Abstract: A cut-out device, particularly applicable to mining machines, especially gate end machines where the close proximity to personnel in confined spaces gives rise to risk of injury of a very serious nature and even death, comprises a housing associated with a switch or valve and a plunger mounted in the housing in such a manner that movement in any direction of a push-rod projecting from the housing results in movement of the plunger to operate the switch or valve to stop operation of the machine, and two such cut-out devices spaced along one side of a machine may have a trip bar connecting their push-rods so as to widen the extent of protection.