Machine Guarding vs Safety Fencing: What You Need?
Creating a productive workspace starts with efficient safety systems. As industrial sites evolve with advanced machineries in constant run, there is a need for highly efficient safety solutions. Two of the most widely used protective solutions are machine guarding and safety fencing. But which one is the most suited? Let’s explore.
What is Machine Guarding?
Machine guardings are physical barriers placed close to the heavy and complicated machineries to prevent accidental contacts and subsequent hazards. They come in different forms such as:
- Fixed guard: They are permanent barriers installed around complex machines where access is supposed to be restricted.
- Adjustable guards: They can be manually adjusted to accommodate materials of varying size.
- Interlocked guards: These guards are linked to the machine’s power source. So when the barrier is opened, the machines will come to a halt.
- Self-adjusting guards: They automatically adjust and adapt to the stock size and open just enough to allow transit.
What is Safety Fencing?
A perimeter-based safety solution, safety fencing guards individual machine parts, creating a restricted area. Commonly used in automated assembly lines and large-scale industrial setups, safety fencing comes in different types such as:
- Chain-link fencing: This fencing is done using a PVC coated or galvanized steel wire that forms a diamond pattern. They offer reliable protection without hindering visibility.
- Welded Wire Mesh Fencing: It consists of vertical and horizontal steel wires welded at each intersection, this fencing is durable and strong.
- Electric Fencing: Electric fencing is used to prevent the entry of intruders by emitting non-lethal electric pulses.
When Do You Need Machine Guarding?
Machine guards become necessary in situations where operators work close to moving parts, when there is frequent interaction with the machine and situations where there is a risk of contact with components such as pinpoint and cutting blades.
When Do You Need Safety Fencing?
Safety fencing is useful for securing hazardous work zones, high risk areas near machinery, around equipment that run without human control and spaces that risk machinery ejecting parts or debris unexpectedly.
Conclusion
Choosing between a machine guarding and safety fencing depends on the scale of the risks within the workspaces. Both the safety solutions have their unique stronghold and the smart strategy would always be choosing a combination of the two, rather than viewing them as alternatives.
The right safety solution is not only compliant with the industrial safety standards but also protects the workspace, minimizes downtime and increases the overall productivity.
At Safety At Works we offer quality and reliable safety solutions across the UAE. Our safety systems enables businesses to create workspaces that are safe, efficient and highly productive.