Machine Guarding: Mixer Information

Food and material-handling mixers are used in a variety of applications at UWM, including food service, art studios and research laboratories. Users must be aware there are certain inherent hazards with this type of equipment. Supervisors and instructors must ensure all mixing equipment is code-compliant, in safe working order and that users are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment. Applicable OSHA/DCOM regulations include:

Please direct any questions regarding safe use of mixing equipment to your supervisor or instructor.

 mixer with proper guarding and interlock devices Image: Example of a modern mixer with proper machine guarding and interlock devices. See image of an antique mixer lacking proper guards and safety devices.

Source: The following information was produced by the Industrial Health and Safety Program, Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Ontario Ministry of Labour

Alert I23/0100 ISSN 1195-5228
DOUGH MIXERS

Hazard Summary:

Two workers were killed in 1999 in dough mixing machines because the machines were not properly guarded or locked-out. Many other workers continue to suffer severe injuries from such machines.

Access to the moving parts such as whisks, paddles, hooks or other blending accessories has caused these fatalities or crushing, laceration or fracture injuries.

Hazard Location:
Bakeries, restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets, hotels, theme parks, colleges, schools, and the food processing industry.

Recommended Precautions and Legal Requirements:

  • Guarding:

    Dough mixing machines need to be guarded to prevent a worker from being exposed to the moving parts. The guard should be interlocked so that the equipment cannot be operated when it is opened for pouring or cleaning, or when the bowl is lowered.

    An appropriate 'lock-out' procedure should be in place. The interlock shall not be used in place of an appropriate lock-out procedure.

    The Regulation for Industrial Establishments section 24 states:

    "Where a machine or prime mover or transmission equipment has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine or prime mover or transmission equipment shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part."

    Section 76 of the regulation states: "Where the starting of a machine, transmission machinery, device or thing may endanger the safety of a worker, (a) control switches or other control mechanisms shall be locked out; and (b) other effective precautions necessary to prevent any starting shall be taken."

  • Training:

    The employer is required to make sure that workers are trained to recognize possible hazards in the workplace.

    The Occupational Health and Safety Act, section 25(2)(a) states: ". . . an employer shall, provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker;"

Remember that while complying with the occupational health and safety laws, you are also required to comply with applicable environmental laws.

Updated July 8, 2008 by SAK