436 APPLIED SCIENCE 



therefore that the utmost care be exercised in its operation 

 and that all practicable safeguards be utilized. Since such 

 machinery is run at a high speed, the commonly exposed 

 positions of the belts are a constant source of danger to the 

 machine operators. Their loose clothing may easily catch 

 on these belts or on the pulleys over which the belts run, 

 and be the cause of a serious, even fatal, accident. 



The greater number of such belts and pulleys can, however, 

 be readily guarded, as can exposed gears, sprockets, and 

 chains. Where it is necessary for the machine parts to be 

 readily accessible, the guards may be constructed so as to 

 be removable. 



Because of the smoothness of the floors in wood-working 

 shops, the machine hand is always in danger of slipping and 

 falling on the machine he is operating. A rubber mat placed 

 in front of the machine and secured to the floor is one of the 

 best safeguards against such an accident. The mat should 

 be kept free from sawdust and renewed when torn or badly 

 worn, else it will fail to accomplish the purpose for which 

 it is provided. 



503. Ordinary Saw-Guards. :A saw-guard is a device 

 designed to prevent the operator's hand from coining in 

 contact with the saw in case either the work or his hand 

 should slip. 



504. Guards for Swing and Circular Saws. There should 

 invariably be a cast iron or sheet metal guard over the top 

 of a swing saw, as well as acounterbalance on the swing bar 

 to throw the saw back from the workman. There should 

 be a positive stop at the end of the swing bar so that the 

 counterbalance, which is generally made adjustable, cannot 



