Machine Guarding for Used Recycling Equipment: Why It Matters More Than Ever

When it comes to operating recycling equipment—especially used or reconditioned machinerysafety should never take a back seat. One of the most critical safety components in any recycling operation is proper machine guarding. Whether you're running a vertical baler, shredder, conveyor, or horizontal baler, ensuring guards are in place and functioning correctly is essential for protecting your employees and keeping your facility compliant.

What Is Machine Guarding?

Machine guarding refers to physical barriers or protective devices that shield workers from dangerous moving parts, pinch points, electrical components, or flying debris. Guards can be fixed, interlocked, adjustable, or self-adjusting, and they are designed to prevent contact while allowing safe and efficient machine operation.

In recycling operations, where equipment often processes bulky or unpredictable materials, the risk of injury is high without proper safeguarding.

Why It’s Especially Important for Used Recycling Equipment

Used and reconditioned recycling equipment offers great value—but also demands careful inspection to ensure all safety systems, including guards, meet current standards. Over time, guards can be removed, damaged, or improperly replaced, putting workers at risk.

Here are some reasons machine guarding is especially important for used equipment:

  • Outdated or missing safety components: Older machines may lack modern guarding features.
  • Previous modifications: Equipment may have been altered for production needs, compromising safety.
  • Wear and tear: Hinges, fasteners, and interlock systems may degrade over time.

Common Machine Guarding Areas in Recycling Equipment

  • Baler rams and loading hoppers
  • Hydraulic systems and cylinders
  • Drive chains, pulleys, and belts
  • Electrical panels and control systems
  • Conveyor pinch points and infeed areas
  • Shredder blades and discharge zones

OSHA Compliance and Liability

Machine guarding isn't just best practice—it’s the law. OSHA requires that all machinery be properly guarded to protect workers from injury. Failing to install or maintain proper guards can result in citations, fines, equipment downtime, and liability issues in the event of an incident.

Before putting any used machine into service, it’s essential to:

✅ Inspect all guarding components

✅ Verify proper installation and secure mounting

✅ Test interlocks and emergency stop functions

✅ Train employees on safe operation and hazard awareness

How BRT Supports Safe Equipment Use

At Black River Trading, we inspect and service all used and reconditioned recycling equipment to ensure it meets modern safety expectations. If guarding is missing, damaged, or outdated, we work with you to repair or retrofit it correctly.

Whether you're purchasing a rebuilt baler or updating your current machinery, we’ll help you operate safely and confidently—because protecting your team is just as important as processing materials efficiently.



Need Help with Machine Guarding or Equipment Safety?

📞 Call Black River Trading at (855) 278-1979 or 📧 Email us at info@brtequipment.com to schedule a safety inspection or request a reconditioned unit that meets your needs.

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machine-guarding-audit-form.pdf