Machine guarding is essential for protecting employees from hazards associated with machinery. Here's a risk assessment framework for machine guarding in the Canadian workplace:

1. Hazard Identification

• Exposed Moving Parts: Identify machines with exposed moving, rotating, electrically charged, or hot parts that could cause injury [1].
• Points of Operation: Determine areas where the machine performs its intended task (e.g., cutting, shaping, forming) and where employees could be exposed to hazards.
• Material Handling: Assess hazards related to the materials processed, transported, or handled by the machine [1].
• Falling Objects/Flying Debris: Consider the potential for falling materials or flying debris during machine operation 3, 4, 6.

2. Risk Assessment

• Likelihood: Evaluate the probability of an employee coming into contact with a hazard.
• Severity: Determine the potential harm (e.g., minor cut, serious injury, fatality) that could result from contact with the hazard.

3. Control Measures

• Elimination/Substitution: If feasible, eliminate the hazard by removing the machine or substituting it with a safer alternative.
• Engineering Controls:
  • Machine Guards: Install fixed or interlocked guards to prevent employee contact with hazardous parts or materials [1].
  • Ensure machine guards are constructed, installed, and maintained to meet safety requirements [2].
  • If a machine guard is installed, ensure that no person operates the machine unless the machine guard is in its proper position [2].
  • Emergency Stops: Ensure easily accessible emergency stop devices are in place.
  • ROPS/FOPS: For mobile equipment like excavators and compactors, ensure Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) are properly installed and maintained 3, 4.
• Administrative Controls:
  • Training: Provide comprehensive training to employees on the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of machinery [1].
  • Safe Work Procedures: Develop and implement safe work procedures for each machine, including startup, operation, shutdown, and maintenance procedures.
  • Lockout/Tagout: Implement a lockout/tagout procedure for maintenance and repair work requiring guard removal [2].
  • If it is not feasible to lock out a machine, ensure the person performing the work follows written instructions and obtains written authorization from the employer each time the work is performed, and performs the work under the direct supervision of a qualified person [2].
  • Keep a copy of the instructions readily available for the information of persons who perform repair and maintenance work on machines [2].
  • Warning Systems: Use visual and audible warnings to alert employees to potential hazards.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Provide and require the use of appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.

4. Monitoring and Review

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of machine guards and safety devices to ensure they are in good working order 3, 4.
• Maintenance: Establish a preventative maintenance program for all machinery.
• Incident Investigation: Investigate all incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Review and Update: Periodically review and update the risk assessment and control measures to reflect changes in equipment, processes, or regulations.

Specific Considerations:

• Abrasive Wheels: Abrasive wheels shall be used only on machines equipped with machine guards [3].
• Woodworking Machinery: Woodworking machinery shall be guarded in accordance with clause 3.3 of CSA Standard Z 114 -M 1977, Safety Code for the Woodworking Industry [3].
• Punch Presses: Punch presses shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard Z 142 1976, -Code for the Guarding of Punch Presses at Point of Operation [3].

Important Considerations for mobile equipment:

• A daily inspection of the guards is required in order to check for structures that are bent, cracked, or loose. Never operate a machine with a damaged structure 3, 4.
• When operating attachments that produce flying debris, it is strongly recommended to purchase and install protective guards on the machine and close the all window to protect the operator from flying debris [4].
• Confirm the appropriate cab guards are installed for your task and for the attachment /equipment prior to operation [5].
• Always use the front guard, and the top guard when performing building demolition work or operating at working sites (including mining or quarry sites) where falling material and flying debris may occur [5].

By implementing these measures, employers in Canada can create a safer working environment and reduce the risk of machine-related injuries.