Risk assessment and risk reduction
Define machine limits, foreseeable tasks and hazards before the guard layout is selected.
Open the risk assessment guide →AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS HUB
AS/NZS 4024 machine guarding standards
A practical route through the machinery-safety standards engineers, safety teams and operators commonly use to shape risk assessments, guards, access and protective functions.
THE AS/NZS 4024 LIBRARY
Six standards. Six distinct project questions.
Each guide has one clear search purpose and one clear place in the design process. Start with risk assessment, then follow the physical-guard, access and protective-function topics relevant to the machine.
Fixed and movable guards
Plan the physical boundary, guard type, construction, mounting and use over the machine lifecycle.
Open the guard design guide →Guard interlocking devices
Connect movable-guard access to machine stopping behaviour and safety-related controls.
Open the interlocking guide →Prevention of unexpected start-up
Plan interventions around hazardous energy, isolation and a clearly defined safe state.
Open the start-up prevention guide →Emergency-stop design
Understand the emergency-stop function as a complementary measure within the wider safety strategy.
Open the emergency-stop guide →Machine guarding safety distances
Coordinate hazard position, guard height, openings and offset so the danger zone cannot be reached.
Open the safety-distance guide →HOW THE PIECES FIT
From risk to a guard system people can actually use
The series works as a connected design conversation. A risk assessment frames the problem; guard and distance standards shape the physical boundary; interlocking and start-up prevention shape safe access; emergency stop supports intervention when an emergency develops.
Understand
Machine limits, tasks, hazards and people.
Separate
Guard type, coverage, openings and distance.
Control access
Doors, interlocks, stopping and safe intervention.
Verify
Installation, function, usability and ongoing condition.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Useful technical guidance—not a one-line compliance claim
In Australia, WHS/OHS duties and the legal effect of Codes or referenced standards depend on the jurisdiction. In New Zealand, HSWA duties and WorkSafe guidance provide the legal and practical context. The right design uses the current authorised standards, local regulator guidance and a machine-specific assessment.
Australia
Safe Work Australia’s model Code gives practical plant-guarding guidance and lists the AS 4024 series as an example technical standard. Check whether and how the Code operates in the relevant state or territory.
New Zealand
WorkSafe New Zealand guidance points duty holders to the joint or Australian AS/NZS 4024 machinery-safety series while keeping the workplace risk and HSWA duties in view.
Every project
Confirm the current edition, machinery-specific standards, workplace conditions and competency required. A standard number on a drawing does not replace design verification.
Primary public references used for this hub
Safe Work Australia: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace. WorkSafe New Zealand: Safe use of machinery and machine lockout guidance. Standards Australia: AS 4024 manufacturing overview.
STARTING POINTS
Common questions about AS/NZS 4024
Which AS/NZS 4024 standard should I start with?
Start with the risk-assessment and risk-reduction framework in AS/NZS 4024.1201. Then use the specific guard, interlocking, start-up, emergency-stop and safety-distance parts relevant to the machine.
Does AS/NZS 4024 make a machine automatically compliant?
No. Conformity is not established by citing a standard number. The machine, use, hazards, jurisdiction, design, installation and verification all matter.
Are Australian Standards legally mandatory?
A standard is not automatically law simply because it exists. Its legal relevance can change where legislation, regulations, Codes, contracts or regulator expectations reference it. Confirm the position for the specific jurisdiction and project.
Can Machine Guards Direct certify a machine?
We can help develop and supply a practical modular guarding concept. Project risk assessment, safety-related controls, validation, legal compliance and certification remain with the appropriately competent parties engaged for the machine.
Bring us the machine. We’ll help shape the perimeter.
Send a layout, photographs or rough dimensions and explain how people need to operate, clean and maintain the equipment.
Request a guarding quoteCommercial information only. This hub is not legal, engineering or certification advice and does not reproduce controlled standards content.
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