Machine Guarding Regulations in Ontario

Welcome to SAFE Engineering Inc., your trusted partner in safety compliance and guarding solutions for manufacturing operations in Ontario. As a prominent Canadian safety compliance systems integration company, we specialize in providing complete protection through consulting, risk management, design integration, project management, and turnkey equipment retrofit services.

Enhancing Workplace Safety with Machine Risk Ratings

By recognizing the importance of machine risk ratings, companies can enhance workplace safety, protect their employees, and safeguard equipment.

Machine risk ratings are necessary to conduct proper machine guarding assessment in order to safeguard the worker
Implementing appropriate machine guarding systems based on risk minimizes accidents and injuries
Effective and compliant machine guarding ensures compliance with safety regulations
Investing in machine guarding assessment fosters a safer work environment and prevents costly incidents

Complying with Machine Guarding Regulations

To maintain a safe working environment and meet legal obligations, it is essential to adhere to machine-guarding regulations in Ontario. Organizations must comply with specific requirements and guidelines set by regulatory bodies such as OHSA (Ontario Health and Safety Act and Regulations) Failure to comply can result in severe penalties and, more importantly, endanger the lives of employees.

The following sections under Ontario Regulation 851, Industrial Establishments apply:

Section 7, PSHR
Section 24: Where a machine has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part.
Section 25: An in-running nip hazard or any part of a machine, that may endanger the safety of any worker shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the pinch point.
Section 26: A machine shall be shielded or guarded so that the product, material being processed or waste stock will not endanger the safety of any worker.

Our Expertise in Industrial Machine Safety Standards

At SAFE Engineering Inc., we have a team of highly skilled engineers specializing in mechanical, electrical, structural, fire & explosion protection, building code, and project management. Their expertise allows us to provide comprehensive consulting services to our clients, including PHSR, plant audits, and systems design for both new and existing equipment.

Whether you are located in Toronto, the GTA, or elsewhere in Ontario, we offer expert machine guarding services to meet your needs.

Comprehensive Compliance & Machine Guarding Assessments

When you choose SAFE Engineering Inc., you can expect a streamlined process that ensures comprehensive compliance with machine guarding standards. Our approach involves the following steps:

Initial Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of your facility, machinery, and existing safety measures to identify areas that require improvement.
Design Integration: Our team collaborates with you to develop customized machine guarding systems that seamlessly integrate with your equipment and workflows.
Risk Management: We identify potential hazards and apply a structured methodology to mitigate risk through effective machine guarding guidelines.

Why Choose SAFE Engineering Inc. for Machine Guarding Services?

Expertise: Our team comprises experienced engineers with diverse backgrounds, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety compliance.
Turnkey Solutions: We offer turnkey equipment retrofit services, providing end-to-end support from concept to completion.
Local Support: As a Toronto-based provider, we understand the unique demands of machine guarding regulations and enforcement in Toronto.
Full Compliance: Our systems meet all required machine guarding requirements, protecting workers and minimizing legal risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the machine guarding requirements under OHSA in Ontario?

Under OHSA machine guarding regulations, all machinery with exposed moving parts must have protective guards to prevent worker contact. Sections 24, 25, and 26 of Ontario Regulation 851 outline these machine guarding requirements, ensuring workers are protected from nip hazards, pinch points, and material ejection.

What is a machine guarding assessment, and why is it important?

A machine guarding assessment evaluates your machinery to identify potential hazards and non-compliance with machine guarding standards. It is crucial to ensure worker safety, avoid OHSA violations, and support safe equipment operation in compliance with industrial machine safety standards.

What does machine risk rating mean in industrial safety?

Machine risk ratings classify equipment based on the level of danger it poses to workers. These ratings help determine the type and level of guarding required under machine guarding regulations in Ontario and guide risk reduction efforts through effective control measures.

Are machine guarding regulations different in Ontario compared to other provinces?

Yes. Machine guarding regulations in Ontario are governed by OHSA and its associated codes, which may differ slightly from those in other provinces. It’s critical to consult local guidelines and work with professionals familiar with machine guarding, Toronto, or Ontario-specific standards.

What types of systems are included in industrial machine guarding?

Industrial machine guarding systems include fixed guards, interlocked guards, light curtains, pressure-sensitive mats, and barrier devices. These machine guarding systems are designed based on hazard assessments and ensure compliance with both OHSA and CSA standards.

How do machine guarding services help manufacturers stay compliant?

Professional machine guarding services offer end-to-end support—from machine guarding assessments to design, installation, and regulatory approval. This ensures full electrical and machine code compliance, reduces liability, and helps manufacturers meet safety inspection standards.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with machine guarding regulations in Ontario?

Non-compliance with machine guarding OHSA standards can result in fines, stop-work orders, or prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. More importantly, a lack of compliance exposes workers to preventable injury risks, increasing liability for the employer.