Injection molding machines: Avoid the hazards

Used in the plastics industry, thermoplastic injection molding machines “produce molded plastic parts by converting plastic pellets into molten material, injecting the molten plastic into a mold and cooling the plastic material,” OSHA says. Industries that use these machines include toy, medical device and beverage container manufacturers.

Read More : Scientists make plastic more degradable under UV light

Among the hazards associated with these machines are crushing injuries or amputations. According to OSHA, these incidents can occur if a worker:

-Reaches into a machine for any reason.
-Reaches around, under or over guards.
-Operates a machine with missing or inoperable guards or interlocks.
-Isn’t familiar with the equipment.

To help protect workers, the agency offers these recommendations:

-Ensure an operator’s safety gate is installed. This blocks access to the machine’s moving parts.
-Don’t remove, alter or attempt to bypass a safety device.
-Don’t remove a fixed guard during normal operation.
-Provide training on the safety hazards and features of the machine for any employees who will --operate or work with it.
-Lock out the machine before servicing it.