Things to Consider Before Installing Industrial Safety Guards

Industrial safety guards are critical for protecting employees, machinery, and visitors in warehouses, factories, and other industrial environments. Properly designed and installed guards reduce the risk of accidents, prevent costly downtime, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Before investing in safety guards, it’s essential to consider several factors to make the right choice. In this guide, we cover five key considerations, along with practical tips, tables, and examples to help you make an informed decision.

1. Assess the Type of Machinery or Hazard

The first step is to identify the hazards that need protection. Different machinery, processes, and environments require specific types of guards to ensure effectiveness:

Example: A distribution centre with conveyor belts and forklift traffic may need both interlocked cages around machines and heavy-duty barriers along pedestrian walkways.

Tip: Conduct a thorough risk assessment. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidance on risk assessment for machinery safety, which can help identify the most critical hazards (HSE – Risk Assessment).

2. Compliance with Safety Standards

Industrial safety guards are subject to regulations and standards to ensure that they protect workers effectively. Installing guards that don’t meet these standards can result in fines, legal liability, or accidents.

Key standards to consider:

• ISO 14120 – General Requirements for the design and construction for fixed and movable guards 
• ISO 14122-3– Safety of machinery/ permanent means of access (stairs, step ladders and guard rails) 
• HSE Guidelines – Covers risk assessment, installation, and maintenance
• PUWER– Provision and use of work equipment regulations

Pro Tip: Keep documentation of compliance certificates and installation reports. This can be useful during inspections or audits.

3. Material Selection

The right material is critical for durability, safety, and suitability for the environment which it is. Material choice affects corrosion resistance, maintenance requirements, and lifespan.

Example: In a food processing plant, stainless steel guards are preferable because they resist corrosion and are easy to clean, preventing contamination.

Tip: When deciding on materials, also consider maintenance and cleaning. Consider selecting materials that can withstand different environmental conditions.

How we can help

At Tadweld, we understand that proper installation is just as crucial as the design of your safety guards. Even the highest-quality cages, barriers, or railings can fail to provide protection if they are not correctly installed. That’s why we offer a full-service approach, from design through to delivery and professional installation.

Here’s how Tadweld ensures your safety guards perform optimally:

• Firm Anchoring: Our team ensures all guards are securely fixed to floors or structures, providing maximum stability and resistance to impacts.
• Access for Maintenance: Tadweld designs guards and cages with practical access points, so maintenance staff can service machinery safely without compromising protection.
• Modularity: We offer modular and adjustable systems, allowing layouts to be adapted as machinery or operational processes change.
• Visibility: Where needed, our safety guards are designed to provide clear lines of sight, allowing operators to monitor machinery safely while maintaining full protection.

Get in touch with us today to discover more ways in which we can help keep your business safe and compliant.