What type of safeguarding restricts access to a machine with a locked fence?

The correct choice is fencing, which refers to a physical barrier designed to restrict access to a machine or hazardous area. Fencing offers a robust solution for safeguarding, establishing a perimeter around the machine that can prevent unauthorized or accidental entry. When combined with security measures such as locks, fencing becomes a powerful tool in ensuring that the area remains off-limits during operation or maintenance, thereby significantly reducing the risk of injury.

In the context of machine safety, fencing is an important component of safety design strategies that engineers and safety professionals utilize to protect workers and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Effective fencing must be appropriately designed and installed to withstand potential hazards and be visible to ensure personnel are aware of the restricted area.

While other safety measures like enclosure, barrier guards, and safety netting also play important roles in safety practices, fencing specifically involves creating a physical barrier to limit access to hazardous zones. Enclosure typically involves covering or surrounding machinery completely, barrier guards may be movable or fixed elements designed to block access to specific parts of equipment, and safety netting is generally used for fall protection rather than access restriction.