The importance of machine tool guards and compliance with safety standards.
Workplace safety is an absolute priority in all industrial sectors and, in particular, in the field of machine tools.
In recent years, attention to safety has increased, leading to greater awareness of the measures needed to prevent accidents and injuries.
Among these, an element of interest and evaluation is represented by machine tool guards, which can make the difference between a safe and a dangerous work environment.
Machine tool guards are devices designed to protect operators from potential hazards associated with the use of machinery and equipment for material processing.
These devices, also known as guards, are essential to reduce the risk of serious injuries, which can have consequences both on a human and economic level.
Moreover, compliance with safety standards, such as those established by OSHA in the United States and European regulations based on Directive 2006/42/EC, is essential to ensure worker safety and avoid possible legal penalties.
In this article we will analyze the importance of machine tool guards, the different types available and how they help improve workplace safety. We will also discuss compliance with safety standards, inspection and maintenance procedures, and the importance of worker training on the correct use of these guards.
Machine tool guards
Machine tool guards are safety devices designed to prevent direct contact between the operator and moving machine parts, thereby reducing the risk of injury. These devices can take various shapes and sizes, depending on the type of machine and the specific needs of the sector in which they are used and, not least, their construction, safety equipment and certification are regulated by specific standards.
In general, machine tool guards can be classified into two main categories: fixed guards and movable guards.
- Fixed guards are permanent devices that cover dangerous machine parts and cannot be easily removed or modified by the operator. These guards are usually made of durable materials, such as metal or reinforced plastic, and are designed to withstand wear and impacts. Some examples of fixed guards include gear covers, chain guards and blade covers.
- Movable guards, on the other hand, are devices that can be opened or removed by the operator to facilitate access to moving machine parts. These guards are usually equipped with interlocking systems or emergency stop devices, which prevent the machine from operating when the guard is open or removed. Some examples of movable guards include sliding doors, hinged covers and safety hoists.
Types of machine tool guards and their applications
There are different types of machine tool guards, each suitable for specific applications and machinery. Below are some of the most common types of guards and their applications:
- Lathe guards: Lathes are machine tools used to process metal, wood or plastic parts by removing chips. Lathe guards are designed to protect the operator from chips and fragments that may be projected during the machining process. These guards can be fixed or movable and may include interlocking devices to ensure operator safety.
- Drill guards: Drills are machine tools designed to drill holes in a workpiece through the action of a rotating bit. There are various types of drills, including column drills, radial drills and multiple drills, each suitable for specific applications and production requirements.
- Milling machine guards: Milling machines are machine tools used to process metal, wood or plastic parts by removing chips. Milling machine guards are designed to protect the operator from chips and fragments that may be projected during the machining process. These guards can be fixed or movable and may include interlocking devices to ensure operator safety.
- Circular saw guards: Circular saws are machine tools used to cut materials such as metal, wood or plastic. Circular saw guards are designed to protect the operator from moving blades and chips projected during the cutting process. These guards can be fixed or movable and may include interlocking devices to ensure operator safety.
Of course, there are other types of machine tools, each requiring specific solutions.
Over time Tecno più has developed various projects and implemented its own range of guards for the different types of machine tools.
Transferring the quality and technological innovation of its design into the world of accident-prevention guards for machine tools has been the Vision that, since 1994, the year its activity began, has enabled Tecno Più Srl to create the most robust, versatile and cutting-edge products currently available on the market.
“Safety is not a Target, It is a Way of Life” is Tecno Più’s motto, meaning workplace safety above all, seen not as a goal to be achieved, but as a “way of life”: providing not only tools designed to safeguard worker safety, but above all raising awareness that working with quality and safety is the first rule of a good worker and, above all, the choice everyone should make.
Achieving this goal by adopting systems designed by Tecno Più, such as the arm system with friction joints to speed up guard setup, the use of selected materials aimed at lightening the system while maintaining impact resistance, and the ability to find solutions to possible operational problems during the design phase in order to optimize work and reduce downtime, are the characteristics that have made Tecno Più the leading company in the field of machine tool guards worldwide.
Benefits of machine tool guards in the workplace
The use of machine tool guards in the workplace offers numerous advantages, both for workers and for the company. Among the main benefits are:
- Reduced risk of injury: Machine tool guards help prevent direct contact between the operator and moving machine parts, thereby reducing the risk of serious injuries such as amputations, burns and crushing injuries. This results in a safer work environment and improved worker well-being.
- Improved productivity: A safe, accident-free work environment helps keep worker productivity high. When operators feel protected and able to work in safe conditions, they are more likely to focus on their tasks and work efficiently.
- Cost reduction: Workplace injuries can involve significant costs for a company, including medical expenses, compensation, lost productivity and potential legal penalties. Investing in machine tool guards and ensuring compliance with safety standards can help reduce these costs and protect the company’s reputation.
- Compliance with safety standards: The use of machine tool guards is often required by law or specific industry regulations. Ensuring compliance with these standards not only helps maintain a safe work environment, but can also help avoid possible legal penalties and demonstrate the company’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its workers.
Compliance with safety standards: OSHA and the European Machinery Directive
In ensuring workplace safety and the correct use of machine tool guards, it is essential to comply with the safety standards established by the competent authorities. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the body responsible for defining and enforcing these standards. In Europe, on the other hand, there are various regulations and directives governing workplace safety, including the Machinery Directive and UNI EN standards.
OSHA has established several standards for machine tool safety, including 29 CFR 1910.212, which requires the use of fixed or movable guards for hazardous machine parts. In addition, OSHA requires that guards be designed and installed so as not to interfere with normal machine operation and that they be easily removable only with the use of toolstools.
In Europe, the Machinery Directive requires that all machines sold in the European Union comply with certain safety requirements, including requirements for machine tool guards. In addition, UNI EN standards define safety requirements for machine tools and establish testing and evaluation procedures to ensure compliance.
Inspection and maintenance of machine tool guards for optimal safety
To ensure workplace safety and the proper functioning of machine tool guards, it is essential to carry out regular inspections and maintenance.
Machine tool guards must be checked regularly to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly.
In the event of damage or malfunction, guards must be repaired or replaced immediately.
In addition, machine tool guards must be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris that could interfere with proper guard operation.
The cleaning materials used for guards must be compatible with the materials of the guard itself to avoid damage or wear.
Finally, it is important that machine tool guards are lubricated regularly to ensure proper operation and prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris.
Guards must be lubricated with specific lubricants, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Worker training on the correct use of machine tool guards
To ensure workplace safety and the correct use of machine tool guards, it is essential that workers are adequately trained on the proper use of these guards.
Worker training must include information on the available guards, the risks associated with the use of machine tools and the safety procedures to minimize these risks.
In addition, training must include instruction on the correct use of machine tool guards.
Workers must be able to identify the different parts of the guard, install it correctly on the machine and use it safely and effectively.
Choosing the right machine tool guards for your company
Choosing the right machine tool guards for your company depends on several factors, including the type of machine tool, the industry in which you operate and the specific needs of workers.
It is essential to work with reliable, high-quality suppliers to ensure the purchase of safe guards that comply with safety standards.
In general, fixed guards are more suitable for machine tools that do not require frequent access to moving parts, while movable guards are more suitable for machine tools that require frequent access to these parts.
However, the choice of guards depends on the specific needs of the company and its workers and must be based on a specific risk assessment.
Tecno più: the ideal partner for machine safety
Founded in 1994, Tecno Più has established itself as a leading company in the production of machine tool guards. With its motto “Safety is not a Target, It is a Way of Life”, the company underlines the fundamental importance of safety in every aspect of production work.
From the very beginning, Tecno Più has earned customer trust thanks to the high quality of its products and its commitment to safety. Its steady growth since its founding demonstrates its ability to adapt to market changes and the continuously evolving needs of its customers.
Products and Innovation
Tecno Più offers a wide range of machine tool guards, including for lathes, milling machines, drills, grinders and many others. Its products are designed to provide maximum protection for operators without compromising machine efficiency or functionality.
The company is known for its continuous innovation. It constantly invests in research and development to improve its products and to create cutting-edge solutions that address the most pressing safety challenges in the machine tool industry.
Commitment to Safety
Tecno Più’s motto reflects its commitment to safety. The company considers safety not just a goal to be achieved, but a central element of its philosophy and way of doing business. It strives to promote a culture of safety among its customers and to provide the necessary solutions to make workshops as safe as possible.
With over two decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to safety and innovation, Tecno Più has established itself as a leader in the machine tool guard market. Its dedication to safety, as highlighted by its motto, makes it a valuable partner for companies seeking to improve the safety of their operations.
