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 lockout/tagout, struck by/caught between 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.

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

Example lockout/tagout programs are available which should be customized to fit workplace conditions and equipment.

A-Z Safety and Health Topics

More information can be found on the A-Z topics 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. 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

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.

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.