Energy sources on a typical meat slicer
Every machine is different: check your model's nameplate, wiring and the manufacturer's manual. This is where most meat slicers get their energy and how it is usually isolated.
| Energy | Typical magnitude | Isolating device | How to control it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 115–120 V cord and plug (most commercial slicers) | Plug | Unplug the slicer and keep the plug under your exclusive control (plug lockout cover recommended). |
| Stored mechanical (motion, springs, tension) | Blade coasting after switch-off; sharp blade edge when stopped | Gauge plate closed; blade guard in place | Wait for the blade to stop. Close the gauge plate fully so the blade edge is covered before cleaning. |
Shutting it down
- Switch the slicer OFF with its normal switch.
- Turn the gauge plate (thickness knob) to zero so the plate covers the blade edge.
Releasing stored energy
- Wait until the blade has completely stopped.
- Keep the blade guard and ring guard in place; use cut-resistant gloves for cleaning.
Verifying isolation
- With the plug removed and under your control, press the ON switch: the blade must not turn. Return the switch to OFF.
Things people miss
- If the plug cannot stay under the exclusive control of the person cleaning (for example, it is out of sight), use a plug lockout cover with a personal lock.
- Remove the blade only with the manufacturer's blade removal tool, if your model has one.
Turn this into your written procedure
Add your company, the machine ID, the voltage and where each disconnect and valve is. You get a machine-specific procedure that follows the structure of 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4), with an approval block and printable DANGER tags.
Start with the meat slicer templateQuestions
Does a meat slicer need its own lockout procedure?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) requires documented procedures for the control of hazardous energy. A procedure is not required only when all eight conditions of the exception in (c)(4)(i) are met, for example a single energy source that can be readily identified and isolated. Most machines with more than one energy source need a written, machine-specific procedure.
Is unplugging enough?
For cord-and-plug equipment, the lockout standard does not apply when the equipment is unplugged and the plug is under the exclusive control of the employee doing the work (1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A)). If the plug can be out of sight or reach, use a plug lockout cover with a personal lock.
Is the interlocked guard enough?
No. Guard interlocks and emergency stops are not energy isolating devices and do not replace lockout during servicing, cleaning or clearing jams.
General information, not legal advice. Verify every energy source on the actual machine and have the procedure approved by a qualified person.