Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What type of guards are commonly used to equip power presses?

1. Fixed guards

2. Remote guards

3. Interlocked guards

4. Adjustable guards

The correct answer is: Remote guards

The commonly used guards for power presses are fixed guards. Fixed guards are designed to provide a permanent barrier around the dangerous parts of a machine, such as where the cutting or moving components operate. They are often utilized in settings like power presses because they effectively prevent access to hazardous areas while still allowing for essential machine operations to occur. Fixed guards are advantageous because they require no further action from the operator, ensuring that the machine's hazards are consistently obstructed. This greatly enhances safety in a manufacturing environment, minimizing the risk of accidents caused by inadvertent contact with moving parts. Moreover, fixed guards do not depend on the operator's behavior for effectiveness, providing a proactive safety measure. While remote, interlocked, and adjustable guards have their places in different machinery and equipment contexts, they do not offer the same level of safety for power presses as fixed guards do. Remote guards may involve distance from the hazard but are less suitable for machines that require close operator supervision. Interlocked guards are effective but can only function when the machine's operation can be halted automatically upon guard removal, which may not be the practical case for all power press operations. Adjustable guards provide more flexibility but can introduce variability in safety if not properly configured. Therefore, fixed guards represent the most effective choice