Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to questions we are frequently asked. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please contact us using the contact information to the left.
Are your guards OSHA approved?
OSHA does not approve guards separate from specific guard applications. Our guards and other products, if installed correctly, meet OSHA standards for most applications. The only exception is underground mining, covered by a different standard.
Safety Standard for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus
OSHA refers to industry standards in formulating their rules, including ANSI/AMT B15.1-2000, Power Transmission Apparatus, and many other standards. The entire list of standards is available at www.osha.gov/Publications/Mach_SafeGuard/chapt5.html and the topic of machine guarding starts at www.osha.gov/Publications/Mach_SafeGuard/toc.html.
Per ANSI/AMT B15.1-2000. Section 3.2.1 Guards
- They shall prevent entry of hands, fingers, or other parts of the body into a point of hazard by reaching through, over, under or around the guard.
- They shall, in themselves, create no additional motion hazard between the guard and the moving parts.
- They shall utilize fasteners not readily removable by people other than authorized persons.
- If openings are provided for lubrication, adjustment, or inspection, they shall not cause any additional hazard.
- The safeguarding shall prevent injury from breakage of any of the component parts.
Section E 3.2.1 guards, section c. Only fasteners requiring the use of hand tools for removal should be used.
© Copyright 2009 by AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology (Used with permission)
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
The complete standard, plus other B11 standards for machines, are available from:
AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology7901 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102-4269, USA
Users must make their own determination of our parts suitability for your specific use. We will replace any product with a manufacturing defect at no charge. Our liability will be limited to furnishing parts per our literature and our samples. No warranty is made for the fitness of any product for your applications. AMT, OSHA and other groups may have standards that can help you install a safe guard.
Do your guards come with Backplates? Are back plates necessary?
Backplates are usually necessary, in most but not all guard applications. We sell guards and backplates separately.
Can you supply quick release fasteners?
Absolutely not! See above. Quick release fasteners are illegal, do not meet OSHA standards!
Only fasteners requiring the use of hand tools for removal should be used.
Are your guards/backplates pre-drilled with shaft and/or mounting holes?
No. They are easily modified with normal wood or metal working tools. We can put in holes, slots, and otherwise customize parts for an extra charge for small orders.
How do we set up an account?
We need to see good credit references. You can speed up the process by sending credit references with or before an initial order. Our standard terms are net 30 days upon approval of credit references.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards. We also offer collect shipping through UPS and FedEx.
Are prints available? CAD prints? Which format?
We can fax or send .pdf prints by e-mail, or e-mail AutoCad .dxf files of any stock product. We can create solid models (with AutoCad Inventor) if necessary for large projects.
Can I send you prints in CAD format?
Yes, we can read prints in most formats.
What kind of prints or drawings do you need to tool a custom part?
We have made tools from simple hand drawn sketches, and still can for simple projects. For more complex projects we prefer working with solid models in IGES or STEP format.
Do you make guards or bearing covers for automobiles/trailer wheel bearings?
No. We do work closely with some companies that might.
Do you make metal guards, bearing covers, coupling covers, conveyor roofs?
No. Guards with mesh for venting use metal mesh, and we have purchased other metal accessories where necessary, but we are not a metal fabricator, and do not make all metal guards or other all metal parts.
We do work closely with some companies that might. We suggest visiting www.lovegreen.com or www.rockfordsystems.com.