Glossary · Hazards and harm
Entanglement hazard
In machine safety, an entanglement hazard is a mechanical hazard in which clothing, hair or body parts can be caught by rotating or moving parts, such as shafts, couplings, spindles or chucks.
- Machine safety
- Human factors
In one sentence
An entanglement hazard lets rotating shafts, spindles or couplings catch clothing, hair or gloves and wind the body in.
Example
A drill press spindle can catch a loose sleeve or a glove; a chuck guard and a rule against wearing gloves at the spindle address the hazard.
How it applies
- Machine safety: Even smooth, slowly rotating shafts can entangle; projecting keys, set screws and couplings increase the risk. Guard power transmission apparatus completely, since it rarely needs access during operation.
- Human factors: Loose clothing, jewelry, long hair and gloves are typical ways in. Gloves protect against cuts but are dangerous at a rotating spindle, so instructions must resolve that conflict for each task.
- Technical documentation: State dress requirements in the instructions and on the safety signs at the machine, and keep both consistent.
- Evidence: Record each rotating part, whether it is accessible and the measure applied.
Entanglement hazard vs. drawing-in hazard
Entanglement involves one rotating part winding something up. A drawing-in hazard needs a gap between two parts that pulls the body in.