Machine setup, lockout, and electrical approval requirements

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

October 1, 1991

Mr. Boris Parad
Boris Parad and Associates
Attorneys and Counselors at Law
[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Parad:

Thank you for your letters of March 28 and May 31, inquiring about the safety, ergonomic features, standards, and requirements governing the operation of a two-spindle reaming/drilling/threading machine in a set-up mode. Please accept our apology for the delay in response.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not at this time have ergonomics standards or requirements specific to the operation of two-spindle reaming machines.

The safety requirements governing operation of the reamer machine in the set-up mode are determined by the manufacturer's requirements (which are available from the manufacturer) and by the enclosed OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/tagout), and 29 CFR 1910.212, General. Requirements for All Machines. Also, we have enclosed OSHA Instruction STD 1-7.3, which our field personnel use when performing inspections related to the Lockout/Tagout standard.

Additionally, you asked for associated standards, rules, and specifications. These will have to be acquired from the manufacturer. To our knowledge, there is no specific national consensus standard on this equipment.

The electrical components of the equipment must be approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in accordance with the enclosed standard, 29 CFR 1910.303(a). The employer must examine, install, and use equipment in accordance with the instructions provided by the NRTL and included in the listing or labelling, as required by 29 CFR 1910.303. The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.145, "Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags" (enclosed) is applicable to your workplace application.

If we may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs