3020 – 08 – Types of Machine Guards

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Machine guards need to be secure enough that workers can’t remove or tamper with them. They can be made of metal bars, clear plastic, or other materials. If there are openings in these materials, though, said openings need to be small enough that workers can’t make access the hazardous areas. Machine guards are also designed to not obstruct workers’ view or create pinch points.

There are four kinds of machine guards: adjustable, self-adjusting, interlocking, and fixed.

An adjustable guard can be placed in various points throughout the machine allowing a wide variety of sizes and stock shapes. They need frequent repair and adjustment. They can also be removed, and therefore, easily forgotten.

A self-adjusting guard keeps the hazardous area shielded from the operator until the stock or tool meets the point of operation, moving based on the size of the stock. Self-adjusting guards need a lot of maintenance and frequent rearranging.

An interlocking guard cuts the machine’s power supply so it won’t start while the guard is open. This makes setup and maintenance much easier and more efficient. Only closing the door will ensure that the machine will start.

A fixed guard is a permanent barrier lets operators put stock into the machine while staying away from potential hazards. They need to be removed while the machine gets regular maintenance requiring added protection into the machine. This usually comes in the form of a lockout.

Metal guards are designed with worker safety in mind; however, the safest guards aren’t always the most useful. The best guards are those that keep workers safe without sacrificing workplace efficiency.