Machine Guarding: Different Types Of Machine Guards

Posted by Nancy Pagano on February 17th, 2023

A firm can only function with its machinery. It aids in work automation and boosts productivity. If sufficient safety measures are not implemented, it can potentially be hazardous. Machine guards are necessary to safeguard workers from potential harm because of this.

Machine guarding is the installation of structural barriers and safety equipment to shield employees from harm from exposure to machinery's moving parts. Additionally, machine guarding can be employed to safeguard against other dangers like flying objects or poisonous chemicals.

Occupational injuries from moving machine parts and protecting workers from these avoidable injuries are crucial. Any component or feature of the machine that could lead to harm must be covered. Hazards must be removed or controlled when a machine or unintentional contact action injures the operator or nearby individuals.

Many machine guarding products are on the market, such as safety switches, light curtains, barrier guards, and emergency stop buttons. The unique risks inherent in the workplace will determine the sort of product that is chosen.

There are certain mechanical and non-mechanical risks associated with every piece of machinery. Machine guarding gives people a way to avoid getting hurt while using machinery or working close by. It frequently serves as the first line of defence to safeguard users from harm while they are operating on or around industrial machinery when it is in regular operation.

Any safety programme must include machine guarding. Machine guarding is a safety element on or around engineering or manufacturing equipment that consists of a shield or device covering dangerous regions of a machine to avoid contact with body parts or to manage dangers like chips or sparks from departing the machine. Machine guarding can save lives by shielding employees from exposure to moving parts, which can help prevent major injuries.

Types Of Machine Guards

• Fixed Guards

• Adjustable Guards 

• Interlocked Guards

Fixed Guards

A fixed guard is a physical obstruction that keeps someone away from potentially harmful moving parts. The guard may be designed to suit the machine tightly or more like a fence surrounding the device. It may contain openings, but they must be created so that it is impossible to reach inside and touch potentially harmful components.

A fixed guard is designed to prevent access to the dangerous portions of the machinery and has no moving elements. It must be built solidly and have the necessary durability to endure the demands of the process and the external environment. If unrestricted airflow or visibility is required, this must be considered in the guard's design. A tool must be needed if the guard is opened or removed.

The distance fixed guard is an alternate fixed guard that restricts access by size and length from the hazard but does not entirely enclose the trouble. This guard's operating mechanisms and safety features must stop it from being operated when someone is within the guard in the danger zone. When perimeter fence guards are utilized, they must minimize the distance between themselves and the machinery by closely following the curves of the machinery.

It is significant to remember that if fixed protection completely encloses the risk, it will not be effective. Additionally, it's crucial to check that the guard is constructed of a durable substance. The guard must then be securely fastened to the machine, so it is impossible to remove it.

Adjustable Guards

Adjustable and self-adjusting guards are used when it is impossible to prevent access to dangerous parts completely. They are frequently used to protect metalworking and woodworking equipment where a workpiece needs to be fed into the machine or moved about while it is in use.

User Adjusted Guard

These are either stationary or mobile guards that can be adjusted for a particular operation during which they are fixed. When using machine tools, they are instrumental when access to the problematic part is needed. With cutting instruments, which are otherwise very difficult to guard, adjustable guards may be the only choice; nonetheless, they have the drawback of requiring frequent adjustments. Appropriately trained operators must operate these machines because of the nature of the devices on which they are most usually employed, which will still provide some access to the harmful sections. The workspace ought to be well-lit and clear of anything that could trip or cause the operator to slip.

Self Adjusting Guard

They only offer a partial solution, just as movable guards, as they might still let access to the harmful portion of the gear. For them to function at their best, they need attentive upkeep. It's crucial to remember that the efficiency of both adjustable and self-adjusting guards depends on the operator. They shouldn't be viewed as a perfect answer to the issue of having access to potentially harmful machine parts.

Operators must undergo sufficient training before using them, and their employer must permit them where necessary. Guards' movable and self-adjusting should be frequently inspected and, if necessary, mended or modified. Jigs, push sticks, and false tables should be utilized whenever possible to reduce risks while feeding the workpiece. The workspace ought to be well-lit and clear of anything that could trip or cause the operator to slip.

Interlocked Guards

An interlocking guard is made to be taken off or opened during regular machine operation. A safety interlock system prohibits machine operation when the guard is removed.

Procedures for maintenance and inspection must be extremely stringent. Interlocked guards benefit from allowing safe access to operate and maintain the equipment without taking the safety precautions apart. Their drawback is that they must constantly be checked to ensure they are safe and functioning correctly.

A mobile barrier interlocked with a machine's power or control system prevents the engine from operating unless the guard is in position. Interlocked guards must be carefully developed to ensure that they are suitable for their intended application because they are meant to shield individuals from dangers that could result in significant injury.

Final Thoughts

Moving machine parts can result in occupational injuries like crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Protecting workers from these avoidable injuries is crucial. Any component or feature of the machine that could lead to harm must be covered. Hazards must be eliminated or controlled when machine operation or unintentional contact injures the operator or persons nearby.