Why should machine guard interlocks be “tamper resistant?
Safety professionals recognize that, in many factories, workers often override or bypass safeguards intended to protect them from injury. Reported motivation includes real or perceived inconvenience, production incentives, familiarity with the equipment, or simply the challenge presented by the presence of the safeguard to be defeated. Consequently, manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the need for, and their obligation to provide, safety interlocks which are not easily defeated/bypassed by the operator or maintenance personnel Additionally, safety standards-making groups encourage use of interlocks, which are not easily defeated using simple, readily-available means (such as a paper clip, tape, rubber band, piece of rope, screwdriver, etc.). For example, the National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) B11.19 1990, Reference Standard for Safeguarding Machine Tools specifically requires: Barrier guards that protect against unauthorized adjustment or circumvention. Interlock devices that
