarding surveys, risk assessments, guarding installation services and industrial safety training.

An electronic download of the catalog is available at http://www.lovegreen.com/catalog.pdf . To obtain a printed catalog at no charge, or to learn how Lovegreen can meet your machine safeguarding needs, please contact Frank Schmidt at fschmidt@lovegreen.com or by calling 800-262-8284.

Lovegreen Risk Management has over 30 years of assisting schools and employers in complying with machine safeguarding regulations. Founded by Vernon Lovegreen Sr. in 1948 and located in Eagan, MN, it is a 3rd generation, family owned business. Our core businesses include a Millwright Division, Machine and Fabrication facility and Machine Safeguarding.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

Subscribe to Our Free Machine Safeguarding Newsletter Today!

2011-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there are no laws that require manufacturers to produce machines and tools with machine guarding devices? Yet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hold employers responsible for the safety of your workers, which includes reducing or eliminating the hazards of your machinery.

One way to do this is to add shields and other safeguarding devices to your machines. Another is to keep abreast of the latest regulations as they come out from OSHA, and stay informed of the newest techniques and equipment that can make your machines even safer to operate.

You do not have time to scour the news, trade journals and Internet daily to learn of the latest developments. This is where Lovegreen Risk Management can help you keep on top of all the happenings in machine guarding and occupational safety.

Lovegreen Risk Management has over 30 years experience in the machine guarding business. Not only do we research the market to sell the best equipment available to safeguard your machines, we constantly monitor the regulatory process to make sure we are informed on the latest regulations and developments. We offer consultation services to help you evaluate the current safety of your machines, and to suggest changes where needed.

Now we are making the newest information available to you in a monthly email newsletter, completely free and without obligation! This simple, one page summary of recent developments, has links to further details if you need to know more.

Can you use information like this? Recent Lovegreen newsletters included stories such as:

• OSHA Fines Manufacturer More than $3 Million
• Leuze Safety Laser Scanners
• Machine Safety Assessment
• Safety Switch Mat Systems
• Is Your Workplace Exempted from OSHA Programmed Inspections?

With OSHA recently announcing a stepped-up program of workplace inspections, and with steep fines as punishment for non-compliance, you cannot afford NOT to be aware of the latest information on machine guarding and safeguarding your workplace!

You will receive the newsletter once a month, and as an added bonus, the newsletter will include information on the latest sales and deals offered by Lovegreen, some available only to our subscribers!

Lovegreen will not inundate your inbox with emails, nor will be sell your email address to any other companies.

So sign up for the Lovegreen Machine Safeguarding Monthly newsletter at our website today! Go to http://www.lovegreen.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the front page for a simple sign-up process.

(Click on image to sign up now!)

Stop Time Measurement is now available from Lovegreen Machine Safety!

2011-01-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Current OSHA regulations and ANSI standards requires that a machine's stop time be measured to determine how long it takes a machine to stop after a stop signal is given.

Most accidents occur as a result of a reflex action or simply not paying attention to one''s surroundings. Often a machine operator will instinctively reach for something when there is a problem. Or they will be focused on a task and enter a hazardous area without thinking about it. Tripping towards a hazard is another common occurrence. In these situations, it is necessary that the machine''s safety devices stop the machine before the hazard is reached.

Stop-time measurement readings taken on individual machines are used to determine the minimum safety distance required for placement of the machine''s operating controls or safeguarding devices used during production. This is critical when using presence sensing devices like light curtains, pressure mats, laser scanners, etc.

Location of a safety component, whether hard guarding or electronic, is based upon the machine''s stopping time. Simply stated, a safety component should be placed far enough away from the risk area that it is not possible to reach the hazard before the machine has stopped. Safety devices are then installed using the minimum safe distance.

Stop time measurement should be performed on an annual basis in order to insure that the machine stop time has not changed. Machine maintenance, brake wear, machine alterations and other factors can extend the machine''s stopping time. If the machine stops slower than it once did, then the current safety components will need to be adjusted to continue providing the correct level of safety. For these and other reasons it is important to perform an annual stop time analysis.

Not sure how to get started?
Lovegreen can provide stop-time measurement readings for various types of industrial machines, including mechanical and hydraulic power presses, press brakes and on machines that utilize rotational movement like conveyors, indexing tables, and production line drive shafts. Experienced Lovegreen personnel conduct the inspections using a stop-time measurement device to take the stop-time readings. Lovegreen uses the same stop time analysis Saftimeter as OSHA to assure consistent results.

Inspections include details on each machine as to its compliance to current safety regulations (OSHA) and current safety standards (ANSI). Stop-time measurement readings taken on individual machines are used to help determine the minimum safety distance required for placement of the machine’s operating controls or safeguarding devices used during production operations, such as safety blocks and die blocks.

Please call us at 1.800.262.8284 or e-mail us for more information or to set up a visit to your facility.

Lovegreen Machine Safety provides machine guarding, risk assessment and safety training to help protect your business, institution or school.

http://www.lovegreen.com/

Stop Time Analysis - More Info

What is MSDS ?

2010-02-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

MSDS or a Material Safety Data Sheet is the documentation of all the information on the potential hazards imposed by a chemical product or substance whenever they are used by people. The dangers primarily include fire hazards, effects of radioactivity, environmental hazards and other possible harm to the health of a human being. Not just the information about the potential dangers, an MSDS is supposed to contain information regarding the proper handling of the chemical substances or product to avoid the hazards and also information on steps that need to be taken in case of the occurrence of any of the hazards.

Who needs the MSDS ? The MSDS is a document that can be allowed to access by everyone. However, an ordinary consumer doesn’t have a direct interaction with a chemical substance and thus, needn’t necessarily have a deeper understanding of the MSDS (a knowledge about the hazards of these substances isn’t bad though). Workers or employees who have come in contact with these chemical substances on a day-to-day basis needs to have a thorough understanding of the MSDS and must always carry a copy of it along too. Such employees include the ones working in any chemical manufacturing factory, cleaning industry, recycling industry and so on.

How to find an MSDS ? An MSDS should be available in every workplace pertaining to chemical industry or an industry whose employees work involves a close contact with chemical substances and products. In case of non-availability of Material Safety Data Sheets in the workplace, the supplier of the material or substance should be contacted and asked to provide a MSDS.

It’s crucial to train the employees as to how to use the MSDS. Mere distribution of MSDS won’t assure safety. Thus, an effective and informative training session is necessary.

Article by Anirban Bhattacharya

For more information about this important topic, please visit Lovegreen Machine Guarding

Protect Yourself From Amputations

2010-01-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

Amputations are widespread and involve a variety of activities and equipment. Each year, thousands of employees lose fingers, hands, feet, and other body parts–mostly through compression, crushing, or by getting them caught between or struck by objects. Most amputations involve fingertips.

High-Risk Activities

Amputations occur most often when employees operate unguarded or inadequately safegarded:

Mechanical power presses
Power press brakes
Powered and non-powered conveyors
Printing presses
Roll-forming and roll-bending machines
Food slicers
Meat grinders
Band saws
Drill presses
Milling machines
Shears, grinders, and slitters
Table and portable saws

Recognize and avoid amputation hazards through guarding, safe work practices, employee training, administrative controls and operating in a safe manner. The best way to prevent amputations caused by stationary or portable machinery is with machine safeguarding.

Guards provide physical barriers to hazardous areas. They should be secure and strong, and employees should not be able to bypass, remove, or tamper with them. Guards should not obstruct the operator’s view or prevent employees from working.

Devices help prevent contact with points of operation and may replace or supplement guards. Devices can interrupt the normal cycle of the machine when the operator’s hands are at the point of operation.

Have more questions? Please call us at 1-800-262-8284 or email us today and let us help you.

For more complete information:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

This article is from the OSHA website. The full article appears at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/amputations-qc.html

Are Your Machines Safe or Unsafe?

2010-01-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

The answer is usually somewhere in between. By their nature, machines can be dangerous even when used in a proper manner. Many manufacturers continue to build and sell their tools without the necessary safeguards and electrical controls required by OSHA and various safety regulations. Our experience shows that improper guarding can slow down production and create a safety hazard.

This article is a basic introduction to machine safeguarding. The reader can download a free, simple survey that will allow them to check for common machine guarding violations including improper point of operation protection and incorrect motor controls.

Do you know what an accident can cost you?
A single accident can mess up your finances for years. Money set aside for a new car or vacation is spent on doctor bills. You may be off work for months or unable to return at all. You will spend your free time battling your insurance company to get a fair settlement. If the accident happens at work, a legal judgment against an employer can easily bankrupt an otherwise healthy company.

Why Install Machine Guards?
Simply stated, so you do not get hurt or hurt anyone around you. Machine use can be dangerous, even when you are careful. Unfortunately, not every machine will perform the intended function without posing an injury hazard to the operator. By installing machine guards at work, an employer can save money by reducing insurance rates, increasing productivity and protecting employees.

Machine manufacturers are not required to provide motor controllers and safeguarding equipment that meets OSHA standards. OSHA requires that you the employer make sure all of the machines in the workplace comply with relevant regulations.

Where Do Hazards Occur?
Most machine hazards occur in three main places. The point of operation, (where a blade cuts a piece of wood), power transmission, (belt and pulleys) and power controllers. Just download the free machine survey and find out quickly.

Following the survey will help you uncover the most common safety problems with woodworking and metal working machines. For example, if you have a drill press, the page on drill presses lists the most common areas that need
attention. Answer each question either yes or no to determine if safeguarding is required.

What do I do if I uncover a problem?
A machine's safeguarding is usually neither safe nor unsafe, but somewhere in between. Your job is to find ways to manage the risk and provide a safe and healthful working environment. Sometimes the fix is as simple as installing a panel over the hazard with tamper proof hardware.

In most cases, the safety risk cannot be eliminated so it must be managed. This is accomplished by guarding the hazard with physical barriers and electronic devices. Barriers and shields are used to reduce the level of risk and probability of an accident.

If you do find a problem that you do not know how to fix you can we can help you decide on how to safeguard your machine so that it complies with relevant standards. Email us or call Frank at 800-262-8284 for more information.

Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations

2009-12-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

The following article is from the OSHA website and contains valuable information on how to implement a machine guarding program to protect your most valuable asset, your employees from machine related amputations at work.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested, but not required. The full, 60 page handbook is available as a free download here.

Amputations are among the most severe and dis-abling workplace injuries that often result in permanent disability. They are widespread and involve various activities and equipment. (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2005 annual survey data indicated that there were 8,450 non-fatal amputation cases – involving days away from work – for all private industry.

Anyone responsible for the operation, servicing, and maintenance (also known as use and care) of machines (which, for purposes of this publication includes equipment) — employers, employees, safety professionals, and industrial hygienists— should read this publication.

This guide can help you, the small business employer, identify and manage common amputation hazards associated with the operation and care of machines.

To prevent employee amputations, you and your employees must first be able to recognize the con-tributing factors, such as the hazardous energy associated with your machinery and the specific employee activities performed with the mechanical operation.

Understanding the mechanical components of machinery, the hazardous mechanical motion that occurs at or near these components and specific employee activities performed in conjunction with machinery operation will help employees avoid injury.

Consult these standards directly to ensure full compliance with the provisions as this publication is not a substitute for the standards. States with OSHA-approved plans have at least equivalent standards. Contact your state office for more information.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s employees by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested, but not required.

This information is available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693- 1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health

More machine guarding safety information at Lovegreen Machine Guarding

Last Call For This Incredible Deal!

2009-12-10T06:22:00.000-08:00

Identifying Machine Safeguarding Issues Is Half The Battle - And Until December 31, 2009 Half The Price!

Are there machines in your facility that violate OSHA safeguarding standards? We can help you find out with an on-site, machine safety survey. Our trained professionals will come to your site and perform a Machine Safeguarding Evaluation at 50% off the regular price.

From now until December 31st, 2009, Lovegreen Risk Management is offering you a chance to have your machines inspected for safety and regulatory compliance at 50% off our normal rates.

This great deal applies to all surveys scheduled by 12/31/09 and performed before 3/31/10.

Take the guesswork out of machine safety and rely on our 30+ years experience to assist you with proven, real-world guarding and control recommendations to achieve machine compliance. Learn more about machine guarding.

Due to an overwhelming response to this fantastic deal, we must end this promotion on December 31, 2009. Call Frank Schmidt at 1-651-707-9585 today for more information or to schedule a machine safety survey.

Lovegreen Machine Guarding ---- 1.800.262.8284

Hazard Analysis & Machine Guarding

2009-12-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

As an employer, you are concerned about maintaining productivity, efficiency, and employee morale. Companies that institute a comprehensive safety and machine guarding program are amazed at the positive effects on the company's business and employee attitudes! Our trained professionals will come to your site, perform a Hazard Analysis Safety Audit, and recommend proactive preventive measures.

So what is Hazard Analysis? The first thing to do is to identify potential machine hazards by determining how serious the hazard is. Will an employee be injured if this hazard is not reduced? Secondly, how likely is it that the hazard will result in an accident? Finally, how often is the machine used? A combination of all three variables results in an assessment of risk score. The higher the total score is, the higher the probability of an occurrence with the machine.

Once the hazard analysis has generated a risk score, it needs to be determined if the risk can be eliminated all together. Sometimes the fix is as simple as installing a panel over the hazard with tamper proof hardware. In most cases, if the safety risk must be managed if it cannot be eliminated. Guarding the hazard with physical barriers and electronic devices can reduce the level of risk and probability of an accident.

There are several areas of interest when performing a safety audit on a cutting or turning machine. The first step is to determine if the machine’s motor controls meet current standards. OSHA and ANSI standards require that machines have an emergency stop within the operator’s reach. It should be red, latch when pushed and have a yellow background. The standards also require that there must be a way to disconnect power coming to the machine. The switch must be able to be locked in the off position.

All machines must be equipped with a power outage device that does not allow the machine to restart automatically after a power outage. The operator must take an action, such as pushing the start button to restart the machine. Image the possibilities if a machine were to restart by itself when the power turns back on.

Another area to survey is the point of operation. This is the place where the machine does its work. For example, where a drill bit enters a piece of wood. This area must have a shield that protects the operator from chips, broken bits and coolant.

One area that needs special attention is the power-transmission components. This includes belts, pulleys, gears, couplings and rotating shafts. These items create pinch and entanglement hazards and require careful inspection. All areas power transmission items up to 7 feet from the floor must be guarded.

A final category is everything else that has not been covered yet. You need to make sure that the machine is securely anchored to the floor, a workbench or is on a mobile cart that has locking wheels. Make sure that all OEM parts, guards and labels are in place. Areas that cannot be guarded must have a sign that warns the operator.

Download a FREE Machine Safety Survey Tool to conduct your own surveys to uncover the most common problems on your woodworking and metal working machines. It is easy to use and to understand.

Lovegreen Machine Guarding

More Guarding - Fewer Accidents?

2009-11-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

When it comes to machine guarding, does more guarding result in fewer accidents? I have often wondered that. It might depend upon how you define ‘accident’. Is a mishap where no injury occurs considered an accident? How about if it results in damage to the machinery or the work piece?

I recall when lap seat belts in cars were first encouraged there was criticism that though the seat belts would indeed keep people from flying through the windshields it didn’t necessarily make them safer. The drivers and passengers would still bend forward and their heads would collide with steering wheels and dashboards. The seat belts have been upgraded since with a locking over-the-shoulder harness. Softer dashboards, front and side air bags have also been added.

These safe guards have made a difference in fatalities. In Minnesota, 85% of the drivers wear their seat belts. Of the car accidents that result in a fatality, upwards of 55% involve people who weren’t wearing their safety belt. That 15% of the population who don’t wear their seat belt provide a disproportionately high amount of the car accident fatalities.

So if the fatalities resulting from an auto accident are down, is the number of accidents as a whole down because of seat belt use? Are the minor injuries also reduced? Some experts theorized with the advent of seat belts that more accidents would actually result. They theorized that people would feel safer while wearing a seat belt and then feel more invincible, causing them to drive more recklessly. This recklessness might appear as driving at faster speeds or trying to multitask by also talking on a cell phone or hunt for a radio station while driving.

I have seen this theory affirmed when taking hikes with a Boy Scout troop. Most of the hikes the troop takes are along well defined paths. When walking on these trails, a scout feels relatively safe and doesn’t really pay much attention to where he is stepping. On these hikes the scouts will often stumble over the odd tree root or rock that they failed to notice. Sometimes this led to a minor twisted ankle. These are accidents but not serious or life threatening.

On a couple of occasions the troop has hiked over very rugged terrain. The scouts have climbed over rock falls where sharp ridges of rock are protruding, and where it would be very easy to twist an ankle. If they should happen to fall, a serious accident could result. During these hikes I noticed the scouts paid close attention to what they were doing. They stepped carefully, kept their arms out for balance and were prepared to catch themselves by reaching out and grabbing on to something to prevent a fall.

As a leader and an adult in a position of responsibility there would be lots of butterflies in my stomach during these hikes. I would imagine all the possible accidents that could occur. Fortunately, during these more dangerous excursions, accidents did not occur.

So how does this translate into the world of machine guarding? It stands to reason that installing guards on shop machines might not reduce the number of accidents, but would make them less serious in nature. The accident might result in a cut or scratch rather than a lost digit.

Thanks to Andy Goettsch

Machine Guarding Basics

2009-11-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

You might wonder why you would have to install guards on your woodworking or metal working machines. Aren't manufacturers required to install guards on the machines they sell? The short answer to that is no.

Many manufacturers continue to build and sell their tools without the necessary safeguards and electrical controls required by OSHA and various safety regulations. Current laws do not require the machine manufacturers to do so. OSHA requires that the employer make sure all of the machines that are used in the workplace comply with current standards.

Simply stated, it is up to you to make sure your machines are properly guarded so you do not get hurt or hurt anyone around you. Unfortunately, not every machine will perform the intended function without posing an injury hazard to the operator. Therefore, you must make a reasonable effort to protect the operator from its inherent hazards.

So where do most mechanical hazards occur? Moving parts pose hazards in three main places - The Point of Operation, Power Transmission and Other Moving Parts.

The Point of Operation is the place where machine's purpose takes place. For example, where a saw blade cuts wood or where a drill bit bores a hole. Common injuries include cuts ranging from minor to fatal, flying material chips, ejected parts and puncture wounds. These areas need to be guarded with chip shield or rigid barriers.

The Power Transmission is the point where power is transferred from the machine's motor to its point of operation. Belts, pulley and lead screws are a major source of crushed hands, entangled hair and clothing. These accidents occur quickly and often cause serious injury or fatalities. Exposed belts and pulleys should be covered with a panel that cannot be easily removed to protect the operator.

Other Moving Parts include any other machine part that moves in a rotating, reciprocating or feeding motion.

You might ask, “How do I know if a machine requires a safety guard? A good rule to remember is, "Any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it can injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazard must either be controlled or eliminated." (From the OSHA Machine-Guarding Standard)

After assessing the machines in your shop and performing necessary guarding, you should be confident that the machines are guarded to the relevant standards. If you are not sure that they are, it may be time to seek help from an expert.

The purpose of hiring an expert is to help you provide a workplace free of machine hazards. Working with your safety committee, the machine guarding company will provide a thorough assessment of machine hazards. Next, they will implement a machine-guarding program that meets all manufacturing and regulatory requirements.

The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your company’s most valuable asset, your employees.
Motor controls are another important item to review when performing a safety audit on a cutting or turning machine.

The first step is to determine if the machine’s motor controls meet current standards. OSHA and ANSI standards require that machines have an emergency stop within the operator’s reach. It should be red, latch when pushed and have a yellow background. The standards also require that there must be a way to disconnect power coming to the machine. The switch must be able to be pad-locked in the off position.

All machines must be equipped with a power outage device that does not allow the machine to restart automatically after a power outage. The operator must take an action, such as pushing the start button to restart the machine. Image the possibilities if a machine were to restart by itself when the power turns back on.

The safety expert you choose will help you provide a safe workplace with OSHA Compliant Hazard Guards and encourage employee involvement through a custom machine guarding program. The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your company's most valuable asset, your employees.

More information at http://www.lovegreen.com/

Welcome to Machine Guarding Today

2008-08-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

This blog is devoted to discussing problems faced when trying to guard wood and metal working machines.

Good site to visit to learn machine guarding basics