Heavy equipment and machines can make lifting and hard work much easier, but they can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken. Unguarded machines can inflict amputations, wounds, and abrasions. Here, we'll discuss how to recognize and control possible hazards while operating machinery and how machine guarding can help.

What Are the Methods for Machine Guarding?

There are five methods of machine guarding: guards, devices, location or distance, and other awareness barriers.

1. Guards

Guards are physical barriers that enclose dangerous machine parts and prevent employees from coming into contact with them. Guards are intended to protect employees from moving parts, pinch points, and flying debris at the site of operation. OSHA classifies machine guards into four types:

• Fixed guards
• Adjustable guards
• Self-adjusting guards
• Interlocked guards

2. Protective Devices

Protective devices are controls or attachments that usually prevent employees from accidentally accessing hazardous machine areas. These devices have a variety of uses, such as:

• Forcing the machine to stop if a hand or any other part of the body is accidentally placed in the danger zone
• Restricting or removing the operator's hands from the danger zone during operation
• Keeping both hands and body safe when an operator needs two hands on machine controls
• Creating a barrier to prevent entry into the dangerous region during the dangerous section of the cycle

3. Location and Distance

Another way to safeguard workers from mechanical risks is to place the machine or its hazardous moving parts that are not accessible or pose a hazard to a worker during normal operation. This includes placing operational controls at a safe distance, building facilities to separate the machine from the operator, and positioning risky parts high enough that the worker cannot reach them.

4. Awareness Barriers

Although awareness barriers do not provide perfect protection against machine risks, they can provide the operator with an additional margin of safety. An awareness barrier does not provide physical protection but helps to alert a person that they are entering a potentially hazardous area.

Why is Machine Guarding so Important?

Maintaining a safe workplace, particularly in manufacturing and industrial environments, requires machine guarding. Here are some of the important justifications:

• Injury Avoidance - By minimizing machinery-related hazards, machine guarding reduces the probability of accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities as well as chronic health issues like hearing loss and repetitive strain injuries.
• Compliance with Regulations - To guarantee worker safety, OSHA has created rules and regulations for machine guarding, with consequences for violators, including fines and legal action.
• Improved Productivity - A worker's productivity will increase when they feel comfortable. Workers can concentrate on their tasks without being concerned about potential risks with the right machine guarding.
• Cutting Negative Financial Impacts - Machine guarding can help organizations reduce the costs of accident-related expenses like medical care, workers' compensation claims, insurance premiums, and even legal action.
• Better Quality Control - Machine guards help stop quality control problems by preventing unanticipated breakdowns that could affect the quality of manufactured goods.
• Maintaining Productivity and Morale - By minimizing frequent accidents, lowering employee fear and anxiety, and preventing errors and slower work speed, machine guarding can assist in maintaining high morale and productivity.

To avoid risks and make it possible for personnel to safely execute their jobs, machine guards should be designed, fitted, and maintained correctly.

Machine Guarding Safety Training

Machine guarding ensures a safe work environment and increases production. It acts as a physical barrier against accidents and demonstrates a company's commitment to employee well-being and quality control. Despite technological advancements, protecting the human element is vital for general success.

Machine Guarding Safety training is essential for individuals operating heavy machinery or in industrial settings to ensure safety on the job site. OSHA.com training teaches workers how to protect themselves against moving equipment and apply machine-guarding regulations effectively. Head to our website to enroll and ensure your and your team’s safety.