When a machine is operating, people should be kept at least how many feet away?

The requirement to keep people at least 6 feet away from operating machinery stems from safety protocols designed to minimize the risk of injury. This distance allows for a safety buffer that protects individuals from potential hazards associated with the operation of machinery, such as moving parts, flying debris, or unexpected machine behavior. Maintaining this distance helps to ensure that workers are not in the immediate vicinity of any dangers, providing a safer environment for both operators and bystanders. Furthermore, this distance can allow for better visibility, enabling operators to see their surroundings clearly without obstruction.

Other distances, while they may also contribute to safety, do not provide the same level of protection or are more appropriate for specific situations rather than general operating conditions. Therefore, the 6-foot guideline is widely accepted and implemented in various industrial and operational settings.