Practical safeguards. The best method should, ideally, be chosen by the designer as early in the life of the machine as possible. It is often found that safeguards which are ‘bolted on’ instead of ‘built in’ are not only less effective in reducing risk, but are also more likely to inhibit the normal operation of the machine. In addition, they may in themselves create hazards and are likely to be difficult and hence expensive to maintain. Fixed guards Fixed guards have the advantage of being simple, always in position, difficult to remove and almost maintenance free. Their disadvantage is that they do not always properly prevent access; they are often left off by maintenance staff and can create difficulties for the operation of the machine. A fixed guard has no moving parts and should, by its design, prevent access to the dangerous parts of the machinery. It must be of robust construction and sufficient to withstand the stresses of the process and env...