What should an employee do if they need to put their hand inside moving machinery?

The correct approach when dealing with the need to put a hand inside moving machinery is to lock out/tag out the equipment. The lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is crucial for ensuring that machinery is properly shut down and unable to be restarted while maintenance or inspection is being performed. This safety protocol helps prevent accidental energization of the equipment, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for overall safety but does not address the risk of injury from moving parts if the machinery is still operational. Waiting for the machinery to stop completely seems like a prudent choice, but it does not guarantee safety unless proper lockout/tagout procedures are followed. Simply informing a supervisor may lead to appropriate action, but without immediate personal intervention in securing the equipment, the risk remains high.

Lockout/tagout procedures involve isolating the energy source, completing required checks, and placing locks or tags on the machinery to prevent others from inadvertently turning it back on. For anyone working with or around machinery, understanding and implementing these procedures is vital for maintaining a safe working environment.