Machine Guarding 101

Machine guarding is a very important safety control. Guarding can…

Protect against: 

• Debris, particulates and other projectiles from flying out of the machine
• Pinch-points caused by moving components
• People from entering energized work areas
• Machines or components within machines from inadvertently shifting or moving during operations
• Sparks, electrical arcs and internal fires from expanding beyond a controlled area within the machine
• Whipping from broken belts and other materials under high tension or stress
• Using ventilation systems and hoods to reduce or prevent inhalation of hazardous fumes
• Using retaining walls, enclosures and spill containment devices to prevent chemicals, objects and other materials from reaching undesirable areas

Guidelines for ensuring machine guarding are effective: 

• Ensure the guarding is properly fastened or anchored and not loose.
• Verify the guarding is strong enough to withstand the expected forces.
• If the guarding is perforated (for example a fence) then the holes in the guarding should be smaller than the smallest object that could fly from the machine.
• Always inspect and verify the guarding is adequate before operating the machine.
• Machine Guarding
• Never adjust a machine while it’s running – see Operators Manual for proper safety procedures.
• Never wear loose clothing, jewelry or leave long hair unsecured where they can be drawn into equipment.
• Utilize Lockout/Tagout to prevent movement of parts while working on equipment.
• Never place body parts in areas where there may be ‘stored energy’; even once the machine has been de-energized (augers/blades that are clogged with debris may still move suddenly once the debris is unclogged).
Be sure all warning labels are properly maintained on equipment. When they are no longer legible they must be replaced (see operators’ manual for proper placement and ordering details).