Hydraulic presses are big and powerful. These workhorses make crushing child’s play. That force also makes it easy to get injured.
Smart machine shops and well trained workers stay on top of H-frame press safety guidelines. It makes no sense at all to argue with a machine that can inflict damage suddenly and unexpectedly.
Here is a look at 6 tips for h-frame press safety.
#1. Always Use Personal Protective Equipment
Eye protection and appropriate footgear are always essential for a press operator. Depending on the job, you may also need:
Check for visible damage to structure of the press. Inspect for signs of leaks. If any part of the press isn’t in good working order, don’t begin a job.
The operator should also make sure he understands what the job needs before he starts. Look at the drawings, specifications and other instructions. If you have questions, get answers before you begin.
Be sure you know where these are and how they operate. If you move fast, using them can save your from injury if something goes wrong.
Use machines that have the emergency stop button in a spot that is quickly accessible for the operator.
Make sure your hands and other body parts are out of harm’s way, especially when you lower the mechanism on the press.
Keep the floor around the press clean. That can prevent falls and slips, a potential cause of serious injury.
Machine shops use a range of heavy and slippery materials, many of which have sharp edges. That’s why gloves are essential. Special hand tools are made to work with materials while keeping hands and arms safe.
In addition, workers should be trained on safe handling best practices. These include feeding the materials into the press and positioning them properly.
Different types of guards are available for the machinery, like barrier guards. If a foot pedal is used, it should have a guard. For every press, the hydraulic pump and motor need to be enclosed.
Guards should be attached to the press when it is possible, but not at the risk of creating a hazard. Other safety devices include two-hand tripping devices and electronic safety implements.
Press Master, Taking Safety Seriously
Safety comes first at Press Master. The company has been selling the safest possible hydraulic presses for over four decades. With attention to detail and always designing with the operator’s point of view in mind, Press Master creates durable, efficient presses that meet and exceed government standards for safety.
Press Master tailors their presses to meet the needs of individual customers. Contact us today for more information about our H-frame and other presses, made with pride and guaranteed.