Safety fences are a safety feature commonly used in robot installations.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on installation
• D. Not required

Answer: (A)

Safeguarding around robot workareas is all about keeping people out of the robot’s hazardous zone. Safety fences provide a physical barrier that defines the safe area, preventing inadvertent entry during operation and making it clear where not to go. They are simple, reliable, and highly effective at reducing the risk of contact with moving parts, pinch points, or unexpected robot movement. Because of their effectiveness and visibility, fences are a common element in many robot installations and are often used in combination with gates and interlocks to control access.

While a risk assessment may show that other safeguards (like light curtains, safety mats, or collaborative-mode protections) are appropriate in some cases, the presence of a guarded perimeter with fences remains a standard and widely adopted practice for protecting workers in robotic environments.