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

What is a characteristic of an adjustable guard?

1. It is fixed in place and cannot be modified

2. It can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of stock

3. It is designed to be removed easily for maintenance

4. It functions as a permanent protective barrier

The correct answer is: It can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of stock

An adjustable guard is specifically designed to be modified or repositioned to accommodate various sizes or shapes of materials being processed. This characteristic is essential because it enhances safety by providing adequate protection while allowing the flexibility needed in operations where different materials are used intermittently. For instance, in a cutting operation, being able to adjust the guard allows a worker to safely perform tasks on materials of different dimensions without compromising safety. In contrast, a fixed guard would restrict the versatility needed for various stock sizes and could lead to safety hazards if the guard does not accommodate the size of the material being handled. Similarly, a guard designed for easy removal for maintenance would not be classified as adjustable in operational contexts, where the main focus is on providing ongoing protection during use. Lastly, while a permanent protective barrier offers safety, it lacks the adaptability required to meet the demands of changing stock sizes, which is a fundamental aspect of adjustable guards.