Pinch point hazard

A pinch point or pinch point hazard is a mechanical hazard where injury or damage may be done by objects moving towards each other, crushing or shearing whatever comes between them. This is a very common class of hazard.[1]

Examples

• Closing doors
• Exposed gears and pulleys
• Heavy objects swinging or being lowered near fixed objects

Common causes of injuries

• Poor situational awareness
• Proximity to mobile equipment and fixed structures[1]
• Loose clothing, hair or jewelry getting caught in rotating parts or equipment[1]
• Inadequate safety barriers[1]
• Handling errors[1]
• Wrong work procedures or tools[1]
• Reaching into moving equipment[1]

Safety controls

• Effective barriers and machine guards[1]
• Personal protective equipment[1]
• Pre-work hazard inspection[1]
• Area demarcation [1]
• Lockout–tagout[1]
• Situational awareness[1]
• Appropriate work procedures, instructions, and operating manuals[1]

See also

• Hazard – An agent which has the potential to cause harm to a vulnerable target
• Mechanical hazard – Hazard with a mechanical energy source
• Occupational hazard – Hazard experienced in the workplace
• Physical hazard – Hazard due to a physical agent

References

1. "Causes and controls for preventing pinch point injuries". Industrial Safety and Hygeine News. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2020.