Mechanical Power Press
A press is a mechanically powered machine that shears, punches, forms or assembles metal or other material by means of cutting, shaping or combination dies attached to slides. A slide is the main reciprocating press member and is also called a ram, plunger, or platen.
Mechanical Power Press
What is the difference between a mechanical power press and a press brake?
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.
A press brake is a machine tool for bending sheet and plate material, most commonly, sheet metal.
What is a presence sensing device?
A presence sensing device is a device designed, constructed and arranged to create a sensing field or area that signals the clutch/brake control to deactivate the clutch and activate the brake of a press when any part of the operator's body or a hand tool is within such field or area.
What are the hazards associated with mechanical power presses?
Workers operating presses without proper safeguards can suffer crushed bones, amputations and even fatalities. Typical point of operation safeguards for presses include the following:
- Barrier guards
- Presence sensing devices
- Two-hand controls
- Foot controls
- Restraints
- Pushbacks/Pullouts
- Type "A" or "B" gates
What can I do to protect myself?
Workers operating a mechanical power press should never attempt to bypass any presence sensing device. When necessary to service or repair a mechanical power press, lockout procedures must be implemented and verified as effective before maintenance or repair can begin.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Training and Outreach Services
The presentations on machinery and machine guarding, struck by/caught between, and lockout/tagout are available and can assist employers in training their staff. The presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Programs
An example lockout/tagout program is available which should be customized to fit workplace conditions and equipment. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Safety and Health Topics
More information can be found on the safety and health topic pages for lockout/tagout, amputations, medical services and first aid and machine guarding.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards for mechanical power press in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.
Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
- 29 CFR 1910.217 - mechanical power presses
Other related standards include:
General Industry
- 29 CFR 1910.147 - the control of hazardous energy
- 29 CFR 1910.212 - general requirements for all machines, machinery and machine guarding
Recordkeeping
Refer to Recording and Reporting
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 49 – OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to mechanical power presses.
Compliance Documents
- CFR 096B - Mechanical Power Presses provides the promulgation of the rule.
- Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 149 - Special Emphasis Program for Amputations establishes the OSH Division's enforcement policy for safety and health inspections where employees may be exposed to amputation hazards on machinery due to lack of guarding and/or failure to utilize energy control procedures.
Technical Assistance
- Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.