QHSE Logo Expert Solutions for Health & Safety, Quality & Risk Management

Expert Solutions for Health & Safety, Quality & Risk Management

Based in Manawatū, Serving All of New Zealand

 

At QHSE, we proudly call Manawatū home, but our expertise knows no boundaries. Whether you're in the Far North, deep in the South, or anywhere in between, we bring our high-quality services to you. No matter the location, we’re ready to support your Health & Safety, Quality & Risk needs across New Zealand.

Industries Served:


With a proven track record across diverse industries, we specialize in delivering customized solutions that address sector-specific challenges and regulatory requirements. Our expertise spans Aviation, Food Manufacturing, Forestry Products, Power, Roading, and Infrastructure, along with a range of other industries. No matter the sector, we bring precision, innovation, and reliability to every project.

Rob Feasey

Rob holds certifications as a Certified Professional Member of NZISM (CertProfNZISM), Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), Certified Quality Manager (CQM) through NZOQ, and Certified in Risk Management (CertIRM).

As an ACC-authorised AEP Auditor, accredited SafePlus Auditor, and Certified Machine Safety Expert, Rob provides trusted, high-compliance assessments across multiple industries. His approach combines technical precision with practical implementation, ensuring businesses meet regulatory obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.

Known for his clear, solutions-focused approach, Rob collaborates with clients to build robust systems that meet both regulatory requirements and organisational needs.

Profile picture of Rob Feasey
HASANZ logo, Health and Safety Association of New Zealand, member badge, workplace safety, professional safety association, New Zealand
SafePlus logo, accredited SafePlus assessor badge, workplace health and safety assessment, New Zealand, professional safety certification.
NZISM certified professional badge, New Zealand Institute for Safety Management, workplace safety certification, professional accreditation
Chartered Member badge, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, IOSH, professional safety certification, workplace safety accreditation
Certified Machine Safety Expert badge, professional machine safety certification, functional safety accreditation
Certified Quality Manager badge, professional quality management certification, organisational excellence accreditation
Institute of Risk Management certified professional badge, risk management certification, professional risk accreditation.

 

Keep Your Team Safe with Proper Machine Guarding

Industrial machine guard protecting moving machinery

Effective machine guarding is essential for protecting workers and ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Machine guarding requirements under HSWA 2015

PCBUs must eliminate or minimise risks from powered machinery “so far as is reasonably practicable.” Conduct hazard identification, perform a formal risk assessment, and select appropriate guards before putting machinery into service. Refer to WorkSafe’s official guide: Ergonomics of machine guarding guide.

2. Applicable AS/NZS standards

New Zealand follows the joint AS/NZS 4024 series for guard design, construction, and installation. Ensure your guards meet all relevant clauses outlined in the AS/NZS 4024 standard series: Safe Use of Machinery.

3. Calculating safe separation distances

Ergonomic tables define minimum approach distances based on guard opening dimensions—preventing hands, fingers, or tools from reaching hazardous zones. See the separation tables in WorkSafe’s guide: Ergonomics of machine guarding guide.

4. Types of recognised guards

  • Fixed guards: Permanently attached, removable only with tools.
  • Interlocked guards: Automatically shut down the machine if opened.
  • Adjustable guards: Manually adjusted to suit different workpiece sizes.
  • Presence‑sensing devices: Such as light curtains or pressure mats.

5. Inspection & maintenance frequency

Perform daily pre‑start checks, monthly functional inspections, and annual comprehensive maintenance—or more often if your risk assessment dictates. For guidelines: Safe Use of Machinery.

6. Permitted guard‑removal procedures

Guards may only be removed under a documented lock‑out/tag‑out (LOTO) procedure, ensuring full energy isolation before maintenance work begins.

7. Common guarding failures

WorkSafe NZ frequently cites the following failures:

  • Missing or loose fasteners
  • Bypassed or defeated interlocks
  • Improvised guards that do not meet standard dimensions (NZ Engineering News).

8. Conducting a risk assessment

A thorough assessment involves mapping pinch‑points, evaluating possible contact scenarios, rating consequences and likelihood, and selecting guards that reduce risk “so far as reasonably practicable.” See Practicable: Risk assessments.

9. Official guidance & resources

WorkSafe’s Machinery Guidelines and the AS/NZS 4024 series are your primary references. Supplement these with industry‑specific checklists and templates available from WorkSafe and Practicable.

10. Roles & responsibilities

  • PCBUs (Employers): Provide and maintain guards.
  • Supervisors: Enforce correct use and report any faults.
  • Employees: Operate machinery only when guards are in place and report defects immediately.

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Get in Touch

Looking for expert guidance in health, safety, risk, or quality management? Whether you need audits, compliance support, or tailored safety solutions, we are here to help.

Reach out today to discuss your needs and find the right solutions for your business.
📞 022 4544445

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