Safe Distance Scale

The new "Gotcha Stick" Safe Distance Scale has been introduced. This three-segment safe distance stick accurately tests the allowable barrier opening size based on the distance from the point of operation. It features English measurements on one side, and Metric measurements on the other.

Although not officially adopted by OSHA, the device is based on data from "A Review of Machine-Guarding Recommendations," by Donald R. Vaillancourt and Stover H. Snook of the Liberty Mutual Research Center for Health & Safety. This data redefines the dimensions of the human arm for the purposes of machine guarding. The resulting new stick has been modified to include openings of less than 1/4 inch over the first 1/2 inch distance.

Guarding machinery by means of hard (fixed) barriers is one of the main ways of protecting personnel from point-of-operation hazards. The device is the easiest means of verifying that openings in hard guarding will not allow the point-of-operation to be accessed by the operator.

Scientific Technologies Incorporated (STI), 1780 Mclean Ave., Unit #9, Port Coquitlam, AB V3C 4K9. Tel: 604-941-0077; Fax: .