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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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
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 29 CFR 1910.147 Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) 29 CFR 1910.212 General Requirements For All Machines 29 CFR 1910.217 Mechanical Power Press Machine Guarding 29 CFR 1910.219 MPTA ANSI B11.1 – 2009 Best Safety Practices For Mechanical Power Presses ANSI B11.19 Performance criteria for safeguarding |
Key Questions
What is the “point of operation” on a mechanical power press?
It is the area where metal or other stock material (such as paper or plastic) is positioned and where work is performed.
What types of “work” can a power press perform?
The “work” can include shearing, punching, forming, and/or assembling.
When would the “Inch” drive mode be used?
In this mode, used only on part revolution presses, the clutch “inches” the slide along its path in fixed increments for maintenance and die setup activities.
When would the “Jog” drive mode be used?
“Jog” mode is used on some full revolution presses during maintenance and setup activities to move the slide intermittently by briefly operating the drive motor.
Why are presence-sensing devices only used on part revolution presses?
Presence-sensing devices prevent presses from starting or running, but because full revolution presses cannot be stopped mid-cycle, these devices do not offer them much protection.
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.
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