Which of the following is NOT an acceptable safeguarding method according to OSHA?

The correct response identifies that both pull-outs and sweeps are not considered acceptable safeguarding methods according to OSHA standards. Fixed barriers are a recognized form of safeguarding because they effectively prevent access to hazardous areas or moving parts. They are designed to physically block personnel from getting into a danger zone, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

On the other hand, pull-outs and sweeps do not provide the same level of protection. Pull-outs allow for disengagement from the safeguarding equipment, which can create an opportunity for inadvertent exposure to hazards. Meanwhile, sweeps may refer to mechanisms that guide or redirect but do not serve as effective barriers to protect workers from moving parts or hazards, lacking the permanence and reliability that fixed barriers provide. Utilizing safeguards that fail to meet OSHA's safety criteria could potentially increase the risk of accidents in the workplace. This underscores the importance of adhering to established standards to ensure employee safety.