Machine Guarding Checklist

Title Page

Enter any changes needed as a maintenance request or in Vault as a hazard.
Relevant Standard: AS4024 Series Safety of Machinery

Guarding Requirements

1. Guards must prevent workers’ hands, arms, and other body parts from making contact with dangerous moving parts
2. Guards must be firmly secured and not easily removable
3. Guards must ensure that no objects will fall into the moving parts or explode out
4. Guards must permit safe, comfortable, and relatively easy operation of the machine
5. Can the machine be oiled or greased without removing the guard?
6. The machine must automatically shut down when the guard is removed
7. Can the existing guards be improved?
Enter improvement.

1. Emergency Stop Buttons / Emergency Lanyards must be fitted to the plant (Emergency stop buttons must be a mushroom type (AS4024-2006 Part 5.4.1)
2. Emergency Stop Buttons / Emergency Lanyards must be tested at 6 monthly intervals
3. Guards must not be tampered with or removed
4. Can you suggest a more practical effective Guard?
5. Can you make changes on the machine to eliminate the hazard entirely?
Enter improvement.

1. Gears, sprockets, pulleys or flywheels must not be unguarded
2. Belts or chain drives must not be exposed
3. Set screws, key ways, collars, etc. must not be exposed
4. Starting and stopping controls must be within easy reach of the operator
5. If there is more than one operator separate controls must be provided to prevent reactivation of the machine

1. Guards must be provided for all hazardous moving parts of the machine, including auxiliary parts

1. Operators and skilled trades workers must have the necessary education and training in how to use the guards
2. The education must include hazards and risks associated with tasks and controls in place
3. Production workers and skilled trades workers must be trained in where the guards are located, how they provide protection, and what hazards they protect against
4. Production workers and skilled trades workers must be trained in how and under what circumstances guards can be removed
5. Workers must be trained in the procedure to follow if they notice guards that are damaged, missing, or inadequate
6. Skilled trades workers must have the necessary education and training in how to build the safety aspects of guards

1. If protective equipment is required, it must be appropriate for the job, in good condition, kept clean and sanitary, and stored carefully when not in use.
2. The operator must be dressed safely for the job (no loose fitting clothing or jewellery)

1. Skilled trades workers must receive up-to-date instructions on the machines they service
2. Skilled trades workers must lock out the machine from all of its energy sources before beginning repairs
3. The maintenance equipment itself must be properly guarded

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