A new guide published by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) discusses the prevention of injuries from mechanical hazards. It describes methods for eliminating these hazards at source and ways to protect against them by using fixed guards.

The risk reduction or distance protection principles presented in the guide are appropriate for the majority of machines. However, before applying the generic solutions proposed in this guide for conveyors, metal presses, drills and rubber machines, it is necessary to consult your provincial regulations and standards relating to these machines.

The guide covers many of the currently recognized protection principles; however, IRSST cautions that it is not an exhaustive collection of solutions.