What safety measure is required for undersized shield plates?

The requirement for undersized shield plates to extend a minimum of 4 inches is founded on safety protocols that aim to provide adequate protection and minimize risk during operations. Shield plates are used in various applications, particularly in mechanical and construction settings, to protect workers from potential hazards such as falling debris or other materials.

Extending the shield plate below the specified threshold ensures that it sufficiently covers the area of concern, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. The 4-inch extension serves as a standard measurement that balances practicality with safety, providing an effective barrier without obstructing operations excessively.

While thickness can improve the strength of shield plates, merely making them thicker does not address the coverage issue that the extension aims to resolve. Likewise, extending below ground level or painting for visibility might enhance safety in specific scenarios, but these actions do not replace the fundamental requirement of having adequate coverage for protection against hazards that might arise.