Appliance guarding safety talk
Guards are designed to protect, not hinder. Machine guards protect against direct contact with moving parts. They are also designed to protect the operator in the event of mechanical or electrical failure.
The type of guard found commonly on kitchen appliances is an interlocking guard:
Interlocking guards do not allow the appliance to operate until the dangerous parts are guarded. For example, the large mixers in commercial kitchens will not “start” until the guard or shield is in place and a microwave will not start until the door is closed.
Here are some key items to remember when using appliances in your workplace that are equipped with guards:
- Never reach into the machine or appliance to remove anything or fix a jam. If this is necessary, first make sure the appliance is completely de-energized (unplugged from an electrical source).
- Do not use an appliance if it has missing parts or is missing its guard
- Be aware of the dangers an appliance can pose if used or operated improperly, or without its protective guard
- Remember, guards are meant to protect the operator. Take time when using kitchen appliances and make sure the guard is in place, even if it takes a little bit longer to get the task done.