Safety

Canada: IRSST Releases Machine Safety Guide

Feb. 17, 2009

A new guide published by the Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) describes methods for eliminating mechanical hazards at the source and using fixed guards as a protective measure.

Laura Walter

According to IRSST, the risk reduction or distance protection principles presented in the guide, “Machine Safety: Prevention of Mechanical Hazards,” are appropriate for the majority of machines. The 70-page guide is divided into sections covering risk management, guards, protection against crushing hazards, safeguarding by distance and protection of running nips.

IRSST noted that while the guide covers some of the currently known protection principles, it is not an exhaustive collection of solutions. The organization also cautioned that before applying the guide’s generic proposed solutions for conveyors, metal presses, drills and rubber machines, users must consult Quebec regulations and standards relating to these machines.

The guide may be downloaded at http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RG-597.pdf.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.