Definitions

Custodian (machine). A person who is responsible for a machine or piece of equipment, and who ensures that it is safely operated and properly maintained. May include machine shop supervisors.

Danger zone. Any place in or about a machine or piece of equipment where a person may be struck by or caught between moving parts, caught between moving and stationary objects or parts of the machine, caught between the material and a moving part of the machine, burned by hot surfaces or exposed to electric shock

Guard. A barrier that prevents entry of the operator's hands or fingers into the point of operation, pinch or nip point, or moving parts. Can be fixed, interlocked, adjustable, or self-adjusting.

Guarded. Shielded, fenced, enclosed or otherwise protected by means of suitable enclosure guards, covers or casing guards, trough or "U" guards, shield guards, standard railings or by the nature of the location, so as to remove the hazard of accidental contact

Interlock. A device that operates to prevent the operation of a machine while the cover or door of the machine is open or unlocked, and which will also hold the cover or door closed and locked while the machine is in motion

Machine custodian. See custodian, machine

Machine shop. An area where multiple types of machine tools may be used, generally in one designated location within a building. May be under the supervision of a machine shop supervisor. May have dedicated staff or walk-in users. A carpentry shop is included in this definition.

Machine tool. Machining equipment that cuts, shears, punches, presses, drills, rolls, grinds, sands, or forms metal, plastic, or wood stock. Not included in this definition are hand-held, portable power, or manual tools.

Mechanical power transmission apparatus. Mechanical component or prime mover that transfers power to a machine tool. May include shafting, flywheels, pulleys, belts, couplings, chain drives, cranks, gears.

Pinch point. Any point other than the point of operation at which it is possible for a part of the body to be caught between moving parts, between moving and stationary parts, or between the material and moving parts of a machine tool

Point of operation. The point(s) where material is positioned, inserted, or manipulated, or where work such as shearing, punching, shaping, cutting, boring, forming, or assembling is being performed on the stock

Positive disconnecting means. A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be physically disconnected from their source of supply

Prime mover. An engine or motor the main function of which is to drive or operate other mechanical equipment

See Tools, Machine Safeguarding Terms, for additional definitions.