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Production > Wide Belt Sanders
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 Wide belt sanders finish stock by using a coated abrasive surface to
remove material on one or more sides.
Automatic feeding mechanisms make this equipment less
hazardous. Operators' hands however, may be pulled into the
sanding area and can come in contact with the point of operation
while adjusting the machine. Operators' hands also may be pinched
between the stock and in-running rolls, if the feed system is not
properly guarded.
Operator Involvement
The operator adjusts the sander and then feeds
stock into the in-feed side of the machine. The surface
board is retrieved from the out-running end.
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Potential Hazard:
- Point of operation - Contact with the
abrasive surface may
occur during operation, adjustment, or other maintenance
activities.
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Fig 1 - Wide belt sander
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Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- Guard feed rolls with a semi-cylindrical guard to prevent the
operator's hands from coming in contact with the in-running rolls. The guard design must allow for adjustment to any
thickness of stock [1910.213(p)(1)].
- Enclose power transmission pulleys with a fixed guard
[1910.219].
- Provide barriers at the loading and unloading ends
to keep hands out of point of operation.
Work Practices
- Keep hands away from abrasive surfaces.
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Potential Hazard:
- In-running rolls - Clothing, hair, or hands may be
caught by and pulled into the automatic feed mechanism.
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Fig 2 - Wide belt sander
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Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- Guard feed rolls with a wide metal strip or bar
that will allow boards to pass but that will keep the operators' fingers out
[1910.213(n)(3)].
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