Definition

Noun: A piece of equipment or a mechanism specifically created and installed to protect people from harm, injury, or to prevent accidents from occurring.

Usage

A "safety device" is a functional object whose primary purpose is risk mitigation. It is often a required or standard component in machinery, vehicles, buildings, and electrical systems to ensure safe operation and compliance with regulations.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory installed new safety devices on all the presses to protect workers' hands.
  • A car's airbag is a critical safety device that deploys during a collision.
  • Always check that the safety device on the power tool is engaged before use.

Advanced Usage

• "to be fitted with a safety device": to be equipped with protective equipment.
  • The new model of the appliance is fitted with an improved safety device.
• "to bypass/disable a safety device": to circumvent or turn off a protective mechanism (often warning against this action).
  • It is extremely dangerous to bypass the safety device on industrial equipment.

Variants and Related Words

• Safety feature (n): A design aspect or component that enhances safety. (Often used interchangeably with "safety device," though a "feature" can be a broader design concept).
  • Anti-lock brakes are an important safety feature in modern cars.
• Safety mechanism (n): A system of parts that operates as a safety device.
  • The elevator has a redundant safety mechanism to prevent falls.
• Guard (n): A physical barrier that is a type of safety device.
  • The metal guard over the saw blade is a necessary safety device.

Synonyms

• Protective device: An apparatus that provides protection.
• Safety guard: A device that acts as a protective barrier.

Related Phrases

• Fail-safe device: A safety device designed to default to a safe state in the event of a failure.
  • The nuclear reactor's control rods act as a fail-safe device.
• Safety cut-off / cut-out: A safety device that automatically stops operation (e.g., of power or machinery).
  • The kettle has a safety cut-off that switches it off when it boils dry.

Noun

1. a device designed to prevent injury or accidents