Production environments are seeing more equipment be introduced that are faster, more powerful and improve efficiency more than ever seen previously. Elements of machinery can be operated from a distance but there is still the need for human involvement. It is a legal requirement that appropriate machine guarding is in place to prevent injuries to staff members in the workplace environment.
Machinery that operates without any standardised safeguards can cause a variety of injuries with some proving fatal. With this in mind, it must be a key consideration for any business to have these in place to protect their staff but to all maintain efficiency.
What Machine Guards Are Available?
When identifying that the workplace environment is a safe environment, you need to identify what type of machine guard is correct for the type of machine. When looking holistically, there are two specific options to be equipped more:
- Machine guards that protect the user/operator
- Machine guards that provide safety and protection in the surrounding environment
At Broadbent FabGuard, our machine guard systems are available in a variety of options based on your specific needs. This includes an array of machine guards that include height panels, locks or panic bars. These configurable items ensure that the ideal solution for you and your warehouse environment can be created to help improve safety of employees and also prevent any swarf or debris leaving the machine operating area.
Steel Barrier Protection
Barrier protection is a machine guard application that is regularly seen in a warehouse environment. The steel offers a secure and visible barrier that can be installed around machinery equipment and other areas. The barriers are a visible safety application that allows for employees to identify any potential areas that can prove to be a risk to safety.
Perimeter Fencing and Mesh Cages
Steel perimeter fencing and mesh cages are an optimal option for providing a secure barrier that is able to surround dangerous machinery and equipment. By using this type of machine guard, it means that the machinery cannot be accessed by employees or individuals who are not trained to operate.
Contact a member of our team today to discuss how perimeter fencing is available in a range of sizes bespoke to your exact requirements.
Steel Fixed Guards
Also referred to as stationary guards, these are directly attached or bolted to the operating machine. In general, there are no moving parts and are designed to remain in place whenever the machine is within use. One thing to note is that these types of guards need to be removed before any maintenance can be carried out on the work machine. It is integral to ensure that the machine guard has been designed to make the maintenance process smooth and efficient.
Steel Partitions
A steel partition will offer the option of an enclosed barrier solution to house particular machinery.
As well as being able to minimise the overall risk for injury with anyone who comes into contact with the machinery, partitions are also very handy for being able to reduce noise reduction from machines that have the tendency to rise above any acceptable level of noise.
Adjustable Machine Guards
They are exactly as they are called. These type of guards are fixed to a machine or tool and can be adjusted to cater for different sizes of material. Once adjusted to requirement, the guard will have to be again locked in place. Our team of experts will be able to demonstrate how to adjust the guard and lock it back in place.
Self-Adjustable Guards
Unlike adjustable guards, these require no human intervention to be put into place. If the machine or tool is not being used, the guard will be in an off position. When the machine is being used, the guard will provide enough room for the material to be fed through to the machine.
What material should I use for my Machine Guard?
When it comes to selecting the optimal material for your machine guard, we recommend that steel is used.
The reason why steel is an appropriate material to use is that it provides key characteristics such as high durability and strength which in turn will help provide a higher return on investment for your workplace.
As experts we highly recommend contacting us to identify your exact requirements as every project is different and needs to be catered exactly for your needs. The types of machines that the businesses use and identifying the type of risks that could arise will help reflect what type of material is suitable for your machine guard.
Is it a legal obligation to use guards?
The simple answer is yes. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) states that all employers have a legal duty to ensure that work equipment, including all types of machinery is safe for use.
PUWER 98 covers the following that the employer has to carry out;
- Providing necessary training and supervision for machine operators and staff members to help reduce injuries and encourage safety in the workplace environment
- Applying necessary safeguards for all machinery to reduce and prevent accidents to staff members
- Incorporate routine inspections and maintenance of operating machines
If you are unable to co-operate with PUWER, you may face penalties and potential legal action as it is a legal obligation. These regulations are monitored and enforced by the Health and Safety (HSE), so it is pivotal that your business ensures these are in place.
If you are unsure if your workplace has the correct safety measures in place, our team of experts offer a PUWER assessment. Take a look at how we can help with PUWER compliance.
According to BPD Zenith and the Critical Compliance Report in 2024, 68% of over 2,000 individuals surveyed stated that their organisation would not comply with Health and Safety Executive checks. This is a worrying statistic as this leaves the door wide open for not only financial penalties to the company but also potential injuries to staff members. Don’t be part for the 68% and ensure you are compliant with PUWER 98 standards today.
