ANSI B20.5.9.3 Compliance Checklist for Guarding Nip and Shear Points in Hospitals

Ensuring the safety of employees and patients in a hospital setting involves strict adherence to safety standards like ANSI B20.5.9.3, which focuses on the guarding of nip and shear points on conveyors. In hospitals, where conveyors might be used for laundry, food service, or medical equipment, these safety measures are critical to prevent injuries.

Understanding Nip and Shear Points

Nip points occur where two parts move together and can trap an object or a body part. Shear points are created by the action of cutting or scissoring motions between two objects. Both are hazardous and must be guarded as per ANSI standards.

Checklist for Compliance

• Identify All Conveyors: Conduct a thorough audit of your facility to identify all conveyors, especially those in areas with high traffic or where vulnerable populations might be present.
• Assess Nip and Shear Points: For each conveyor, identify potential nip and shear points. This might require consulting with the equipment manufacturer or a safety expert.
• Implement Guards: Install guards at all identified nip and shear points. These guards should prevent access to the danger zones and be designed in compliance with ANSI B20.5.9.3 specifications.
• Alternative Safety Measures: If guards cannot be used, implement alternative safety measures such as interlocks, light curtains, or pressure-sensitive mats that halt the conveyor when triggered.
• Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections of all guards and safety devices to ensure they are functioning correctly and meet the standards set by ANSI.
• Training and Education: Train all staff who operate or work near conveyors on the risks associated with nip and shear points and the importance of safety measures. Include refresher courses annually or as needed.
• Documentation and Compliance: Keep detailed records of all safety measures implemented, training sessions conducted, and inspections performed. This documentation is crucial for compliance audits.
• Consult Specific Conveyor Sections: Refer to section 6 of ANSI B20.5 for specific guidance on different types of conveyors used in hospitals.

Personal Experience

From my experience working with various healthcare facilities, the most common oversight is neglecting regular maintenance and inspection of safety guards. I recall one instance where a hospital had installed the necessary guards but failed to check them regularly, leading to a near-miss incident when a guard failed. This underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and maintenance.

Additional Resources

For those looking to dive deeper into ANSI standards and conveyor safety, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) website offers comprehensive resources. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines and training materials that can supplement your safety program.