The United States takes machine operation and use of a machine guard seriously. There are documented procedures that have to follow in order to keep certain types of machines in service. Not only is it regulated by governing agencies but it can save the lives of the operators who perform dangerous tasks all day long.

Installation and operational use of safety and guarding is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also known as OSHA. This is a federal organization that can perform unscheduled visits and impose fines. Some states have state sanctioned safety organizations that are authorized to act and do the same thing as OSHA.

In addition to OSHA, other organizations provide information on proper safety. The American National Standards Institute also known as ANSI publishes standards that offer information on the construction, care and use of machine tools in addition to machine guarding. These procedures include, but are not limited to, the following types of machines: mechanical power presses, hydraulic power presses, press brakes, shears, lathes, cold formers, drilling, boring equipment, grinding tools, metal sawing, gear cutting devices, roll forming, roll bending, slitting tools, pipe, tube and shape bending, metal powder compacting, horizontal hydraulic extrusion presses, and machinery used for processing strip, sheet, or plate from coiled configuration.

For the safety of workers and employers alike, the following union or non union organizations impose their own safety standards and regulations upon the use and operation of machines: TAGMA American Gear Manufacturers Association, AIAG Automotive Industry Action Group, AMT Association for Manufacturing Technology, ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASTM American Society for Testing & Materials, AWS American Welding Society, CASA/SME Computer and Automated Systems Association of SME, CEMA Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association, LIA Laser Institute of America, MTTA The Machine Tool Technologies Association, NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association, NFPA National Fire Protection Association, NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology, NSC National Safety Council, PMA Precision Metal forming Association, RIA Robotics Industries Association, SAE The Society of Automotive Engineers, SME Society of Manufacturing Engineers, UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

Given the number of authorities which oversee the installation, use, and maintenance of operating machinery, it is obvious how important it is to comply with instructions and operating procedures. Not only will this compliance ensure the usefulness and operation of the very expensive and intricate machinery but it will also keep the operators safe and free from accidents.

Safety of operators is the most important aspect of written procedures. There is no reason for a person to perish or get injured while operating a machine. Statistics show that lost time accidents among factory workers and machinists has been on the rise of recent. These workers are pressured with more productivity as the number of staff decreases. This adds stress to their already stressful job.

These workers are subject to crush injuries, traumatic accidents requiring amputations, lost or maimed limbs, and serious lacerations. Machine malfunctions, misuse, mis cycle, and failed or missing safety guards can be avoided.

The written procedures encourage enforcement. Auditors cannot be at every machine at every place all the time. It is up to the factory, business, or plant management to enforce the policies and ensure the use of a machine guard during the operation of each machine that requires it.

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