The Definition of Pinch Point

Definition of Pinch Point

A pinch point is any location where a worker's hand, finger, foot or other body part can be caught and squeezed between two objects, at least one of which is moving. Pinch points occur on machinery, but also in everyday tasks such as closing doors and hatches, lowering loads, coupling trailers, handling pipe and moving materials by hand. Injuries range from bruises and fractures to crushing injuries and amputations.

The term overlaps with a nip point, which specifically describes where rotating parts meet. Pinch point is broader and includes any closing gap, whether it is created by machines, tools, vehicles or loads.

Key Facts About Pinch Points

• Pinch points are a leading cause of hand and finger injuries in construction, oil and gas, manufacturing and warehousing.
• They are a type of caught-in/between hazard, one of OSHA's Focus Four in construction.
• Common sources include press brakes, chains and sprockets, doors, tailgates, rigging and suspended loads.
• Gloves do not prevent crushing injuries; keeping hands out of the gap does.
• Pinch point warning labels, usually yellow, help mark hazards but don't replace guarding.

Example of a Pinch Point

A rigger guides a steel beam into place by holding its edge. When the crane lowers the beam onto its supports, the rigger's fingers are caught between the beam and the column. Using tag lines would have kept his hands out of the line of fire.

How to Prevent Pinch Point Injuries

1. Identify pinch points during job hazard analysis and pre-task planning.
2. Guard machine pinch points so hands can't reach them.
3. Use tag lines, push sticks and handling tools instead of hands.
4. Apply lockout/tagout before clearing jams or doing maintenance.
5. Train workers to recognize pinch points and keep hands clear of closing gaps.

Related Terms

• Nip Point
• Caught-In/Between Hazard
• Machine Guarding
• Line of Fire
• Mechanical Hazard

Frequently Asked Questions: Pinch Point

What is the difference between a pinch point and a nip point?

A nip point is a specific type of pinch point where two rotating parts, or a rotating and fixed part, draw material inward. Pinch point is a broader term for any gap that closes on a body part.

Do gloves protect against pinch points?

Only from minor scrapes. Gloves can't stop crushing forces and may even pull a hand into rotating equipment. Keeping hands out of the gap is the real control.

Are pinch points covered by OSHA standards?

Yes. Machine pinch points fall under machine guarding rules such as 29 CFR 1910.212, and other pinch point hazards can be cited under the General Duty Clause.