Control of Hazardous Energy Sources covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start-up of the machines or equipment or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. (See Appendix A)
The Rule, 1910.1470(a)(2)(ii) reads:
“Normal production operations are not covered by the standard. Servicing and/or maintenance which take place during normal production operations are covered by this standard only when: An employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device; or An employee is required to place any part of his or her body into an area on a machine or piece of equipment where work is actually performed upon the material being proceeded (point of operation) or where an associated danger zone exists during a machine cycle.”
The exception to this paragraph reads:
“Note: Exception to paragraph (a)(2)(ii): Minor tool changes and adjustments, and other minor servicing activities, which take place during normal production operations, are not covered by this standard if they are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of the equipment for production, provided that the work is performed using alternative measures which provide effective protection.”
We must apply a three-part test to see if the exception is applicable…