Hydraulic presses are large, powerful, and a staple in many industries. These mechanical workhorses make tasks such as bending, shaping, and crushing materials seem like child's play. It is this same force, however, that makes them potentially dangerous if not handled with care.
Smart machine shops and well-trained workers take H-frame press safety seriously as a way of preventing possible accidents. After all, there's no sense in taking risks with a machine capable of causing sudden and severe injuries.
The following are 8 essential tips on how to handle an H-Frame Press.
#1. Always Use PPE
Press operators must wear the right protective gear. This is not a choice but a necessity. You need to wear eye protection and steel-toe footwear. Other PPE you may need, depending on the job, include:
- Gloves
- Face masks
- Welding helmets
- Hearing protection
- Flame-resistant clothing
Each of these pieces of PPE is very important in protecting the operator from flying debris, sharp edges, loud noises, and other possible hazards.
#2. Inspect the Press Before Operating It
Before any job begins, observe the press for obvious damage or wear. Look for:
- Structural damage such as cracks or misalignments
- Evidence of hydraulic leaks
- Loose or broken parts
If anything seems out of sorts, do not begin operations until the discrepancy is corrected. Also, know your job by looking at drawings, specifications, and instructions. If you are not clear about something, clarify it before starting.
#3. Know Your Controls and Emergency Stops
Familiarize yourself with the on/off switch and the emergency stop button. Knowing their location and how they operate may provide an effective response in an emergency that can help avoid serious injury or damage.
If possible, choose machines with emergency stop buttons that can be reached by operating personnel. Sometimes every second counts when trying to cut off power.
#4. Protect Your Body
Hydraulic presses are forces of respect. Never reach over or allow any part of your body inside the operating area of a press, especially when the mechanism is being lowered. If possible, use special hand tools to keep your hands and body out of harm's way.
Secondly, ensure that the floor space around the press is cleaned appropriately and free from oil, litter, or hindrances. A slip or trip near a press can be an accident waiting to happen.
#5. Handle Materials Safely
Machine shop materials may be heavy, slippery, or sharp-edged and thus require proper handling to avoid injury. The best practices include:
- Wearing gloves to prevent cuts and abrasions
- Using hand tools designed for the purpose of handling materials
- Training employees on best practices in feeding and positioning materials in the press
Proper training enables workers to efficiently undertake their tasks with safety in mind.
#6. Use H-Frame Presses with Guards
Safety guards are an essential feature of hydraulic presses. Typically, barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, and electronic safety systems are in place to keep the operator out of harm's way. Look for the following:
- Guarding on foot pedals to prevent inadvertent actuation
- Covering of hydraulic pumps and motors
- Guards attached correctly and not creating a new hazard
The features listed above significantly minimize injury yet maintain work efficiency.
#7. Routine Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is the foundation for long service life and safe operation of hydraulic presses. Regularly check:
- Hydraulic fluid levels and quality
- Hoses and seals for wear and tear
- Alignment of moving parts
Schedule periodic professional inspections to find and rectify potential issues before they get serious.
#8. Provide Full Training for Operators
Even the safest machinery in the world can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced operator. The program of comprehensive training should include:
- Operation of the machine and safety protocols
- Proper use of PPE
- Emergency response procedures
Continuous training is important in keeping operators current with the most up-to-date safety practices and technologies.
Press Master: Your Partner in Safety and Performance
At Press Master, safety is at the core of everything we do. We have been designing and manufacturing hydraulic presses that value operator safety and efficiency for over four decades. In fact, our presses meet and, in many cases, exceed government-set safety standards, further giving our customers peace of mind.
We know every business has different needs. That's why we design our presses for specific applications for ultimate performance and safety. From H-frame presses to custom solutions, Press Master is your trusted partner.
Feel free to contact us today and learn more about our robust, efficient hydraulic presses, and how we can help you reach your goals while keeping safety at the forefront of our minds.
