As with all safety systems, it is important to address operator defeat of the safeguard. Two-hand control systems typically increases the machine cycle and operator inaction time. This results in a greater impulse to “beat the system” to increase productivity.

Functions like anti-tie down, the stop command and hand control installation distance help minimize defeat. Mechanical guards such as shield or covers can be used to help prevent false actuation.

Two-hand controls are described and ranked by their Type which gives an indication of their functional characteristics. Only Type III two-hand controls are used in the US.