What is one potential hazard identified in the operation of injection molding machines?

In the context of injection molding machines, inadequate safety guards present a significant hazard because they can increase the risk of worker injuries. These machines operate under high pressure and involve moving parts that can pose serious risks if proper safety measures are not in place. If safety guards are not functioning or absent, operators and nearby personnel are at greater risk of being caught in machinery or suffering from entanglement incidents. The importance of effective safety guards is emphasized in OSHA regulations, which highlight the need for machinery to be equipped with the appropriate guards designed to protect workers from potential moving components. Therefore, recognizing and addressing this hazard is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment around injection molding operations.

While the other choices mention hazards associated with injection molding, they do not directly relate to immediate risks posed to workers in the same way that inadequate safety guards do. Overheating, air bubbles, and noise pollution can certainly affect the production process and working conditions, but the direct impact on worker safety is particularly critical in the context of safety guards.