The Hidden Risk: Tampering with Safety Functions on Mobile Guards and How to Prevent It

In industrial environments, safety is not optional—it’s a critical necessity. Yet, despite rigorous safety regulations, one of the most common causes of industrial accidents remains the tampering of safety functions on mobile guards. When workers or maintenance personnel bypass interlocking devices to speed up processes or troubleshoot equipment, they unknowingly expose themselves to life-threatening hazards.

The third edition of ISO 14119, published in September 2024, reinforces the need to prevent circumvention of safety interlocks. Compliance with this standard is not just about meeting regulations—it’s about safeguarding lives and ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Why Do Workers Tamper with Safety Functions-

Understanding why tampering occurs is the first step toward preventing it. Common reasons include:

- Production Pressure – When machine stoppages slow down output, workers might feel compelled to bypass safety devices to maintain efficiency.
- Lack of Awareness – Some employees do not fully understand the risks associated with defeating safety functions.
- Inconvenient Design – If safety devices make operations cumbersome, there’s a higher likelihood that workers will try to work around them.
- Poorly Installed or Maintained Devices – If interlocking systems fail frequently, workers may see bypassing them as a temporary "fix."

ISO 14119 recognizes these challenges and mandates specific design principles to minimize the risk of tampering.

How Pizzato Interlocking Devices Ensure Compliance and Safety

When it comes to meeting ISO 14119 standards, not all interlocking devices are created equal. Pizzato’s interlocking solutions, designed specifically for guard applications, provide robust safety measures that directly address the core principles of the standard:

✅ Highly Coded Interlocking Devices – Prevents easy manipulation with common tools or simple techniques.
✅ Integrated Guard Locking – Ensures that the machine only operates when all guards are securely closed and cannot be defeated easily.
✅ Tamper-Resistant Actuation – Reduces the risk of workers using unauthorized actuators to override the system.
✅ Diagnostics & Monitoring – Advanced interlocks provide real-time status feedback, allowing safety personnel to detect and prevent tampering before an incident occurs.

The Role of ISO 14119 in Preventing Safety Breaches

The latest ISO 14119 edition emphasizes:
- Proper selection of interlocking devices for each type of guard and application.
- Implementation of measures to prevent bypassing, such as mechanical coding and RFID technology.
- Secure installation that eliminates gaps for potential manipulation.

By integrating Pizzato’s safety solutions, manufacturers can align their operations with ISO 14119’s best practices, significantly reducing the risks associated with tampering and improving overall workplace safety.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Safety Through Smart Engineering

Tampering with safety functions on mobile guards is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. The best way to combat this challenge is to eliminate the need and opportunity for circumvention through proper safety design, worker education, and compliant interlocking solutions.

Pizzato’s advanced interlocking technology ensures that your machinery not only meets ISO 14119 standards but also provides the highest level of protection for workers. Investing in the right safety solutions today means preventing catastrophic accidents tomorrow.

Is your facility ready for ISO 14119 compliance- Register for the Pizzato introduction to ISO 14119 webinar on February 18, 2025 to learn more or contact us today to discuss how Pizzato can help enhance your safety framework.