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The CSA standard Z432 Safeguarding of machinery defines safeguarding as:
“… protective measures consisting of the use of specific technical means, called safeguards (guards, protective-devices), to protect workers from hazards that cannot be reasonably removed or sufficiently limited by design.”
Note: This OSH Answers fact sheet is based on CSA standard Z432-16 Safeguarding of machinery. Please refer to this standard in its entirety and to any regulatory requirements that may apply for your jurisdiction.
Note: This OSH Answers fact sheet is part of a series. Please also see Safeguarding – Working around Machinery.
The CSA standard Z432 Safeguarding of machinery defines a safeguard as:
“… a guard or protective device designed to protect workers from harm.”
A guard is a part of machinery specifically used to provide protection by means of a physical barrier. Other names may be casing, door, or enclosing guard. There are also protective devices that may be used. The CSA standard Z432 defines six different types of guards:
The opening and closing of this type of guard can be power operated.
The selection of safeguards should always meet principles of safe design and the hierarchy of control. Some examples include safeguarding by design, using various types of guarding and other devices (e.g., interlocks, limited movement, etc), and procedures.
Some examples based on the hierarchy of control include:
Control Method | Examples include: |
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Elimination - remove the hazard from the workplace |
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Substitution - replace hazardous materials or machines with less hazardous ones |
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Engineering Controls |
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Systems that increase awareness of potential hazards |
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Administrative Controls - controls that alter the way the work is done |
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Personal Protective Equipment - equipment worn by individuals to reduce exposure |
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Adapted from: CSA Z432-16 Safeguarding of machinery