In addition to physical barriers, what other protective measures can be used?

The choice of safety devices like emergency stop buttons and presence-sensing devices as a protective measure alongside physical barriers is critical because these devices provide an additional layer of safety through active monitoring and immediate response capabilities. Emergency stop buttons allow operators or nearby personnel to quickly shut down machinery in case of an emergency, minimizing the risk of injury. Presence-sensing devices, such as light curtains or pressure mats, detect when a person is too close to moving parts of the machinery and can automatically halt operation to prevent accidents.

This approach enhances the overall safety system of a machine by not solely relying on physical barriers, which could potentially be circumvented or bypassed. Combining these active safety devices with physical safeguards ensures a more comprehensive risk management strategy. Therefore, this choice emphasizes the importance of integrating various types of protective measures to ensure the utmost safety for operators and nearby workers.