Location & Distance Guarding Methods

Location and distance guarding methods position the hazardous parts away from the operator by either placing them out of reach or away from the workstation entirely. When planning for or implementing these methods, employers and company owners must consider where other employees may be while the machine is operating. Placement of these methods must avoid common walkways or operational areas for other machines as well. No employee should be near the danger zone during the machine cycle. Some employers may choose to place fences or other barriers around the hazards to aid in guarding the workers' safety.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Location and Distance Guarding

Location and distance guarding is highly effective when properly implemented. Keeping hazards out of the operator's reach, or away from workstations entirely, prevents most possibility of injury. Unfortunately, if location and distance guards are not properly designed, employees may wander into the danger zone. If no other safeguards are in place, this could lead to serious injury.

To learn more about Machine Guarding visit our Machine Guarding Safety Online Training web page.