Machine Shop Safety Definitions

Fixed guard: A guard that is a permanent part of the machine, but is not dependent upon moving parts of the machine to perform its guarding function. This may include some guards that can be manually set into appropriate positions and fixed into place.

Guard: A device that provides some measure of protection from machine hazards. Guards may be fixed (isolating the user from the hazard), interlocking (shut off the machine or the power transmission system when the guard is displaced or removed), or self-adjusting.

Interlocked guard: Guards that are connected to a mechanism that cuts power to the machine when the guard is tripped or moved out of position.

Machine shop: An area where three or more pieces of fixed or permantly installed wood-working or metal-working machinery and equipment is present.

Nip or pinch point: An area other than a point of operation where a belt contacts a pulley or rotating parts come together where it is possible for a part of the body to get nipped or pinched in the moving parts.

Point of operation: Those activities (e.g. cutting, shearing, shaping, boring) performed on a stock material.

Power transmission: Areas where power is transferred from one part to another such as a drive shaft, belt, or chain.

Self-adjusting guard: A guard that adjusts automatically to the thickness and movement of the stock material. An example is a floating guard on a table saw that raises up and floats along the top of the stock while the stock is guided across the saw.

Shop safety coordinator: The departmental person responsible for ensuring compliance with this program.