Guidance about guarding

On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs

All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website

Why is guarding important?

If intrinsic safety is not achieved through the design or modification of plant or machinery, engineering controls such as guarding may be required to eliminate exposure to any remaining hazards (e.g. pinch points, moving parts).

Refer to r. 6.2(2f) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 for more details

General guidance

A code of practice is available that has general guidance for employers, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and workers about identifying and controlling safety and health hazards associated with plant or machinery. It also addresses risks associated with guarding, or the lack of guarding.

Related information

Below is the list of documents and links that you may find useful.

Why is design so important to safety (and production)? (2013) - 7684 Kb

This toolbox presentation the consequences of poor design and why design is so important to safety and and production.

MSB No. 096: Conveyor guarding (re-issued) - 135 Kb

Mines Safety Bulletin No. 096: Conveyor guarding (re-issued 30 November 2012)