What should be done if a machine guard is found to be defective?

If a machine guard is found to be defective, it is essential to take the machine out of service until the guard is repaired or replaced. This is crucial for maintaining workplace safety, as machine guards are specifically designed to protect operators and other employees from hazards associated with the moving parts of machinery.

A defective guard can result in exposure to serious risks, including injuries from entanglement, contact with moving components, or other mechanical failures. Continuously operating the machine without a functional guard disregards safety standards and can lead to accidents that might cause significant harm.

Taking the machine out of service ensures that no one can operate it until it is safe to do so, thus reinforcing the importance of machine guards as a critical line of defense in workplace safety. Proper maintenance and prompt repair or replacement of faulty guards are vital practices that uphold worker safety and prevent workplace injuries.