Page 25 - Grapevine JanFeb 2021_REV

In The Winery

ty to a piece of equipment when you should have
installed an electric outlet. Also, you can’t connect
one extension cord to another and then to another
(also referred to as a “daisy chain”); you cannot
extend cords through walls, windows or doors. You
should have someone knowledgeable in this stan-
dard review your facility to identify any electrical
concerns so that they can be quickly remedied.

Moving Parts of Machinery or Equipment: You
can be cited for a machine guarding violation when
moving parts of your equipment are not properly
protecting the operator and other employees. Just
think about an area where an employee could get
part of their body injured by moving portions of
your machinery or equipment. Crushing areas, bot-
tling lines and conveyors are but a few examples
that should be evaluated to make sure that they
are adequately guarded. Your maintenance shop
also should be regularly inspected to make sure
that tools such as grinders and saws and the like
have proper guards in place. Bottom line – if some-
one can get any part of their body into a moving
part while it’s in operation, it probably should be
guarded.

Guardrails and Elevated Work Locations: Your
winery can be cited for not installing guardrails on This document is intended for general informa-
the open sides of work areas that are more than tion purposes only, and should not be construed
30 inches above the floor, ground, or surrounding as advice or opinions on any specific facts or cir-
working areas. Examples that might require guard- cumstances. The content of this document is made
ing include platforms or other elevated locations available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of
which are accessed for maintenance or storage. any kind. This document can’t be assumed to con-
tain every acceptable safety and compliance pro-
A standard guardrail consists of a top rail, midrail, cedures or that additional procedures might not be
and posts. You must also install a toe board if fall- appropriate under the circumstances. Markel does
ing tools or materials would be a hazard to employ- not guarantee that this information is or can be
ees working below. The vertical height of the relied on for compliance with any law or regulation,
guardrail must be 42 to 45 inches measured from assurance against preventable losses, or freedom
the upper surface of the top rail. The guardrails from legal liability. This publication is not intended
must support 20 pounds per linear foot applied to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of pro-
either horizontally or vertically downward on the fessional advice. Persons requiring advice should
rail. consult an independent adviser. Markel does not
guarantee any particular outcome and makes no
Conclusion commitment to update any information herein, or

The intent of this article is to ensure that safety remove any items that are no longer accurate or
and health regulatory compliance is both “on your complete. Furthermore, Markel does not assume
radar” and a recurring part of your business focus. any liability to any person or organization for loss
By inspecting these and other safety and health of damage caused by or resulting from any reliance
matters in and around your winery, you can be in a placed on that content.
better position to address the “low hanging grapes” *Markel Specialty is a business division of Markel
and enhance the overall safety and well-being of Service, Incorporated, the underwriting manager for
your employees. the Markel affiliated insurance companies.

877-892-5332 The Grapevine • January - February 2021 Page 23

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