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.

Machine Guarding: Essential Safety Measures for the Workplace

 

 

Machine guarding is a critical aspect of workplace safety, designed to protect employees from the potential hazards posed by moving machinery parts. These hazards can lead to serious injuries, including amputations, crushing, or entanglement. Proper machine guarding ensures that workers are kept at a safe distance from dangerous machinery and moving parts.

What is Meant by Machine Guarding?

Machine guarding refers to the use of physical barriers or safety devices that prevent workers from coming into contact with dangerous machine components. These safeguards are designed to reduce the risk of accidents, such as being caught in moving parts, flying debris, or rotating machinery. The goal is to minimize the chance of injuries while allowing machines to operate efficiently. Guarding can include barriers, enclosures, interlocks, or automatic shut-off devices, depending on the machine and its risks.

What Are the Five Types of Machine Safeguards?

There are five primary types of safeguards commonly used to protect workers from machinery hazards:

  1. Fixed Guards: These are permanent barriers that are securely attached to the machine. They do not move and are designed to protect workers from moving parts. Fixed guards are most commonly used on machines where the danger zone is constant and predictable.
  2. Interlocked Guards: Interlocked guards are safety devices that automatically shut off or disable the machine when the guard is opened or removed. These guards are ideal for machines that require frequent maintenance or setup and are used to ensure that the machine cannot operate while the guard is disengaged.
  3. Adjustable Guards: These guards can be adjusted to fit different sizes of workpieces. Adjustable guards are used when machines need to accommodate varying materials or objects while still providing protection to the worker.
  4. Self-Adjusting Guards: These guards automatically adjust to the size of the workpiece, providing continuous protection during the operation. Self-adjusting guards are typically used on machines that process materials of different sizes or shapes.
  5. Presence-Sensing Devices: These devices use sensors to detect the presence of a worker in a dangerous zone. If a worker enters the danger zone, the machine will automatically stop or prevent operation. These are commonly found in automated or high-speed machinery.

What is Machinery Protection?

Machinery protection refers to the broader set of safety measures that prevent accidents and injuries related to machinery. This can include machine guarding as well as other risk management strategies such as proper training, routine maintenance, and hazard assessments. Machinery protection focuses on both physical safety measures (such as guards) and procedural practices (such as lockout/tagout procedures) that work together to create a safe working environment.

By implementing proper machinery protection practices, businesses can reduce workplace injuries and comply with safety regulations. Ensuring that machines are guarded and workers are trained in machine safety helps minimize downtime, enhance productivity, and most importantly, protect the well-being of employees.

 

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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