What was a contributing factor to the death of a setup person who entered a machine to remove a jammed part?

What was a contributing factor to the death of a setup person who entered a machine to remove a jammed part?

• A. The machine was malfunctioning
• B. A rear guard interlock had been inoperable for six months
• C. There were no visible warning signs
• D. Inadequate training on machine safety

Answer: (B)

The answer highlights a significant safety concern related to machine operations. When a rear guard interlock is inoperable, it compromises a critical safety feature that is designed to prevent access to dangerous areas of machinery while it is operational. In this case, the interlock's failure means there was no automated mechanism to ensure that the machine could not be activated when someone was inside working to remove the jammed part. This situation directly contributes to unsafe working conditions, as employees may be exposed to moving parts or other hazards without proper protection. Thus, this failure created an environment where the setup person faced lethal risks, ultimately leading to a tragic accident. A functioning rear guard interlock could have prevented the entry into the machine while it was still capable of operation, demonstrating the importance of maintaining safety devices as part of an effective Lockout/Tagout program.

The answer highlights a significant safety concern related to machine operations. When a rear guard interlock is inoperable, it compromises a critical safety feature that is designed to prevent access to dangerous areas of machinery while it is operational. In this case, the interlock's failure means there was no automated mechanism to ensure that the machine could not be activated when someone was inside working to remove the jammed part. This situation directly contributes to unsafe working conditions, as employees may be exposed to moving parts or other hazards without proper protection. Thus, this failure created an environment where the setup person faced lethal risks, ultimately leading to a tragic accident. A functioning rear guard interlock could have prevented the entry into the machine while it was still capable of operation, demonstrating the importance of maintaining safety devices as part of an effective Lockout/Tagout program.