Mechanical Power Presses: *1910.217* Hunter Glazewski

What is a mechanical power press? “A mechanical power press shears, punches, forms, or assembles metal or other materials by means of tools or dies attached to slides or rams. Metalworking occurs by placing stock on a bottom die and striking it with a top die.” In other words, a machine that uses brute force to squash something into a predetermined shape.

What is the point of operation? The area on the press where work is being done on the material that needs to be shaped. Ex: A piece of sheet metal is placed on the press in order to shape it into a car hood.

Safeguarding A Mechanical Press Strategic employee placement Brakes Hand-feeding tools Point of operation guards (barriers) Two-hand controls Presence sensing device Pullout devices

Safe Employee Placement Say two pairs of employees are working with one press. One pair of employees need to load the press with proper hand feeding tools on one side of the press. The other pair needs to unload the press with the proper hand feeding tools when the shaping is done on the opposite side. Employees are separated so they don’t have to reach across point of operation

Two-Hand Controls - 1910.217(b)(6) In order to safely initiate a press, there need to be a “Start button”. In this case, there are start button(s). Each employee using the press must have their own set of right and left buttons, which starts the press when pushed simultaneously. This will keep the employees hands out of the point of operation

Safety Distance from Two-Hand Controls to Point of Operation The safety distance between each two hand control device and the point of operation is distinguished by this formula: *D(s) = 63 inches/second X T(.5)* D(s) refers to the minimum safety distance in inches T(.5) refers to the stopping time of the press measured at approximately 90 deg. position of crankshaft rotation

Presence Sensing Device Similar to motion sensors Stops press’ downward motion if it senses workers presence It will “stop slide motion if the operator's hand or other part of his body is within the sensing field of the device during the downstroke of the press slide”.

Point of Operation Device 1910.217(c)(3) A Point of Operation Device: ----Prevents the operator from inadvertently reaching into the point of operation, or withdrawing his hands if they are inadvertently located in the point of operation, as the dies close. It is the employers responsibility to provide and insure the usage of point of operation guards or devices.

What Happens if There is an Accident? The employer must: Contact nearest OSHA office within 8 hours of a fatality Report all work related inpatient injuries Report amputations Report loss of eye Within 24 hours

Keep Safe! Osha.gov 1910.217 https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/machineguarding/presses/mechanical.html