what is machine guarding

There are several potential hazards involved in operating machinery, including but not limited to:

• Physical contact with live electrical components or moving parts
• Hair, clothing or body parts becoming entangled in the equipment
• Being struck by flying sparks or debris emitted by the machine as it works

Injuries resulting from these can be life-changing or even fatal, so mitigating risks is key.

Though it is a simple solution to a risk factor, machine guarding is an effective way to minimise the risk of an accident. The most common form of machine guarding is a fixed guard, i.e. a fixed physical barrier between the operator and the hazardous area of the machine (such as a saw blade) which prevents any direct contact from being made.

Equipment may also have adjustable guards, which can be adjusted for variation in the work being carried out (e.g. the size of materials being worked on) or which adjust automatically, or interlocked guards which prevent the equipment from starting or working unless the guard is in place.

Machine guards have the additional benefit of protecting the equipment as well as the operator. Components are covered and shielded away from reach, meaning that the operator cannot access them and potentially create a dangerous situation by altering the settings or components within the machine.

Machine guards are required by law for any part of a machine that can pose a risk whilst in operation and must meet certain Health & Safety standards for the equipment to be determined safe and usable.

This standardisation means that each machine is regularly inspected to ensure compliance; because components are protected and well-maintained they should last longer, potentially leading to reduced operating costs.

HSE Machine Guarding Regulations

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) were put in place to protect people using tools and equipment in the workplace and those around them. The regulations are wide-ranging, but the key areas concerning machine guards are as follows:

• Employers are required to carry out a risk assessment of the equipment operation and take action to minimise identified risks – including, if appropriate, providing machine guards.
• Guards must be fit for purpose, i.e. successfully restrict access to hazardous parts of the machine, taking into account the specific type of equipment and its operation.
• Machine guards should be in good condition, properly fitted and regularly maintained, with inspection records kept.
• Operators should be given adequate information and training on the safe use of the equipment and the machine guards, and the importance of using them properly.

Where machine guarding isn’t covered by these regulations (such as on machines used by the public) then the Health and Safety Act will usually cover safe use.

Article by John Pearce, Health and Safety Advisor.

If you need any help with the above, contact your advisor or SK Health & Safety on 01427 420 402 or email healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk and #oneoftheteam will be happy to help.

Disclaimer

The information and any commentary contained within these updates are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal or any other type of professional advice. Stallard Kane does not accept and, to the extent permitted by law, exclude liability to any person for any loss which may arise from relying upon or otherwise using the information contained in these blogs. If you have a particular query or issue, you are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal advice about your issue and not to rely solely on the information or comments in these updates.