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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. The top die is attached to a crankshaft with connecting rods and rotation of the crankshaft is accomplished from a motor, flywheel, and gear power transmission. Typical mechanical power presses fall under two primary categories with respect to their specific clutch system:
Each of the two types has specific barriers, acceptable guards, and hazards.
Power presses, because of their use in high-production manufacturing and integral operator involvement, result in maximum hazards. Careful operation and safety precautions are extremely necessary.
OSHA’s standard applies to all employers who have mechanical power presses. Note that the standard does NOT apply to press brakes or hydraulic power presses; these machines are covered instead by OSHA’s General Requirements for All Machines standard, 1910.212.
Employers must: