Rockford Systems Gauge Ensures Machine Safeguarding Meets OSHA, ANSI, and CSA Point-of-Operation Requirements

ROCKFORD, IL, APRIL 20, 2023 — Rockford Systems, LLC offers a simple Point-of-Operation gauge for use during the design, installation, and inspection of machine safeguarding.

The pocket-sized reference tool verifies that the guard’s opening complies with OSHA 1910.217 (c) (1) (ii) CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) machine safety standards requirements, that is, it does not exceed 1/4 inch (6mm). If the openings exceed 1/4 inch, additional safeguards are needed to protect operators and other employees from being exposed to machine hazards.

A Point-of-Operation is the area of the machine where cutting, boring, forming, stamping and other processes are performed on a workpiece. Because of the operator’s proximity to moving parts, the Point-of-Operation is widely considered the most dangerous part of a machine and requires the highest level of protection. For instance, a safety guard installed on an abrasive wheel grinder to restrain pieces of a shattered grinding wheel must not have an opening more than 1/4 inch between the guard and the top periphery of the wheel.

The Rockford Systems Point-of-Operation Gauge is designed for industrial environments. It is laser-cut from Grade 5052 aluminum with H32 hardness and features a safety orange powder-coating and easy-to-read silk-screened text. A 1/4″ gauge is on one end of the tool for OSHA/ANSI compliance, while the 6mm gauge is on the other for CSA compliance.

The Rockford Systems Point-of-Operation Gauge can be purchased online for $34.28 (USD) at rockfordsystems.com/product/point-operation-gauge.

For more machine-safeguarding information, visit www.rockfordsystems.com.