Discuss adjustable guards and cite references.

Adjustable guards are safety devices that can be customized to fit a variety of machinery and equipment. These guards can be adjusted in terms of height, width, and angle to provide the necessary protection for workers while still allowing for easy access to the machine for maintenance and operation.

One of the key benefits of adjustable guards is their versatility. They can be easily adapted to different types of machinery and equipment, making them a cost-effective solution for companies with a variety of machines in their facility. Additionally, adjustable guards can be quickly repositioned or removed altogether if needed, providing flexibility in the workplace.

Adjustable guards are also designed to meet safety standards and regulations set forth by organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute). By using adjustable guards that comply with these standards, companies can ensure the safety of their workers and avoid costly fines and penalties.

In a study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), researchers found that adjustable guards were effective in reducing the risk of injuries in the workplace. The study concluded that adjustable guards were able to provide adequate protection for workers while still allowing for efficient operation of machinery.

Overall, adjustable guards are a practical and effective solution for ensuring worker safety in industrial settings. By providing customizable protection for machinery and equipment, adjustable guards can help companies create a safe and productive work environment.

Reference:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2009). Best Practices for Machine Guarding. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-135/pdfs/2009-135.pdf

Adjustable Guards

Adjustable guards are protective devices that can be modified to fit the specific dimensions and shape of a machine or workpiece. They are designed to prevent contact with hazardous areas and reduce the risk of injury. Adjustable guards offer flexibility and adaptability to accommodate different machine configurations and varying working conditions.

Types of Adjustable Guards:

- Sliding Guards: These guards can be moved along a track or rail to adjust the height, width, or depth of the protected area.
- Folding Guards: These guards can be folded out of the way when access is needed to the machine or workpiece and then folded back into place for protection.
- Interlocking Guards: These guards are designed to prevent access to the hazardous area until the machine is in a safe state. They require a specific sequence of actions to unlock or remove the guard.
- Adjustable Curtains and Screens: These guards are made of flexible materials, such as vinyl or fabric, that can be draped over or attached to the machine to provide protection.

Benefits of Adjustable Guards:

- Increased safety by preventing contact with hazardous areas
- Adaptability to different machine configurations
- Reduced downtime due to easy adjustment and maintenance
- Improved ergonomics by allowing for comfortable and efficient operation

References:

- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): [Machine Guarding](https://www.osha.gov/machine-guarding)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI): [ANSI B11.19: Safety Requirements for Machine Guarding](https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/ANSI/ANSI%20B11192010)
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): [Machine Guarding](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/machguarding/default.html)