• Swiza Safetech
• Oct 4, 2023
• 200 Views

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. This blog post will go through the various machine guard kinds and how they can keep your workers safe.

What is Machine Guarding

?

Machine guarding is the installation of structural barriers and safety equipment to shield employees from harm from exposure to machinery's moving parts. Machine safety measures can also prevent additional dangers like flying objects or hazardous chemicals.

Serious occupational injuries from moving machine parts might include crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. To protect workers from these avoidable injuries, safeguards are crucial. Any component, feature, or machine operation that could lead to harm must be protected. Hazards must be removed or controlled when a machine or an accidentally made contact operation injures the operator or nearby others.

There are several different machine-guarding products on the market, including as barrier guards, light curtains, safety switches, and emergency stop buttons. The particular hazards that exist in the workplace will determine the sort of product that is chosen.

The mechanical and non-mechanical threats that each piece of machinery presents are distinctive. Humans can be shielded from harm by using machine guarding when operating machinery or working close by. When working on or around industrial machinery while it is in use, it is frequently the first line of defense to keep operators safe from harm.

Types of Machine Guards

Fixed Guards

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A fixed guard is a physical obstruction that keeps someone away from potentially harmful moving parts. The guard can either be shaped as a fence surrounding the machine (perimeter guard) or to fit the machine rather tightly (enclosing guard). Openings may be present (for example, to allow raw materials to be fed into a machine), but they must be constructed (distance guard) in a way that makes it impossible to reach inside and make direct touch with harmful parts.

A fixed guard has no moving parts and is intended to bar access to the machinery's hazardous components. It must be built solidly and have the necessary durability to endure the demands of the process and the external environment. The guard's design and construction must account for any requirements for visibility or open airflow (for cooling, for example). If the guard may be opened or removed, a tool must be required.

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

Interlocking Guards

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Interlocking guards are safety devices integrated into machinery to prevent access to hazardous areas. These guards utilize an interlocking mechanism that either halts the machine's operation or prohibits its start-up when the guard is not correctly in place. This interlock ensures that the machine remains inoperable or stops immediately if the guard is bypassed or tampered with, enhancing operator safety and preventing potential accidents caused by exposure to moving parts.

Adjustable Guards

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Adjustable guards are versatile safety shields designed to be customized according to the specific requirements of the machine and the task at hand. They can be modified in terms of size, shape, or position to adequately protect operators from machine-related risks. The flexibility of adjustable guards allows for adaptation to various machine configurations, accommodating different production needs and ensuring optimal safety in diverse industrial settings.

Self-Adjusting Guards

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Self-adjusting guards are advanced safety mechanisms equipped with sensors and automated components. These guards continuously monitor the machine's operation and automatically adapt their position or shape based on changes in the machinery's configuration or movement. The automatic adjustments ensure that the guard effectively encloses hazardous areas, providing a high level of protection to operators without requiring constant manual intervention. This enhances safety while optimizing productivity by maintaining appropriate guarding at all times.

Perimeter Guards

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Perimeter guards are robust protective barriers that encircle the hazardous zones of a machine or work area. They establish a physical perimeter or boundary around the machine, preventing unauthorized access to potentially dangerous areas. Perimeter guards serve as a fundamental safety measure by containing hazards within the designated space and restricting operators and bystanders from entering these zones. These guards are crucial for maintaining a secure working environment and minimizing the risk of accidents associated with industrial machinery.

Swiza Safetech

is a leading industrial

machine fencing manufacturer in India

. We offer various types of machine guards which include: fixed guards, adjustable guards, self-adjusting guards, etc. Visit our website to know more.