Injection molding machines: Avoid the hazards

Photo: IanDikhtiar/iStockphoto

Used in the plastics industry, thermoplastic injection molding machines "produce molded plastic parts by converting plastic pellets into molten material, injecting the molten plastic into a mold and cooling the plastic material," OSHA says. Industries that use these machines include toy, medical device and beverage container manufacturers.

Among the hazards associated with these machines are crushing injuries or amputations. According to OSHA, these incidents can occur if a worker:

To help protect workers, the agency offers these recommendations:

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