Machine Guarding Compliance: Protecting Workers & Meeting Ontario Standards

Machine guarding compliance is essential to prevent workplace injuries and ensure legal safety standards are met in Ontario. Without proper guarding, workers are exposed to serious hazards such as cuts, crushing, entanglement, and even amputation. To prevent these accidents, employers must comply with Ontario Regulation 851 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related standards like CSA Z432-2023.

HITE Engineering helps businesses identify guarding gaps and achieve full compliance through professional assessments, safety audits, and engineering solutions.

Learn more about our machine guarding services.

Key Compliance Requirements for Machine Guarding

1. Guarding Hazardous Motion

✅ Point-of-Operation Guarding – Machines must be equipped with barriers or devices that prevent contact with moving parts, including blades, rollers, and clamping tools.
✅ CSA Z432-2023 – Specifies technical requirements for guards and protective devices, including distance, strength, and installation standards.
✅ Risk of Entanglement or Pinch Points – Exposed shafts, belts, and gears must be fully enclosed to prevent entanglement injuries.

Review CSA Z432 guarding standards.

2. Lockout & Hazardous Energy Control

✅ CSA Z460-20 Compliant LOTO Procedures – Lockout/tagout procedures must be documented, accessible, and regularly enforced.
✅ Isolation Devices – Machines must be fitted with devices to physically isolate energy sources during maintenance.
✅ Employee Training – Workers must be trained on identifying energy sources and performing safe lockout.

Explore CSA Z460 requirements for hazardous energy control.

3. Safety Systems & Emergency Stops

✅ Emergency Stop Devices – All machines must have clearly accessible and functional e-stops per ISO 13850.
✅ Safety-Rated Controls – Two-hand controls, interlock switches, and light curtains must meet ISO 13849-1 for reliability and risk reduction.
✅ Regular Testing & Maintenance – Safety components must be routinely tested to ensure functionality.

Read about risk assessment for control systems.

4. Documentation & Compliance Reporting

✅ Engineering Evaluation – A formal compliance report must be completed by a licensed Professional Engineer.
✅ Photographic Evidence & Action Items – Visual documentation supports correction planning and audit readiness.
✅ Ontario Regulation 851 Compliance – Sections 24-44.2 outline specific legal obligations for machine safeguarding.

View Ontario Regulation 851.

Industries Affected by Guarding Regulations

HITE Engineering supports safety compliance across multiple sectors using automated and manual equipment:

🏭 Manufacturing & Assembly Lines – Safeguarding of presses, conveyors, robotics, and CNC equipment.
⚙️ Metal & Plastics Processing – Guarding for mills, lathes, injection molders, and grinders.
📦 Packaging & Logistics – Risk reduction for palletizers, conveyors, and wrapping systems.
🔧 Maintenance & Tooling Shops – Lockout/tagout implementation for varied tool sets.

Explore our PHSR and compliance services.

HITE Engineering’s Expertise in Machine Guarding

As a trusted Ontario-based safety engineering firm, HITE provides:

✔ Machine Guarding Assessments – Evaluations based on CSA and OHSA requirements.
✔ Risk Assessments – Identification of guarding deficiencies and operational hazards.
✔ Compliance Reports – Sealed reports by licensed engineers, supporting due diligence.
✔ Design Reviews & Support – Engineering input on custom guards, interlocks, and retrofits.

Discover how we can support your safety goals.

Avoid Penalties & Protect Your Workforce

🚨 Workplace Injuries – Improper guarding leads to amputations, lacerations, and legal liability.
⚠ Regulatory Non-Compliance – Failing to meet OHSA and CSA standards can trigger orders and fines.
🛑 Operational Disruptions – Inspections or injuries can shut down operations and impact productivity.

HITE Engineering helps businesses stay compliant with expert assessments and engineering guidance.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a compliance assessment for your facility.