Safety Standards & Regulations for Electrical Machinery

Many people work with electrical machinery, but such equipment can pose safety threats to workers who are not careful. Electrical machinery standards and regulations help protect workers from occupational accidents so they can perform their jobs more safely.

Authorization

Only workers authorized to use electrical machinery should use it. Handling machinery without proper authorization can be dangerous, even life-threatening. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), says that about 800 workers die every year in the United States from injuries caused by machinery, and another 18,000 are injured.

Safeguards

Certain types of electrical machinery require safeguards. OSHA says that power saws, sanders, power presses and other such devices must be shielded with protective coverings over the blades, points and sharp edges. Also, safety locks help ensure that machinery cannot start up accidentally or cause injuries when turned "off."

Inspection

OSHA requires that electrical equipment be visually inspected, and sometimes tested, before use. Inspection lets employers identify defects in equipment before they cause injuries to workers. Defective or damaged electrical equipment must be fixed before workers use it.

References

• U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Machine Guarding eTool
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Code of Federal Regulations
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Use of Equipment