Machine safeguarding critical to protecting workers

Industrial machines contribute to efficiency and productivity in a wide variety of workplaces, but they also have the potential to cause serious injuries and, sometimes, death. Machine safeguarding measures are essential to protecting workers who come into contact with both mobile and stationary machinery. Any machine that may cause injury must be safeguarded.

Standards help

The third edition of CSA Z432 – Safeguarding of Machinery has been developed to reflect changing technology related to machines, and the latest developments in operator and equipment safety. It specifies requirements for the design, manufacture (including remanufacture and rebuilding), installation, maintenance, operation and safeguarding of industrial equipment to prevent injuries and accidents, and enhance the safety of personnel who operate, assemble and maintain machinery. The changes include:

• Expanded scope to incorporate new international standards on machinery design and performance, and additional information for the identification of hazards, including non-mechanical;
• The methodology for performing a comprehensive risk assessment;
• The addition of newly manufactured, rebuilt and redeployed machinery, and that it may also be used to set upgrade targets for existing machinery; and
• Advice on the basic principles of safeguarding and safety control performance.

Training

To help workers better understand the recent additions to the standard, CSA Group and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) have collaborated to create an interactive on-site course for managers and supervisors, maintenance and purchasing personnel, safety professionals and engineers, and project managers and certified JHSC members. The one-day course is designed to help attendees:

• Increase knowledge of key concepts within the new edition of CSA Z432, including new terms, definitions, requirements and alignment/integrations with ISO;
• Clearly review and understand the significance of new requirements, including safety control systems and safeguarding devices;
• Learn about hazard identification, risk assessment and reduction; and
• Efficiently and accurately apply practical knowledge to workplace situations through interactive exercises.

To learn more, visit shop.csa.ca.

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