The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-15
DANGERS FROM REVOLVING
SHAFTS AND SET.SCREWS

During the year 1914 the Depart
ment of Labor and Industry received
reports of 3s,126 accidents, of which
2,S36 occurred in connection with ma
chine work, and 23S of these from
coming into contact with moving shafts,
pulleys, buet or set-screws. There were
eighty cases of brushes and bruises
from such causes; eighty cases of
cuts and lacerations and fifty-one cases
of fractures, sprains and dislocations.
Sixteen of these accidents were fatal.
In view of the great number of ac-
cidents from such causes, the Industrial
Board of the Department of Labor and
Industry has issued series of regula-
tions for power transmission machinery.
These regulations include standards for
set-screws, for keys, for the guarding
Of shafts, for pulleys, etc.
Concerning set-serews, the regulations
provide that all projecting set-screws
in moving parts OF machinery shall be
removed and replaced by flush set
screws. All projecting keys in revolv
ing shafts, where such keys are ex-
or to be guarded. The above provisions
aim to eliminate the danger from pro-
truding parts of machinery; in this
case, from set-screws and keys. Any
protruding portion of revolving shaft
or pulley is apt to catch in the clothing
of workman, and draw him into the
machinery. From such an accident there
would result serious injury, if not loss
of life. The new type of set.screws, the
socket-screw, or screw flush with the
outer surface OF any part of machine,
does away with such danger. But the
old type of screw, if it remains, should
be guarded.
A further provision of the regula-
tions requires that horizontal shafts
less than six feet from the floor or
working platform level, including dead
ends of shafts, shall be guarded or pro-
tecited by q standard railing, as pro-
vided for horizontal belts. Shafts less
than twenty feet above floor or ground
level, and located over driveways, snail
be guarded
The Importance of this latter regula,
tion for the guarding of horizontal
shafts is demonstrated by the accident
that happened to young girl in a
large factory. She was arranging her
hair at a mirror hung just beneath a
low horizontal shaft. AS she threw back
her hair, it BECAME entangled in the
shaft. Had not the machinery been
stopped in time, it is probable that her
scalp would. have been torn from her
head.
The regulations concerning vertical
shafts are that they shall be encased
or guarded to height of six feet from
floor or working platform, or be guard
ed by a standard railing with not less
than fifteen inches clearance. As re-
CARDS pulleys and belts and other parts
of power transmission machinery, there
are also careful regulations providing
for safe construction or guards to~pro-
tect dangerous parts.
The Department of Labor and In
dustry is using all the means in its
power to organize safety movements
and to stimulate the public mind to
constructive methods in the furtherance
of industrial safety. Copies of the reg,
ulations of the Industrial Board, on the
subject of safeguarding power trans
mission machinery, or other machinery,
may be obtained by any person apply,
ing to the Department of Labor and
Industry, Harrisburg, Pa.