Machine Guards

Machine guards provide a physical barrier between an operator and the hazardous points on a machine. They prevent accidental injury and protect operators from flying debris, contaminants, and noise. Machine guard configurations such as lathe guards include a visor to protect operators from flying debris. Drill machine guards and boring guards may include telescoping cages, barriers and bollards to prevent personnel from contacting machinery or entering dangerous areas. Consequently, the selection of a drill machine guard or boring guard is an important safety consideration.

There are four main types of machine guards: fixed, interlocked, adjustable, and self-adjusting. Fixed machine guards are a permanent part of the machine. Interlocked machine guards are built into the moving parts or power system of a machine and automatically shut off the machine if the guard is opened or removed. Adjustable machine guard and self-adjusting machine guards can accommodate various kinds of manufacturing by adjusting to the size of the stock produced. Machine guard barriers help guide operators in the safe use of all kinds of industrial equipment. Typically, a machine guard barrier consists of safety trip controls, presence-sensing devices, and electromechanical sensing devices, which initiate a machine’s operating cycle only when it is safe to do so.

Machine guards are made from materials such as metal, plastic and wood. Lexan machine guards are used in visor, lathe, and other cutting tool guards. A Lexan machine guard is highly durable and chip-resistant. Metal is often the material of choice for machine safety guards, except in some woodworking or chemical applications where the presence of gases may corrode metal. In this instance, wood is a suitable material for a machine safety guard. Machine guard systems are composed of individual machine guards as well as modular doors and windows, panels made of wire, stainless steel or aluminum, and other accessories such as safety switches and locks.

• Mechanical Guards or Electronic Guarding Systems: Which is Best for the Application?
  When evaluating choices for protecting machine operators, the options are clear. From OSHA's perspective there are three choices in descending order of importance: 1. Design the hazard out of the...
  (read more)
• Bolts for Safety Guards
  According to EN 292-2 movable safety guards must be equipped with an interlocking device, with or without guard locking. Here it must be ensured that - dangerous machine functions are stopped as soon...
  (read more)
• Berke on Safety: Safe But Slow: How Long ‘Til Operators Remove the Guard?
  Operators of a nip-roll system with a barrier guard find they must remove the machine’s guard a few times each shift to clear obstructions. How many jams do you think it will take...
  (read more)

Pages: 1 - 3 of 455

Part Numbers for Machine Guards