Machine Guarding Safety Inspection Checklist

Complete this machine guarding inspection to ensure all machinery has proper safeguards. Machine-related injuries cause over 18,000 amputations and 800 deaths annually in the US. Proper guarding prevents these injuries.

  • Industry: Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Monthly / Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Safety Manager / Maintenance Supervisor
  • Total Items: 40
  • Compliance: OSHA 1910.212, OSHA 1910.217, ANSI B11 Series, UK PUWER 1998, EU 2006/42/EC

Point of Operation Guarding

Guards at the point where work is performed on material.

  • Point of operation guarded on all machines?
  • Guard type appropriate for operation?
  • Guard openings sized to prevent hand entry?
  • Guards securely attached and not easily removed?
  • Guards not bypassed or defeated?
  • Adjustable guards properly positioned?
  • Interlocked guards function properly (stop machine when opened)?

Power Transmission Apparatus

Guarding of belts, pulleys, chains, gears, shafts.

  • All belts and pulleys guarded?
  • All chains and sprockets guarded?
  • All gears guarded?
  • Rotating shafts guarded (especially projecting ends)?
  • Shaft couplings guarded?
  • Flywheels enclosed or guarded?
  • Guards extend to at least 7 feet above floor?

Safety Devices & Controls

Inspect safety devices and emergency controls.

  • Emergency stop (E-stop) accessible and functional?
  • E-stop buttons red and clearly visible?
  • Two-hand controls function properly (if equipped)?
  • Light curtains/presence sensing devices functional?
  • Safety mats function properly (if equipped)?
  • Pullback/restraint devices properly adjusted?
  • Machine capable of lockout/tagout?

Abrasive Wheel Machinery (Grinders)

Specific requirements for grinding machines per OSHA 1910.215.

  • Abrasive wheel guards in place (covers 270°+)?
  • Tongue guard adjusted within 1/4 inch of wheel?
  • Tool rest adjusted within 1/8 inch of wheel?
  • Wheels ring-tested before mounting?
  • Wheel speed rating not exceeded?
  • Mounting flanges proper type and size?
  • No side grinding on wheels not designed for it?

Mechanical Power Presses (If Applicable)

Specific requirements per OSHA 1910.217.

  • Point of operation (die area) guarded?
  • Brake monitor installed and functional?
  • Clutch/brake mechanism inspected?
  • Anti-repeat feature functional?
  • Presence sensing device initiation (PSDI) certified?
  • Periodic inspection records maintained?

General Machine Safety

General machine safety requirements.

  • Machines properly anchored to prevent movement?
  • Adequate lighting at point of operation?
  • Area around machines clean and clear?
  • Floor in good condition (no slip/trip hazards)?
  • Operators trained on specific machine hazards?
  • Required PPE posted and used (safety glasses, etc.)?

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Why Use This Machine Guarding Safety Inspection Checklist?

This machine guarding safety inspection checklist helps manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for safety manager / maintenance supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 40 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly / quarterly.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 1910.212, OSHA 1910.217, ANSI B11 Series, UK PUWER 1998, EU 2006/42/EC. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Machine Guarding Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 40 inspection items across 6 sections: Point of Operation Guarding, Power Transmission Apparatus, Safety Devices & Controls, Abrasive Wheel Machinery (Grinders), Mechanical Power Presses (If Applicable), General Machine Safety. It is designed for manufacturing operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly / quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Machine Guarding Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Safety Manager / Maintenance Supervisor professionals in the manufacturing industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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