Which type of device is designed for safeguarding at the point of operation?

Presence-sensing devices are specifically created to enhance safety at the point of operation by detecting the presence of a person or an object within a hazardous area, often stopping or controlling machinery to prevent injury. These devices utilize different technologies, such as light curtains or safety mats, to create a protective barrier that automatically responds when someone enters the danger zone.

Their primary purpose is to ensure that hazardous equipment does not operate when an individual is in the area, providing immediate feedback to the machine's control system, thereby safeguarding operators and personnel. This proactive approach is essential in environments where machinery operates at high speeds or poses significant risks, underscoring the crucial role of presence-sensing devices in maintaining a safe workplace.

While isolation switches, emergency stops, and control panels also contribute to workplace safety, they do not directly focus on the specific safeguarding needs at the point of operation in the same manner that presence-sensing devices do. Isolation switches are commonly used for turning off equipment, emergency stops provide a last-resort shutdown option, and control panels allow for operation management, but they don't inherently prevent access to or interaction with the machine while it is running.