In the steel fabrication industry, efficient and correct guarding is pivotal for safety, longevity of equipment and compliance of regulations such as PUWER. From telescopic covers to machine safeguards, understanding the different variety and applications of telescopic guards can help improve workplace efficiency and safety.
What Are the Four General Types of Guards?
In the context of machine safety, the four main types of guards are:
- Fixed Guards – these are permanent fixtures that will provide a barrier
- Interlocked Guards – these shut down machines when opened
- Adjustable Guards – Vary depending on the type of application but offer a reduced amount of protection.
- Self-Adjusting Guards – Can be altered according to the size of the material.
It is always worth looking into the governance of telescopic guards as some of the listed items are governed by standards such as ISO 12100. Contact us today and we can help choose the correct guard suitable for you and your project.
Guarding systems in the workplace environment can vary by machine type but will commonly include the below examples:
- Way covers
- Bellows
- Accordion covers
- Sliding doors
- Light curtain guards
What Is A Telescopic Guard Used for in Fabrication?
If you’re thinking about whether a telescopic guard is required for your machine, our experts have listed examples of machine types where it would be recommended to implement a telescopic guard to prevent ingress of contaminants and help prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
- CNC matching centres
- Lathes and milling machines
- Any machine used in high-precision environments.
At Broadbent FabGuard we will often use cold-rolled steel or stainless steel to create the covers for machines.
Material choice will often depend on the environmental conditions, required durability and what the machine is.
Conclusion
If you are choosing a telescopic guard for your CNC machine or auditing and reviewing your facilities machine safeguarding measures, it is significant to select the correct type of protection. At Broadbent FabGuard we specialise in only the highest quality custom steel fabrication. This includes the full process from design and manufacture of high-performance telescopic covers.
