Machine and equipment guarding

Guarding machines and equipment protects staff and students from preventable injuries. Any machine part, function or process that could cause injury needs to be guarded.

If a machine can injure the operator or others nearby, you need to eliminate or control the hazard.

Guarding requirements

All machinery and equipment that can cause harm must be adequately guarded according to Australian Standard AS 4024.1:2019.

You need to:

  • reduce risks through isolation or engineering controls (guarding) where reasonably practicable
  • use safeguarding devices where removal or isolation isn't practicable:
    • cut-out devices (light curtains, proximity sensors)
    • activation devices (dead man handles, double initiation switches).

Related hazards

When guarding machinery, also consider these hazards:

Noise can:

  • startle people or disrupt concentration
  • interfere with communication
  • cause hearing loss.

Control noise with:

  • engineering controls like sound-dampening materials (most effective)
  • personal protective equipment like earplugs or earmuffs (less effective).

Vibration can cause noise, fatigue and illness. Prevent vibration by:

  • properly aligning machines
  • supporting machines correctly
  • dampening machines when needed.

Cutting fluids, coolants and other harmful substances can cause:

  • dermatitis
  • serious illness and disease.

You should work towards eliminating or better controlling these chemical hazards. You can control exposure with:

  • specially constructed safeguards
  • ventilation
  • protective equipment and clothing.

Need help?

Contact Health, Safety and Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu