Debunking Common Misconceptions About Shear Points in ANSI B11.0-2023

I've spent years auditing machinery in factories from Silicon Valley warehouses to Midwest manufacturing floors, and one term that keeps sparking heated debates on LinkedIn and safety forums is "shear point" from ANSI B11.0-2023. Defined in section 3.106 as "other than the point of operation, the immediate area where two or more machine elements pass in close contact, creating a shearing action," it's a critical concept for machine guarding. Yet, social media amplifies myths that can lead to complacency—and injuries.

Misconception #1: Shear Points Are Just Another Name for Point-of-Operation Hazards

The definition explicitly excludes the point of operation. That's deliberate. Point of operation is where work is performed—like a punch press die. Shear points lurk elsewhere: think conveyor belt rollers or sliding gates on CNC machines.

On Twitter, I've seen posts claiming, "If it's not the blade, it's not a shear point." Wrong. Last year, we reviewed an incident where a worker's finger was sheared between a hydraulic cylinder rod and its mounting bracket—classic shear point, nowhere near the workpiece. ANSI B11.0-2023 demands risk assessment for these zones separately.

Misconception #2: All Shear Points Require Full Physical Guards

Social media loves absolutes: "Guard every shear point or shut it down!" But ANSI B11.0-2023 aligns with OSHA 1910.212, emphasizing risk-based controls. Not every shear point needs a barrier guard.

• Low-energy shears (slow speeds, blunt edges) might use awareness devices or safe distances.
• High-risk ones demand fixed guards or interlocks.
• Conduct a task-based risk assessment per ANSI B11.0 Annexes.

In one plant audit, a shear point on a packaging machine was "guarded" by yellow tape. We recalibrated: presence-sensing devices worked better, reducing cycle time by 15% while boosting safety. Balance is key—over-guarding kills productivity.

Misconception #3: Shear Points Only Happen on Metalworking Machines

Forums buzz with "B11.0 is for presses only." Nope. ANSI B11.0-2023 is the general safety of machinery standard, applying across industries—plastics, food processing, assembly lines.

Picture this: a bottling line where two belts converge. That's a shear point shearing gloves, hair, fingers. We've seen it. Social media overlooks these because dramatic press videos dominate feeds, but everyday machines bite hardest.

Misconception #4: Slow-Moving Parts Aren't Shear Hazards

"It's only 5 inches per second—no problem," claims a viral Reddit thread. Speed isn't the sole factor; force and clearance matter. ANSI defines shear by action, not velocity.

Research from NIOSH shows low-speed shears cause crush injuries equivalent to high-speed cuts. In my experience, maintenance doors on slow actuators are prime culprits. Test with the "rag test"—if it shears fabric, it can shear flesh.

Getting It Right: Practical Steps for ANSI B11.0-2023 Compliance

Don't let social media echo chambers dictate your safety program. Start with a machine-by-machine inventory. Map shear points using the standard's terminology. Then, apply the hierarchy of controls: eliminate where possible, guard strategically, train operators on residuals.

For deeper dives, reference the full ANSI B11.0-2023 from ansi.org or OSHA's machine guarding eTool. Individual setups vary—consult a certified safety professional for your fleet. Stay sharp; myths fade, but hazards don't.