Mechanical Power Press Safety
A mechanical power press (MPP) is a machine that uses dies and pressure to shear, punch, form, and assemble metal or other material. They can develop up to several thousand tons of pressure, and the area where they perform work – the “point of operation” – poses a serious pinch point hazard. They also contain rotating component and in-running nip point hazards. The primary and secondary safeguards that are used on MPPs depend on several things. All safeguards must be inspected and tested on a regular basis to make sure that they function correctly and meet all current safety standards.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
Identify and describe the main components of a mechanical power press (MPP) Describe the operation of a MPP Describe the main difference between a full revolution press and a part revolution press Describe the operating modes for MPPs, including Off, Single Stroke, Continuous, Inch, and Jog Describe primary safeguards that can be used on a MPP, including guards, gates, two-hand controls/trips, and presence-sensing devices List secondary safeguards and complementary equipment that can be used on MPPs Describe inspection and recordkeeping requirements for MPPs
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “point of operation” on a mechanical power press?
What types of “work” can a power press perform?
When would the “Inch” drive mode be used?
When would the “Jog” drive mode be used?
Why are presence-sensing devices only used on part revolution presses?
Sample Video Transcript
Another way to keep an operator’s hands out of the point of operation is to use two-hand devices. Two-hand controls can be used on part revolution presses. These require the operator to depress two separate buttons continuously during the downstroke. If either button is released, the clutch will disengage and the press will stop. Two-hand controls should be designed to prevent accidental activation. Foot controls can also be used on part revolution presses, but they are not considered primary safeguards because their design doesn’t keep the operator’s hands out of the point of operation.
Additional Resources
OSHA – Mechanical Power Presses
29 CFR 1910.217 Mechanical Power Press Machine Guarding
DSH – Mechanical Power Press Manual
Hazards Associated with the “Unintended (Double) Cycling” of Mechanical Power Presses
OSHA – Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations
