Machine Guarding practice questions for the ASP exam

A plant uses a rotating tumbling barrel to deburr small parts. Operators sometimes reach in to check the load. Which guarding arrangement meets the standard for the revolving barrel?

1. A.An enclosure that can be removed while the barrel runs if an attendant is watching
2. B.A warning sign on the barrel stating that it rotates
3. C.A painted floor line around the barrel to mark a no-entry zone
4. D.An enclosure interlocked with the drive mechanism so the barrel cannot revolve unless the enclosure is in place

A shop supervisor proposes giving press operators tongs for placing and removing stock at the point of operation. The supervisor wants to remove the existing point of operation guard, since the tongs keep the operator's hands out of the danger zone. How does the standard treat this proposal?

1. A.Acceptable, as long as the tongs permit easy handling of material
2. B.Acceptable only for presses operated at low speed
3. C.Acceptable if operators are trained in the use of the tongs
4. D.Not acceptable, because special handtools can only supplement required guarding and cannot replace it

A finishing shop uses a revolving barrel tumbler to deburr small parts. The drum is surrounded by a hinged enclosure that operators keep closed during normal use. The drive motor can still be started with the enclosure open, and a sign on the machine reads "Keep cover closed while running." During an audit, what is the correct finding?

1. A.Not compliant, because the enclosure must be interlocked with the drive so the drum cannot revolve unless the enclosure is in place
2. B.Not compliant, because the drum must be fully removed from the operator work area rather than enclosed
3. C.Compliant, as long as operators are trained to stop the drive before opening the enclosure
4. D.Compliant, because the enclosure is closed in normal use and the warning sign reinforces the practice