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Guide clarifies machinery guarding standards

A Procter Machine Guarding product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 10, 2009

Procter Machine Guarding has published the sixth edition of its free 'On Your Guard' machinery guarding standards guide.

This sixth edition lists more standards than previous editions and contains additional material relating to the new Machinery Directive and fixings for fixed guards.

Procter has released the sixth edition of its free guide to machinery guarding standards, which contains material relating to he new Machinery Directive

Procter has released the sixth edition of its free guide to machinery guarding standards, which contains material relating to he new Machinery Directive

Over the 12 months since the fifth edition of the guide was published, numerous machinery safety standards have been revised to bring them into line with the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC that comes into force on 29 December 2009.

The sixth edition of 'On Your Guard' reflects these changes, as well as listing many more of the non-core standards that nevertheless might be important when designing guards for specific applications.

Machine designers, guarding specifiers, health-and-safety managers, and health-and-safety representatives will find the guide useful as it lists the standards and also provides helpful design tips and advice on complying with regulatory requirements.

Procter Machine Guarding has expertise in guarding design and is aware of the applicable standards in the UK, Europe and beyond and is in an ideal position to share this knowledge.

For example, the latest version of BS EN 953, 'Safety of machinery - Guards - General requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards', contains a new requirement for fastenings to remain attached to the guard or to the machinery when fixed guards are removed.

This point is highlighted in the new edition of 'On Your Guard'.

The guide explains the importance of guarding and the ways in which well-designed guards can enhance productivity while ensuring operator safety.

It then goes on to describe the requirements of machinery guarding in relation to the Machinery Directive and CE Marking (which will change when the new Directive comes into force), before listing the main British, European and international standards for machinery and conveyor guarding.

As well as providing information about standards, the guide also offers advice on risk assessments, how to approach the design of guarding and the specification of the access control system (interlock switches, for example).

This will aid the design of cost-effective guards that will deliver an appropriate level of safety and help to deter operators and maintenance personnel from attempting to bypass the safety measures.

At the rear of the guide there are sections covering useful resources and further information, which includes contact details for organisations such as the HSE and BSI.

A free copy of 'On Your Guard' can be obtained by e-mailing Procter Machine Guarding on protalkguarding@procterbedwas.co.uk.

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