Question: Should my fixed machinery be anchored/secured? What if it’s portable and not fixed?

Answer: In short, yes, your fixed machinery needs to be anchored/secured and your portable machinery should be secured as well to prevent unwanted movement and potential tipping. First off, according to OSHA’s General Requirements for all Machines 29 CFR 1910.212(b):

Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving.

However, the OSHA standard does not touch on portable machinery. Even though OSHA does not have an associated standard for securing portable machinery, the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) does. According to OAC Rule 4123:1-5-05 (E) Anchoring and mounting of machinery:

Portable machinery mounted upon trucks or bases shall be securely fastened thereto, and such truck or base shall be so locked or blocked as to prevent movement or shift while such machine is in operation.

Therefore, as an employer in Ohio, not only do your fixed machines need to be securely anchored, but all portable machinery mounted upon trucks or bases need to be securely fastened as well.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.