OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

What class of guards can be adjusted for various machine operations?

1. Fixed Guard

2. Adjustable Guard

3. Self-Adjusting Guard

4. Interlocking Guard

The correct answer is: Adjustable Guard

An adjustable guard is specifically designed to be modified or repositioned to suit different operational requirements of a machine. This feature allows the guard to effectively provide protection while accommodating various tasks, making it adaptable to changes in the work process or different workpieces. In the context of machine safety, adjustable guards enhance versatility, ensuring that operators can safely utilize the equipment under different conditions without compromising safety. This flexibility is particularly important in industries where equipment is frequently used for multiple purposes, as it allows the guard to remain effective across a range of operations. Other types of guards, such as fixed guards, are intended to provide a static form of protection that cannot be altered. Self-adjusting guards automatically modify their position based on the workpiece but usually do not require operator intervention for adjustments. Interlocking guards, on the other hand, prevent the machine from operating when the guard is not in the proper position, prioritizing safety but not allowing for the kind of manual adjustments that an adjustable guard does. Therefore, the key defining feature of an adjustable guard is its ability to be repositioned for different operations while maintaining a high level of safety.