Machine Guarding
Overview
Machine guards are protective devices designed to prevent contact with dangerous moving parts of machinery and equipment. These safety systems protect workers from amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, and other serious harm that can occur when body parts contact moving machinery.
Why This Is Important
Unguarded machinery causes some of the most severe workplace injuries, including amputations that result in permanent disability and life-altering consequences. Machine-related incidents often happen instantly, leaving workers no time to react or escape once contact occurs with moving parts.
Guards are legally required on most industrial machinery and represent a critical line of defense against catastrophic injuries. Every worker must understand the importance of keeping guards in place and properly maintained.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Guard Requirements
Keep all guards in place during normal machine operation at all times. Ensure guards prevent access to dangerous moving parts while allowing proper operation.
Safe Practices
Keep hands, clothing, and loose items away from all moving machine parts. Use push sticks, jigs, or other tools instead of hands to feed materials.
Training Requirements
Train all operators on guard functions and the importance of never bypassing them. Follow manufacturer guarding recommendations completely.
Maintenance
Maintain guards regularly to ensure continued effectiveness and proper function. Report damaged or missing guards immediately.
Types of Machine Guards
Fixed Guards
Permanent barriers that require tools to remove - most common and reliable protection
Interlocked Guards
Automatically shut off or disengage power when opened - prevent operation without guards
Adjustable Guards
Can be adjusted for different operations - must be properly positioned for each task
Self-Adjusting Guards
Move to accommodate material being processed - return to protective position automatically
Guard Applications
Common Guard Types:
- Fixed Guard: Blocks access to rotating shafts to prevent entanglement
- Interlocked Guard: Shuts machine when guarding is opened at cutting blade
- Adjustable Guard: Covers cutting blades while allowing material feed
- Two-Hand Control: Prevents hands reaching pinch points during cycle
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever seen unguarded or improperly guarded machinery? What did you do about it?
- How do you ensure guards are properly in place and functioning before operating equipment?
- What machine hazards do you encounter in your work that require proper guarding?
- How can we improve machine guarding awareness and compliance on our job sites?
- What would you do if someone asked you to remove a guard to speed up production or make repairs?
Action Items
- Inspect all machinery to verify guards are in place and properly functioning
- Ensure all operators receive proper training on guard requirements and safe practices
- Establish procedures for reporting damaged or missing guards
- Review maintenance schedules to ensure guards remain effective
Related Safety Topics
- Lockout/Tagout Procedures - Energy control when working on guarded machinery
- Hand and Power Tool Safety - Safe practices with powered equipment
Guard Your Life: Machine guards literally save lives and prevent devastating injuries every day. Never operate equipment without proper guarding, and never remove or bypass guards for any reason. Remember - guards are there to protect you, and removing them puts you and your coworkers at serious risk of life-changing injuries.