What Is the Definition of “mechanical Hazards”?
Mechanical hazards refer to moving machinery that can cause injury or death, according to Texas State University. OSHA explains that mechanical hazards occur in three basic areas: at the point where work is performed, in the power transmission apparatus and in other moving parts.
Work points include areas where cutting, boring, shaping and forming take place. Power transmission areas are flywheels, belts, pulleys, couplings, connecting rods, chains and gears, according to OSHA. Other moving parts in machinery consist of rotating, reciprocating, transversing and feeding mechanisms.
Crush points are also mechanical hazards in which two objects move close together, according to eXtension. These mechanical hazards can easily crush limbs, fingers and bones. Crushing incidents can also lead to death in certain circumstances.
