Chapter 25
Machine Safeguarding—Shop and Lab Machine Safety

Appendix B
LBNL Nonlaboratory Machine Guarding Requirements

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) machine guarding program follows the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart O (Machinery and Machine Guarding). Subpart O contains sections addressing general requirements as well as machine-specific requirements. All machines, including machine tools, machine equipment, and portable power tools, need to be guarded as required by Subpart O.

Subpart O includes definitions, general requirements, and different kinds of machinery requirements.

1910.211, Definitions
1910.212, General requirements for all machines
1910.213, Woodworking machinery requirements
1910.214, Cooperage machinery [reserved]
1910.215, Abrasive wheel machinery
1910.216, Mills and calendars in the rubber and plastics industries
1910.217, Mechanical power presses
1910.218, Forging machines
1910.219, Mechanical power-transmission apparatus

Section 1910.212 (General requirements for all machines) requires employees to be protected from machine hazards such as dangerous points of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks, etc. It also requires that certain protective measures be put in place, such as location (distance), barrier guards, two-handed tripping devices, and electronic safety devices where practicable and appropriate.

Follow specific regulations when machine tools or equipment fall under 1910.213–219. Use an appropriate alternate standard (e.g., ANSI) when a specific OSHA regulation does not exist. If there is no ANSI or OSHA standard, LBNL may design one, as long as it prevents exposure to the machine hazards. Contact the Occupational Safety Group for guidance on guarding requirements or to provide machine-guarding design assistance.

Use the example of a Machine Tool, Machine Equipment, and Power Tool Safety Checklist for optional documentation of self-checks, walkarounds, or inspections of work areas (e.g., shops, laboratories, equipment rooms, etc.) where such equipment is located.

Some examples of machine hazards: