Unit – 1

Lesson 2 – Types of Guards

1. Describe the various types of guards for guarding different types of machines?

Guards are physical barriers or a protecting part, which prevent access to dangerous moving
parts. There are four general types of guards: -

 Fixed
 Interlocked
 Adjustable
 Self-adjusting

Fixed Guards

Fixed guards are safeguards that do not have any moving parts, and are permanently attached
to engineering machines or tools. They are mostly used to protect machine operators from
hazards at points of operation. Fixed guards comes in different forms like gates, fences,
barriers, or blade covers etc. They can be welded, bolted to the machines. It may be
constructed of sheet metal, screens, wire mesh, bars, plastic, or any other material that is
substantial enough to withstand vibration and impact and long-lasting use. Even though fixed
guards are permanently fixed, it must be disassembled and removed to perform any kind of
adjustment or maintenance. This guard is usually preferable to all other types because of its
relative simplicity.

E.g. Fixed guards enclosing belts and pulleys

Fixed guards on Power press

Adjustable guards

Adjustable guards are also permanently attached to engineering machines or tools, but they
have moving parts that can be manually adjusted and locked into place to suit different
operating conditions. For a short period, an opening can be made to allow interaction with the
machine itself. Operating an adjustable guard requires a certain level of expertise and the
operator must be able to estimate the right operating conditions with respect to right guard
adjustments. Therefore, training must be provided to the operators who operates adjustable
guards. If adjustable guards adjusted or locked improperly, they can fail to prevent contact with
moving parts and will result in serious injury or even fatality.

E.g. Adjustable guards on band Saw

Adjustable guard on drill press

Self-adjustable guards

Self-adjusting guards automatically adjusts (self-adjusts) their position according to the

movement or feeding of the material in the machine. As the operator moves the material into the
danger area, the guard is pushed away, providing an opening, which is only large enough to

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admit the material. After the material is removed, the guard returns to the rest position. This
guard protects the operator by placing a barrier between the danger area and the operator. The
guards may be constructed of plastic, metal, or other substantial material. Self-adjusting guards
offer different degrees of protection.

E.g. Self-adjusting guards on wood planer or jointer machines

Self-adjusting guards on a table circular saw

Interlocked Guards

Interlocking guard are guards having movable parts which is tampered, opened or removed, a
tripping mechanism will happen or the power automatically shuts off or disengages, and the
moving parts of the machine becomes stop. The machine cannot operate or start until the guard
is back in place. Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power or any combination of
these systems are used to actuate the guard. Replacing the guard should not automatically
restart the machine. If possible, Interlock all removable guards to avoid occupational hazards.

E.g. Interlocked guards on Picker machines

Interlocked guards on Lathe machine

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