Guarding Workshop Equipment vs Manufacturing Environment

Many people get confused with what level of guarding is acceptable when they are told they must guard machinery to “zero access” standard, but then see tradespeople using power tools with exposed blades, grinding wheels and nip points and workshop machinery with different guarding standards.

Exposed cutting blade in workshop

Modern saw with interlocked cover and normally retracted blade and 2-hand controls

The workplace safety regulations state in part that “guarding must prevent access to the danger point (as far as reasonably practicable) e.g. VIC OHS Plant Safety Regulation 99(2).

How can using saws with partially exposed blades be acceptable when fully guarded saws with interlocked covers are available on the market?

The answer to the above question is rarely explained in any legislation or government fact sheets.

Essentially, the answer is if the equipment is used in a manufacturing area (e.g. production line) then zero access standard is required.

Whereas trade power tools and workshop equipment are primarily controlled by restricting access to workshops to trained and authorised workers e.g. qualified trades people.

Safety Action can train your team in zero access standards for your production areas and have a booklet on workshop safety for tools of trade and key workshop equipment. Phone us on 03 8544 4300 or email for a quote or copy of a booklet.