modifying coupling guards

[micjk]

Can anyone point me to or give me insight on the OSHA standard for expanded metal mesh size limits for coupling guards. I want to modify some guards on our inert gas system blowers. They are currently made of a solid heavy guage SS sheet metal and house a Rexnord Omega rubber tire coupling element. I would like cut a section of this metal out and replace it with expanded metal to accommodate using a strobe light to do visual inspection of the coupling element to check for possible separation.
Any help would be deeply appreciated,

Roy Gariepy
Maintenance and Reliability Dept.
Dorlastan Fibers LLC.
Goose Creek, South Carolina USA

 

[safetydan]

The guarding must be such that accidental contact cannot be made. The general rule with some people is "over, under, around, and through." The best way to do what you seek would be to cut open a section of the guard, and cover the opening with heavy polycabonate(lexan). You might be able to use expanded metal, but you would have to use small openings so that fingers and tools can not get into the coupling.

 

[MJCronin]

micjk.....

Try OSHA 1910.219(i)(2)....

There seem to be a variety of ways and methods to meet this standard

In the past, companies have corressponded with OSHA about details of a particular design....see:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=18408

Plastic guards are also acceptable.....provided other intentions are met....

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=22691

The standard is here...

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9847#1910.219(i)(2)

You should also note that ANSI has developed a standard on coupling guards... ANSI B15.1

Hope that this helps


MJC