Machine Guarding

SAFETY
TALK
We have all had the experience of doing what we thought was a favour for Types of Guards
someone, only to have it rejected or unappreciated. I suppose if machine guards There are two main types of guards. Interlocking and fixed.
were human they would experience this most of the time.
Interlocking guards are used if a fixed guard is not practical.

Purpose
Interlocking guards are designed to disconnect the source of
power from the machine. This type of guard will not allow the
machine to operate until dangerous parts are guarded.
Machine guards are designed to protect. Guards are often looked upon by
employees as obstacles. However, guards wherever they are, are placed with
Safety devices such as pullbacks, sweeps and electronic devices
the intent to protect.
are used where a fixed or interlocking guards cannot provide
satisfactory guarding on their own.
Guards are engineered controls to give as much protection as possible, even to
These safety devices are operated by the machine itself. When
machine operators who deliberately take chances, or are distracted on the job.
this type of guard is used on a machine that is loaded and
Management need to take some responsibility to ensure guarding devices are
unloaded by hand, the operator must use hand tools.
being implemented and training is given to ensure protection levels are high.
Fixed guards are intended to be permanent guards that are not
Machine guards are used to protect against direct contact with moving parts or
removed. These guards can be found on tools, equipment and
to protect against flying chips, kickbacks, splashing of metal or harmful liquids.
machinery. It is important that fixed guards remain intact and
should not be adjusted or removed unless permission is given
Another reason for machine guards
be the supervisor, or the employee is specifically trained and the
is to protect against human failures.
adjustment is considered a normal part of the job.
The scope of human failure is much
broader than the protection of a In addition no tool, equipment and machine should be started
guarding device. without guards in place if they are required. If you see guards
missing or defective, please report it to your supervisor
Guards may often be seen as a immediately. If guards are removed for repair or adjustment,
hindrance, however they do have a the machine / equipment should be locked out and made
proven purpose. unavailable to use.

0800 582 535 www.ohsconsultants.nz

Guards Protect From
Machine guards protect workers from the potential injuries of:
• Crushing • Amputation
• Cutting
• Shearing
• Crushing
• Electric Shock
SAFETY
• Puncturing abrading
• Burning
• Hearing Loss
• Ill health from hazardous chemicals
TALK
• Tearing or lack of oxygen
• Stretching It is important that workplaces get machine guarding correct from the start. A risk
assessment of new machinery is ideal. The below flowchart can assist with the process.

Common WorkSafe Prosecutions

WorkSafe New Zealand has identified a number of trends where employers
have been prosecuted for injuries and fatalities to staff and contractors through
using machinery. These trends are:

• No guarding on machines at all - letting operators reach into dangerous

parts of the machine.
• Guards not securely fastened and easily removed while the machine is in
use
• Openings in the guards where the operator can easily reach through to
dangerous parts
• Operators able to remove guards for maintenance and not replacing them
• Interlocked guards that can open while parts are still moving or running
down
• Mechanisms from interlock switches can be removed to override the guards
• Single light beam safeguard devices can be switched off
• Closed light switches which are not used, causing interlock switches to be
overridden
• Interlock guards used as a shortcut to start the machine

• Ineffective lock-out and isolation of power systems
• Supporting systems failure, such as when pneumatic or hydraulic systems
lose pressure and allow a ram to fall.
Need Assistance?
Our team are available if you require assistance with machine risk assessments.
Please contact us if you require any advice or check out our website www.ohsconsultants.nz

0800 582 535 www.ohsconsultants.nz