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OSHA 1910.212 — General Requirements for All Machines

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212 is the core machine guarding standard that applies to nearly all machinery in general industry.
It requires employers to provide guards and protective devices to shield workers from points of operation, rotating parts, in-running nip points, flying chips, sparks, and other hazards.
As a “catch-all” standard, OSHA 1910.212 is often cited when no specific machine regulation exists, making it one of the most frequently enforced provisions in Subpart O.

Key Guarding Requirements

• Point of Operation: Machines must be guarded so operators are not exposed to the point where the work is performed.
• Rotating & Moving Parts: Guards must cover exposed belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, and flywheels to prevent accidental contact.
• In-Running Nip Points: Hazards created where two parts rotate toward each other or where one part moves past a stationary object must be guarded.
• Flying Chips & Sparks: Guards or shields must contain debris, sparks, and fragments generated during machine operation.
• Anchoring: Machines designed for fixed location use must be securely anchored to prevent movement or tipping.

Examples of Machines Covered

Because OSHA 1910.212 is a broad standard, it applies to a wide range of equipment including drill presses, lathes, milling machines, conveyors, punch presses, saws, and grinders.
If a machine has moving parts that could injure a worker, 1910.212 requires guarding.

Common Violations

• Missing point-of-operation guards on presses or saws.
• Exposed belts, pulleys, or rotating shafts without guarding.
• Improperly adjusted or removed guards during production.
• Lack of anchoring on floor-mounted equipment.
• Failure to contain sparks or flying material in grinding, cutting, or drilling operations.

Why OSHA 1910.212 Matters

Machine guarding violations are consistently among OSHA’s top cited standards.
Without proper guards, workers face severe risks of crushed fingers, amputations, lacerations, and eye injuries.
Compliance with OSHA 1910.212 helps facilities protect employees, avoid costly citations, and establish safer production environments.

Relation to Other Standards

OSHA 1910.212 is a general requirement that works in tandem with OSHA 1910.215 (Abrasive Wheel Machinery)
and machine-specific rules under Subpart O. It also aligns with ANSI B11 machine safety standards,
which provide technical safeguarding criteria.

Compliance Checklist

• Install guards at the point of operation on all applicable machines.
• Cover all rotating parts, belts, pulleys, gears, and shafts.
• Guard in-running nip points created by rollers, belts, or chains.
• Provide shields for flying chips, sparks, or debris.
• Anchor floor-mounted machines to prevent shifting.
• Train employees to use machines only with guards in place.

Internal Linking Opportunities

• Cross-link to Lockout/Tagout (OSHA 1910.147) for energy control.
• Link to Abrasive Wheel Machinery (OSHA 1910.215) for grinder rules.
• Connect to ANSI B11 for machine safeguarding performance standards.
• Promote relevant machine guarding products, light curtains, and safety devices.

FAQ

OSHA 1910.212(a)(3) — Point of Operation Guarding

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3) sets forth the point of operation guarding requirements for machinery used in general industry.
The “point of operation” is the area on a machine where work is performed—such as cutting, shaping, boring, forming, or assembling a part.
This section requires that each machine have a guard or safeguarding device that prevents the operator from having any part of the body in the danger zone during operation.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of 1910.212(a)(3) is to eliminate exposure to moving tools or dies that can cause crushing, amputation, laceration, or puncture injuries.
It applies to all machines with a point of operation hazard, regardless of size or industry.
Typical examples include presses, saws, milling machines, lathes, shears, and drills.

Key Requirements

• Every machine must be equipped with a guard that prevents the operator from reaching into the danger zone.
• Guards must be designed and constructed to provide maximum protection while allowing the machine to be operated safely and efficiently.
• Special hand tools may be used to handle materials when guarding at the point of operation is not practical.
• Guards must be securely fastened, maintained in place, and not easily removed or bypassed during operation.
• Safeguarding devices such as light curtains, presence-sensing devices, or two-hand controls may be used if they provide equivalent protection.

Examples of Point of Operation Hazards

• Cutting blades or rotating cutters that can amputate or lacerate fingers.
• Press dies or molds that can crush hands or fingers during operation.
• Drill bits, boring tools, or milling heads that can pierce or entangle body parts.
• Shearing or punching points that can sever material—and body parts—with the same force.

Acceptable Guarding Methods

• Fixed barrier guards enclosing the point of operation.
• Interlocked guards that stop machine motion when opened or removed.
• Adjustable or self-adjusting guards that move automatically to block access as material is fed.
• Two-hand controls requiring both hands to activate the cycle, keeping them out of danger.
• Electronic presence-sensing devices such as light curtains or safety mats that halt motion when triggered.

Common Violations

• Operating a machine with missing or disabled point of operation guards.
• Using hand-feeding where fixed or adjustable guards should be installed.
• Removing guards to increase production speed.
• Failure to provide safeguarding when machine design allows operator access to hazardous movement.

Compliance Tips

• Identify all machine points of operation and assess potential contact hazards.
• Install fixed guards where feasible; use engineered safety devices when full enclosure is not possible.
• Inspect all guards before each shift and re-secure after adjustments or maintenance.
• Train operators to recognize guarding deficiencies and to report missing or damaged safety devices immediately.

Why OSHA 1910.212(a)(3) Is Important

Point of operation injuries are among the most severe and preventable workplace incidents.
By enforcing 1910.212(a)(3), OSHA ensures that all machines have reliable guarding or safety devices that keep operators’ hands, fingers, and bodies outside the danger zone during work.
This rule remains one of the most frequently cited machine safety violations nationwide.

FAQ

OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(i) — Guard Construction and Safety Design

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(i) outlines the design and performance requirements for point of operation guards.
This provision mandates that guards be designed and constructed so that no part of the operator’s body can enter the danger zone while the machine is in use.
It ensures guards are not merely present, but effective in eliminating exposure to mechanical hazards.

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this section is to establish functional performance criteria for machine guards, rather than prescribing specific materials or configurations.
The employer has flexibility in choosing a guarding method, but the chosen system must physically prevent entry into the danger zone during operation and must withstand normal working conditions.

Key Guard Design Requirements

• Complete Coverage: The guard must fully enclose or block access to the hazard area where the operation takes place.
• Strength and Rigidity: Guards must be strong enough to resist mechanical stress, vibration, and accidental impact without failure or displacement.
• Visibility: Guards should allow clear observation of the work area when necessary, using materials such as mesh or transparent panels.
• Secure Installation: Guards must be firmly attached so they cannot be easily removed, loosened, or bypassed during operation.
• Usability: The guard must allow normal machine operation, feeding, and maintenance without creating additional hazards.

Examples of Guard Types Meeting 1910.212(a)(3)(i)

• Fixed steel enclosures surrounding the cutting or forming area.
• Interlocked access doors that stop the machine when opened.
• Transparent polycarbonate guards providing visibility and protection.
• Barrier guards with restricted openings preventing hand or arm entry.

Common Compliance Errors

• Using lightweight or flexible materials that can deform and allow contact.
• Guards not secured tightly to the machine or easily removed without tools.
• Guard openings large enough to allow finger or hand access to the danger zone.
• Guards that obstruct visibility or require removal for normal operation.

Best Practices

• Design guards that exceed minimum strength requirements and resist bending or vibration.
• Test guard designs under real operating conditions to ensure reliability and protection.
• Use standardized opening-size tables to determine acceptable distances between guards and hazards based on reach limitations.
• Document guard inspection results and repair or replace any that show wear, damage, or looseness.
• Train operators and maintenance staff on safe use and adjustment procedures for all guarding systems.

Why OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(i) Is Important

Many guarding failures occur not because guards are absent, but because they are poorly designed or improperly installed.
OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(i) ensures that guarding methods perform their intended function—keeping the operator’s body completely outside the danger zone while allowing safe, productive operation.
Proper guard design is the first line of defense against amputations, lacerations, and entanglement injuries.

FAQ

OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) — Guard Requirements for Special Hand Tools

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) addresses the limited use of special hand tools in machine operations where fixed guarding cannot be used effectively.
This provision allows tools such as tongs, holders, or push sticks to assist in feeding or removing materials from the point of operation.
However, these tools must be designed and used in a way that ensures the operator’s hands remain completely outside the danger zone at all times.

Purpose and Intent

This section acknowledges that some machine operations—particularly stamping, bending, or forming—require close access to the point of operation that cannot be guarded with a fixed barrier.
In these situations, OSHA allows specially designed tools that provide functional reach and control while maintaining operator safety.

Key Requirements

• Special hand tools may be used only when physical guards are impractical or interfere with machine function.
• Tools must be designed so the operator’s hands remain outside the danger zone during all stages of operation.
• Use of tools does not eliminate the requirement for other forms of safeguarding such as two-hand controls, interlocks, or presence-sensing devices.
• Tools must be maintained in good condition and replaced if damaged, worn, or unable to provide adequate reach and control.

Examples of Acceptable Hand Tools

• Holding tongs or pliers for feeding or removing parts from presses.
• Push sticks or push blocks for guiding materials through saws or shapers.
• Hook tools for retrieving small components or debris from guarded areas.
• Custom-designed fixtures that keep hands clear of the operating zone while positioning material.

Limitations and Restrictions

• Hand tools must not substitute for required guards when fixed or adjustable guards are feasible.
• Operators must never use bare hands to feed or remove materials from hazardous areas.
• Tools must be used as designed; makeshift extensions or altered devices are prohibited.
• Employers must ensure that workers are trained in the safe use, inspection, and replacement of these tools.

Common Violations

• Using standard pliers or hand-held items not intended for guarding purposes.
• Failing to provide special tools when physical guards are impractical.
• Allowing operators to use damaged or shortened tools that reduce reach and control.
• Assuming hand tools alone provide compliance when other safeguarding measures are required.

Best Practices

• Provide each operator with properly sized and designed hand tools for specific machines.
• Inspect and replace tools regularly to ensure safety and performance.
• Combine tool use with engineering controls such as two-hand trips or light curtains whenever possible.
• Establish written procedures and training programs outlining when and how special hand tools may be used.

Why OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) Is Important

This paragraph recognizes that total enclosure of some machine points of operation is not always feasible.
By regulating the use of special hand tools, OSHA provid

OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(iii) — Guard Design for Operator Safety

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(iii) establishes the performance criteria for guard design and construction.
It requires that every machine guard be designed, built, and installed so that it effectively protects the operator from injury during machine operation.
This provision emphasizes that guard design must be functional, durable, and capable of providing full protection throughout the equipment’s use.

Purpose and Intent

The intent of 1910.212(a)(3)(iii) is to ensure that guarding effectiveness is not compromised by poor design or materials.
Even when a machine has guards, operators can still be injured if those guards fail under stress, vibration, or improper installation.
OSHA requires that guards maintain their protective function under all normal operating conditions.

Key Design Requirements

• Strength and Durability: Guards must resist impact, vibration, and deformation caused by routine use and environmental conditions.
• Secure Mounting: Guards must be firmly attached and cannot be easily removed, bypassed, or displaced during normal operation.
• Ergonomic Function: Guards should be designed to allow normal operation and maintenance without creating awkward or unsafe postures.
• Visibility: When feasible, guards should permit observation of the operation to ensure quality and alignment without removal.
• No New Hazards: Guard edges and surfaces must be smooth, free from sharp corners, and designed not to introduce new pinch points or catch hazards.

Acceptable Guarding Examples

• Fixed metal guards enclosing belts, pulleys, and gears.
• Transparent guards made of high-strength polycarbonate for visibility and impact resistance.
• Interlocked access doors that automatically shut off the machine when opened.
• Barrier guards preventing reach into moving parts while allowing visual monitoring.

Common Compliance Issues

• Guards that loosen or vibrate during machine operation, reducing protection.
• Materials that crack, warp, or deteriorate under heat or chemical exposure.
• Improperly designed openings that allow finger or hand access to moving parts.
• Guards that must be removed to complete normal adjustments or feeding.

Best Practices for Compliance

• Select guard materials suitable for the specific machine environment (e.g., metal for impact resistance, polycarbonate for visibility).
• Incorporate secure mounting brackets and fasteners that prevent accidental removal.
• Follow design guidelines for minimum safe distances between guard openings and hazard zones.
• Inspect and test guards periodically for wear, looseness, and stability under normal vibration and operation.
• Document guard designs, materials, and inspections as part of your facility’s machine safety program.

Why OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(iii) Is Important

Even the best guarding concepts fail if the physical construction is inadequate.
OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(iii) ensures that all guards are engineered for real-world performance, protecting operators and maintenance personnel from the severe hazards of rotating, cutting, or crushing machinery.
By emphasizing design integrity, this section reinforces the need for reliable, tested, and properly installed guarding systems that remain effective throughout the life of the equipment.

FAQ

OSHA 1910.212(a)(3)(iv) — Machines That Usually Require Point-of-Operation Guarding

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(iv) provides a representative list of machines that usually require point-of-operation guarding because their normal operation exposes employees to cutting, crushing, shearing, or amputation hazards at the point where work is performed on the material. This list helps employers quickly identify equipment where a guard or safeguarding device is typically necessary to prevent hand, finger, or body entry into danger zones.

Machines Typically Requiring Point-of-Operation Guards

• Guillotine cutters
• Shears
• Alligator shears
• Power presses
• Milling machines
• Power saws
• Jointers
• Portable power tools
• Forming rolls and calenders

These examples are drawn directly from OSHA’s regulatory text and are not exhaustive; any machine that exposes an employee to injury at the point of operation must be guarded. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What “Usually Requires” Means

The phrase “usually require” signals that, in typical use, these machines present recognized hazards at the point of operation. Employers must evaluate the actual setup and task. If exposure exists, the machine must have effective guarding or safeguarding devices that prevent entry into the danger zone during operation.

Guarding Outcomes to Achieve

• Physical separation: A fixed, adjustable, or interlocked guard prevents hand or finger access to the tool or die during the cycle.
• Maintained protection: Guarding remains secure and effective during vibration, normal wear, and routine adjustments.
• No new hazards: The guard’s construction does not introduce sharp edges, additional pinch points, or visibility issues that compromise safety.

Implementation Tips

• Perform a documented hazard assessment for each machine and task to confirm point-of-operation exposure.
• Use fixed guards where feasible; supplement with interlocks, two-hand controls, presence-sensing devices, or special hand tools only as appropriate.
• Verify guard opening sizes and safety distances so that fingers or hands cannot reach the hazard during operation.
• Inspect guards at startup and after any adjustment or maintenance; remove machines from service if guards are missing or ineffective.
• Train operators to recognize point-of-operation hazards and to never bypass or remove guarding.

FAQ

ANSI B11 — Machine Safety & Machine Tool Standards

The ANSI B11 standards series comprises a robust framework for machinery and machine tool safety. It addresses risk assessment, design, guarding, control systems, risk reduction measures, and installation and maintenance of machines. Although not regulatory law, B11 standards are widely referenced by industry and used to interpret OSHA’s machine guarding rules (e.g. 29 CFR 1910.212). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Structure of the B11 Family

The B11 family is organized into three types of standards:

• Type A (Basic Safety Standards): e.g. ANSI B11.0 defines general concepts, terminology, risk assessment, and safety principles. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Type B (Generic Safety Standards): These address safeguarding methods, performance, or safety aspects used across machines (for example, B11.19—Performance Criteria for Safeguarding). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Type C (Machine-Specific Standards): Focused on individual machines or categories (e.g. B11.1 for power presses, B11.9 for grinding machines, B11.10 for sawing machines). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Core Themes & Provisions

• Risk Assessment / Reduction: B11 emphasizes identifying hazards, assessing risk, selecting and validating protective measures, and verifying that risk is reduced to acceptable levels. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Safeguarding Methods: Fixed guards, interlocked guards, presence sensors, two-hand controls, light curtains, etc., are all covered with performance criteria. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Performance Criteria: Guards and safety devices must meet minimum response times, strength, durability, fail-safe behavior, and integration with control systems. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Safety in Existing (“Legacy”) Equipment: B11 encourages adaptation of older machines via retrofitting or supplementary safeguarding where feasible. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Design, Modification & Integration: Covers requirements for design, safe modifications, wiring, control logic, maintenance access, risk during changeover, and system integration. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Relation to OSHA & Enforcement Context

OSHA itself does not mandate ANSI B11 by law, but OSHA’s machine guarding standards allow referencing consensus standards like B11 for technical interpretation. For example, OSHA’s eTool on machine guarding lists ANSI B11 standards as guidance resources. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Many safety professionals use B11 standards to design compliant machine guards and safety systems that satisfy both OSHA rules and best practices.

Common Substandards in the Series

• ANSI B11.0 — Safety of Machinery (baseline, risk methodology) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• ANSI B11.19 — Performance Criteria for Safeguarding (applies across many machines) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• ANSI B11.1 / B11.2 / B11.3 — Press, hydraulic, brake machines :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• ANSI B11.10 — Metal sawing machines :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• ANSI B11.9 — Grinding machines (ties into OSHA 1910.215 & 1910.213) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Internal Linking & Application Ideas

• Link to child categories like ANSI B11.0, ANSI B11.19, ANSI B11.9 (Grinding), etc.
• Cross-link to your OSHA machine guarding pages, e.g. OSHA 1910.212 General Machine Guarding.
• Link to safety device and guarding product pages: light curtains, interlocked guards, protective covers, control systems.

FAQ

ANSI B11.0 — Safety of Machinery

The ANSI B11.0 standard (Safety of Machinery) is the foundational “Type A” standard of the B11 series of American National Standards for machine safety.
It is intended to apply broadly to power-driven machines (new, existing, modified or rebuilt) and to machinery systems, not portable tools held in the hand. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
ANSI B11.0 provides the essential framework: definitions, lifecycle responsibilities, risk assessment methodology, acceptable risk criteria, and guidance for using Type-C standards in conjunction with this general standard. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Scope & Purpose

ANSI B11.0-2020 covers machines and machinery systems used for material processing, moving or treating when at least one component moves and is actuated, controlled and powered. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The standard’s purpose is to help suppliers, integrators, and users of machinery identify hazards, estimate and evaluate risks, and implement sufficient risk reduction to achieve an “acceptable risk” level. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
It also clarifies responsibilities across the machine lifecycle (supplier, user, modifier) and addresses legacy equipment, prevention through design (PtD) and use of alternative methods for energy control. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Key Concepts & Requirements

• Terminology & Definitions: Establishes key machine-safety terms (e.g., machine, hazard zone, safeguarding, risk, risk reduction). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Risk Assessment Methodology: Describes how to identify hazards, estimate risk severity and probability, evaluate risk, and decide on corrective safeguards. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Risk Reduction Principles: Focuses on designing out hazards, applying engineered controls, administrative controls and PPE only when higher-level measures aren’t feasible. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Lifecycle Approach: Applies to design, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, modification and dismantling of machines. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Use of Type-C Standards: ANSI B11.0 explains how to use machine-specific Type-C standards (e.g., B11.9 for grinding machines) together with this standard for full compliance. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Why It Matters

ANSI B11.0 sets the groundwork for safe machine design and use. Without a consistent foundational standard, machine-specific standards may lack coherence or completeness in hazard control.
By following B11.0, manufacturers and users can build robust safety programs, ensure they cover all phases of machine use (including legacy equipment), and demonstrate that hazard identification, risk assessment and risk reduction are performed systematically.
Because the standard is widely referenced by regulatory authorities and industry best practices, compliance strengthens both safety performance and regulatory defensibility.

Relationship to OSHA & Other Standards

Although ANSI B11.0 is a voluntary consensus standard and not a regulation, it is widely acknowledged as “recognized and generally accepted good engineering practice (RAGAGEP)”.
Regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reference the B11 series for technical guidance in areas like machine guarding (e.g., 29 CFR 1910.212) and risk assessment. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Furthermore, ANSI B11.0 aligns with the international standard ISO 12100 (Safety of Machinery — General Principles for Design — Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction) but adds U.S.-specific supplier/user responsibilities and lifecycle responsibilities. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

FAQ

B11.22 — Safety Requirements for Turning Centers & Automatic Numerically Controlled Turning Machines

The B11.22 standard applies to machine tools classified as automatic or numerically controlled turning machines—including modern turning centers—that machine bar stock or blanks on single or multiple spindles with automatic or semi-automatic loading, tool changes, and work-handling operations. It addresses safety across the full lifecycle: design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, modification, dismantling, and transport.

Scope & Application

B11.22 covers hazards associated with rotating workpieces and spindles, chucking devices, live tooling, automatic loading and bar-feed systems, and part ejection. It focuses on safeguarding the point of operation and hazardous motion during production, setup/changeover, maintenance, and other special modes. Integrated manufacturing systems are outside the scope of this document and are addressed by separate system-level standards.

Key Safety Topics

• Guarding and enclosures: Interlocked or fixed guards for the cutting zone, rotating spindles, live tools, and chip/ejecta containment.
• Automatic loading and bar-feed: Protection against stock whip, pinch points, unintended access, and ejection hazards during automatic cycles.
• Control systems and modes: Clear mode selection (automatic, setup, maintenance), safe start/restart logic, emergency stop functions, and interlock integrity.
• Risk assessment and responsibilities: Defined roles for suppliers, integrators, and users to identify hazards, implement risk-reduction measures, verify performance, and maintain documentation.
• Modification and retrofit: Rebuilds or conversions must not degrade safety performance; safeguarding must be reviewed and validated after changes.

Why It Matters

Turning centers combine high rotational speeds, automatic handling, and multi-axis motions that can create severe risks such as entanglement, contact, ejection, and unintended motion. Applying B11.22 helps organizations engineer effective safeguards, validate safety-related controls, and maintain safe procedures for production and maintenance tasks.

Practical Implementation Tips

• Use a task-based risk assessment to identify exposure during production, setup, tool change, and maintenance.
• Verify enclosure integrity and interlock function; confirm chip and fragment containment at maximum spindle speed and material conditions.
• Evaluate bar-feed and parts-handling interfaces for access control, guarding, and emergency stop coverage across the machine boundary.
• Document mode selection logic and ensure reduced-speed/hold-to-run features where necessary during setup or teaching.
• Train operators and maintenance personnel on hazards unique to rotating stock, chuck changes, live-tool operations, and automated cycles.

B11.6 — Safety Requirements for Manual Turning Machines (Lathes) With or Without Automatic Control

The B11.6 standard (ANSI B11.6-2022) specifies safety requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, modification, transport and dismantling of horizontally or vertically oriented spindle turning machines (commonly called lathes) that are manually controlled or may include automatic control capabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Scope & Application

This standard applies to manual turning machines in which the workpiece is clamped and rotated while the cutting tool is rather stationary (i.e., the cutting force is from the workpiece). These machines may include automatic features (such as feed drives or tool turret indexing) but do *not* include fully automatic part-handling or bar-feed mechanisms or automatic tool changers — those machines fall under separate standards. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Key Safety Topics Addressed

• Point of operation & rotating parts guarding: Guarding or protective devices for rotating spindles, chucks, work-holding, live tooling, and removal of chips or swarf to prevent contact, entanglement or ejection hazards. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Machine control modes & automatic control interface: Safe transitions between manual operation, automatic feed, tool change or manual set-up modes; ensuring that automatic or semi-automatic features do not expose operators to hazards. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Feed, back-gauge and tool systems: Safe design of workpiece feeding, tool turret or system, and back-gauge motions to prevent contact during automatic or manual operations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Lifecycle responsibilities: The standard assigns defined roles for machine builders/suppliers, integrators/modifiers and users/owners for all phases of the machine life cycle — design, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, modification and decommissioning. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Risk assessment & modification/retrofit: The standard emphasizes that machines modified, rebuilt or converted must be treated as essentially new with respect to risk assessment, safeguarding and verification. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Why It Matters

Turning machines (lathes) remain ubiquitous in manufacturing and metalworking. They involve hazards from rotating workpieces, chucks, live tools, swarf and chips, feed/back-gauge motion, automatic features and manual operator interaction. Adhering to B11.6 helps ensure these machines are designed, installed and maintained in accordance with recognized engineering safety practices, supports risk reduction and strengthens a machine-safety program. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Implementation Tips

• Perform a task-based risk assessment considering manual turning, automatic feed modes, tool change settings, maintenance, set-up and clean-up operations.
• Ensure aftermarket or retrofit features (e.g., tool turrets, automatic feed) do not compromise guard integrity or operator protective distance.
• Verify that guards around the spindle, chuck and rotating workpiece prevent access during operation and that swarf/chip ejection zones are managed.
• Audit control mode logic to ensure safe state transitions — for example, automatic feed should not occur with operator hazard exposure; manual mode should have proper safeguards for setup/maintenance.
• Include records of maintenance, modification, training of operators and documentation of risk assessments and safeguarding changes — treating any machine changes as a redesign from safety perspective.