In-running nip points can cause serious injuries such as amputations. Nip points exist between rotating elements and parts with longitudinal motion and between rotating parts. Nip points often exist where chains or conveyor belting enter a gradually narrowing opening. The moving belt or chains are strong enough to pull body parts like fingers, hands, and arms into the pinch point. Often the machine is running too fast or is too powerful to allow stopping before significant injury occurs.
In grain and feed facilities, workers can be injured by in-running nip points when performing maintenance activities, cleaning, using inappropriate tools to adjust moving equipment, reaching for dropped items, or slipping on floors that can cause the worker to slip or fall into the hazard zone.
To prevent injuries associated with in-running nip points always:
- Keep work areas clean and organized.
- Ensure that in-running nip points are guarded.
- Lock and tag out equipment when servicing, maintaining, or cleaning areas in the equipment’s hazard zone.
Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills, OH: joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us, and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com