Powered Press Brakes

What are the hazards associated with powered press brakes?

Exposure to point of operation injuries even though the operator is not usually required to place their hands or any body part into the point of operation. Sometimes as the piecepart bends up, a hazard may be created between the part and the front face of the slide. Operating controls, especially foot pedals, introduce the possibility of accidental cycling.

What can I do to protect myself?

Your employer can safeguard press brakes using: presence sensing devices; two-hand control devices; pullback devices; or a restraint system.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Safety and Health Programs

This lockout/tagout program can be customized to fit workplace conditions and equipment.

Training and Outreach Services

The presentations on lockout/tagout and machinery and machine guarding are available and can assist employers in training their staff.  The presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Pre-recorded webinars on lockout/tagout and machinery and machine guarding can be viewed 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. 

Further, 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 Topics

Related resources can be found on the safety and health topic pages for lockout/tagout, medical services and first aid, amputations 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 which are applicable to powered press brakes in North Carolina. 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 1910.147 - control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

• 29 CFR 1910.212 - machine guarding, general requirements for all machines

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 powered press brakes in general industry.

Compliance Documents

• Compliance Directive: CPL 02-01-025 (formerly CPL 2-1.25) Guidelines for Point of Operation Guarding of Power Press Brakes establishes enforcement policy and provides an explanation of applicable standards to ensure uniform enforcement.

Technical Assistance

Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.