OSHA Caution Machine Starts Automatically Keep Hands Away Sign Stickers

This sign warns workers that the machine can start automatically and that hands must be kept away from the equipment at all times. The yellow Caution header signals a hazard requiring worker attention and behavior change specifically, never placing hands near the machine without first confirming it is fully de-energized under an approved lockout/tagout procedure.

Keep Hands Away is a general instruction to maintain distance from the machine. Keep Hands Clear is more specific, typically used at defined point-of-operation hazards such as pinch points and gear drives. Keep Hands Away is appropriate for general machine posting, while Keep Hands Clear is better suited for signs posted directly at specific entanglement or pinch point locations.

Post on the machine at all operator positions, on control panels, and at any point where workers might contact the machine during automatic operation. Caution versions are appropriate for automatic equipment where hand contact risk is present but assessed at a lower severity such as automated conveyors with guarded drive mechanisms.

Yes. This sign supports compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212 (General Machine Guarding) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy / Lockout Tagout). The combined automatic start and Keep Hands Away message addresses the two most critical worker behaviors for automatic machine safety.

Yes and it is recommended. The automatic start Keep Hands Away sign communicates the operational hazard to all workers near the machine, while a lockout/tagout sign at service access points communicates the maintenance safety requirement. Using both types together provides comprehensive hazard communication for production workers and maintenance personnel alike.