Presses, Brakes & Potential Safeguards

Presses

Presses are used for many tasks, such as punching and shearing, and include a reciprocating arm that moves back and forth, perpendicular to the stock. Presses are involved in around three-fifths of work-related amputations, so it is very important to properly guard and operate these devices. There are four categories of presses, and there are also mechanical press brakes, each with their own set of hazards and safeguards, as follows:

Mechanical Power Presses

A mechanical power press performs a variety of actions such as shearing and punching by utilizing tools that are attached to sliding parts called rams.

• Point of Operation
  • Hazard (Mechanical Full Revolution): A forceful reciprocating press slide impacts stock at high speeds.
  • Potential Safeguards (Mechanical Full Revolution): The use of a barrier guard, a two-hand trip, pullbacks, restraints, and/or gates can keep a worker's body parts out of the danger zone while the press is operating.
  • Hazard (Mechanical Part Revolution): A forceful reciprocating press slide controlled with an air clutch and brake impacts stock at high speeds.
  • Potential Safeguards (Mechanical Part Revolution): The use of barrier guards, presence-sensing devices, two-hand controls, a foot control, pullbacks, restraints, and/or gates can keep a worker's body parts out of the danger zone while the press is operating.

To learn more about Machine Guarding visit our Machine Guarding Safety Online Training web page.