As manufacturing processes become more automated, machine guarding takes on critical importance.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires one or more methods of machine guarding to protect work-ers from hazards such as rotating parts, nip points, or flying chips and sparks. Examples of guards include barriers, two-hand tripping

devices, and electronic safety devices. Fortunately, companies have a lot of equipment to choose from, whether it be a light curtain, a mechanical guard, pressure-sensitive mat, or some sort of safety switch. The following products are just some of the newest safeguarding devices now on the market.