Safeguarding of machinery

1.1 General
This Standard applies to the protection of workers from the hazards arising from the use of mobile or 
stationary machinery. It provides the criteria to be observed and the description, selection, and 
application of guards and protective devices. Where a current CSA Standard exists for a specific type of 
machinery (e.g., CSA B167, CAN/CSA-B354.2, CSA M424.1, CSA Z142, CAN/CSA-Z248, and  
CAN/CSA-Z434), it is to be used in conjunction with this Standard to provide the most effective 
protection.
Note: This Standard is intended to be applied to newly manufactured and newly installed machinery as of the 
publication date of this Standard. The aim of this Standard is to promote a high standard of machinery safety 
during use. 
This Standard describes and illustrates a variety of protective measures and explains methods by which it is 
possible to assess which measure(s) it is reasonable to adopt in particular circumstances. As a minimum it will, 
however, be necessary to consult specific legislation in applying the principles set down. Although reference is 
made to specific types of machines, specific recommendations are not given for every type of machine. This 
Standard applies to rebuilt or redeployed machinery. The Standard can be used for enhancing the safety of existing 
machinery.
1.2 Exclusions
This Standard does not apply to portable hand tools.
1.3 Purpose
This Standard is intended for those who design, build, modify, install, use, operate, or maintain 
machinery, machinery guarding, or protective devices. It is also intended to be used by those concerned 
with information for use of the machinery and the development and implementation of instructions, 
and training and the effective implementation of administrative controls.
1.4 Interaction with other standards
Machinery safeguarding is not performed in isolation from other protective measures. Typically, 
industrial machinery is installed in workplaces where other associated activities take place (e.g., 
movement of materials, cables, pipes, and hoses supplying energy, gases, and liquids, and workers on 
foot and operating vehicles). Other machinery and work environment standards applicable to any place 
where this Standard is being implemented should therefore be reviewed.
1.5 Terminology
In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to 
satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that 
which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible 
within the limits of the Standard.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a 
note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as 
requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their 
application.

1.6 Measurements
The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in 
parentheses are for information and comparison only.