What is one requirement regarding machines and equipment with moving parts?

• A. They must be guarded.
• B. They must be operated without training.
• C. They must be painted red.
• D. They must be inspected only after an accident.

Answer: (A)

The move-and-risk aspect of machinery demands a guard as the first line of protection. When machines have moving parts, there’s a real chance of contact with the point of operation, rotating components, or other hazard zones. A properly installed guard creates a barrier that prevents workers from reaching into those areas, reducing the risk of serious injuries like cuts, crush injuries, or amputations. Guards should be sturdy, well-maintained, and not easy to bypass, and they should allow safe operation and service when needed.

Relying on training alone doesn’t prevent contact with moving parts, and cosmetic measures like painting don’t reduce the hazard. Waiting to inspect or repair only after an accident is reactive and too late for protection. Guarding is the preventive safeguard that aligns with the right to a safe workplace.