§ 29.134. Construction of guards.
(a) Materials. Guards or enclosures shall be constructed of cast iron, expanded metal, perforated or solid sheet metal, or wire mesh on a frame of angle iron or iron pipe securely fastened to the floor or to the frame of the machine. Existing guards may be allowed to remain in position if, in the judgment of the Department, they afford adequate protection.
(b) Burrs. Metal shall be free from burrs and sharp edges.
(c) Wire mesh. Wire mesh shall be of the type in which the wires are securely fastened at each cross point either by welding, soldering, or galvanizing, except in case of diamond or square wire mesh made of No. 14 gauge wire, 3/4 inch mesh or heavier.
(d) Uprights. The uprights used for supports shall be of angle iron one inch by one inch by 1/8 inch to 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 3/16 inch; iron pipe 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches inside diameter, or construction of equivalent strength. The sizes may vary between the above limits according to the weight and size of the guards and their location in respect to aisles and the possibility of being damaged by moving equipment. There shall be no unsupported panels of guards of greater dimensions than 42 inches.
(e) Filling material. The filling material between the supports of a guard shall be as follows:
(f) Fastening. The filling materials shall be fastened to the supports by one of the following methods:
(1) Angle iron supports. By means of 3/4 inch by 1/8 inch flat iron fastened to the angle by means of 3/16 inch bolts or rivets, placed at intervals not exceeding ten inches, or by wooden strips one inch by one inch fastened to the angles by means of 3/16 inch bolts; or by other methods providing equivalent strength. Perforated or sheet metal shall be either bolted or riveted directly to the angle, or spot welded.
(2) Piping. Piping shall be clamped.
(g) Standard railing. When railings are used for the guarding of machinery, there shall be compliance with the following requirements:
(1) Railings shall be not less than 42 inches in height provided with an intermediate rail between the toprail and the floor, and shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner, smooth and free from protruding nails, bolts and splinters.
(2) If constructed of pipe, they shall be not less than 1/4 inches inside diameter.
(3) If constructed of structural metal bars, they shall be the equivalent of 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 3/16 inch angles.
(4) If constructed of wood, the posts shall be not less than 2 inches by 4 inches or the equivalent. Toprailings shall be not less than 2 inches by 4 inches or 1 inch by 4 inches if another board of not less than 1 inch by 4 inches is securely nailed to the sides of the posts and to the toprail. Center railings shall be not less than 1 inch by 4 inches.
(5) Posts and uprights shall be spaced not more than 8 feet apart.
(6) The rails, when of metal shapes, metal bars or wood, shall be placed on that side of the posts which afford the greater support and protection.
(7) When panels are fitted with substantial expanded metal or wire mesh, the middle rails may be omitted.
(8) Toeboards shall be 6 inches or more in height of wood, metal or of metal grill not exceeding one inch mesh. Toeboards at flywheel pits should be placed as close to the edge of the pit as possible.
(h) Wood guards. Wood guards may be used in chemical industries or in construction work when fumes or other manufacturing conditions may cause rapid deterioration of metal guards. In all other industries the use of wood guards is prohibited except by special permission of the Board.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 29.135 (relating to materials and construction of guards).
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