Safety inspections can be nerve-wracking. If you’re nervous about your press equipment passing safety inspections, it can be helpful to have a plan. Let’s take a look at a few ways to prepare your press equipment for a safety inspection. This can help you feel more confident about passing safety inspections, and it can also help make your shop safer.
This is a general guideline, not specific instructions or recommendations. If you’re unsure about passing safety inspections, always consult with a safety expert.
How to Prepare Your Press Equipment for a Safety Inspection
Lockout Tagout Procedures
Lockout tagout procedures are essential for the inspection and maintenance of many different types of equipment, including press equipment. Make sure that your lockout tagout procedures are clear, and that your employees are familiar with them.
Appropriate lockout tagout procedures should completely power the machine down and prevent it from starting again, using OSHA approved devices that prohibit power (air and/or electricity) going to the machine. It’s also recommended to block up the tooling attached to your ram to prevent it from falling due to gravity once the air supply/energy source is completely removed.
Air Hydraulics Inc updated 8 press machines with new safety features
Read the case study to learn more
Light Curtains
Light curtains are a safety measure used around press equipment that improves safety significantly. A light curtain typically surrounds the press working area and will stop press motion or put the machine in a safe condition if someone or something enters the area when it’s not supposed to. Light curtains and their operation should be tested on a daily basis. If the light curtain or the circuit is not working properly the machine should be locked out and disabled until a repair/replacement can take place.
Two-Hand Touch Controls
Two-hand touch controls are another feature that makes factory presses much safer. This requires operators to engage machine control/activation devices within an allotted time (typically 0.25sec.) prior to the press starting its motion. Two hand control devices should be tested and inspected daily. If the Two-Hand control devices are not working properly the machine should be locked out and disabled until a repair/replacement can take place.
Visual Inspection
A careful visual inspection may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s an important part of a safety inspection. As you visually inspect the press, look for the following:
- Damages to electrical cords
- Lubricant leaks or excess lubricant
- Low operating fluids and lubricants
- Areas where the machine is straining excessively
- Any cracks, rust, or other weaknesses around the machine
- Debris on the floor around the press
- Unusual noises/motion
Fire Protection Plan
No one ever expects a fire to happen in the shop, but you can make a fire protection plan to keep everyone safe if it happens. There should be clear procedures for how to handle a fire, and all employees should be aware of where fire protection equipment is located, and how to use it.
Exit Routes
Clear exit routes are also extremely important. This may be a part of your fire protection plan, or emergency procedures in general. Exit routes should be clearly marked and easy to access. If there are any boxes or equipment blocking the exits, these should be moved. If exits are difficult to find or notice, they should be clearly marked with red exit signs before the safety inspection.
Tripping Hazards
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries, and many of these are caused by debris or obstructions on the floor. This might include electrical cords over the floor, patches of dust or oil, or even workpieces that extend over the floor. Walkways should be kept clear and any tripping hazards should be removed.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Required and/or recommended PPE varies by application and equipment type, but the bare minimum is usually the same: glasses, gloves and ear protection (for anything over 80 decibels for an extended period of time). Check the specific OSHA requirements for the machines being operated and ensure these items are provided and being worn by operators and those who traverse the factory floor. It’s also a good idea to perform regular inspections on all safety equipment to make sure there are no damages that prevent their full effectiveness.
Review Safety Plan
Your safety plan may be your best defense against accidents. With clear procedures for how to handle emergencies or accidents, all employees will have the tools they need to react safely. This may include safety procedures to respond to a fire, injury, spill, or another incident. All employees should be aware of this plan, and know how to respond to each incident.
A safety inspection can be stressful, but an organized plan can make it easier. Conducting inspection measures yourself first can reveal issues prior to an official safety inspection. Regular internal inspections can also help to reveal safety risks before they become problems. If you’re concerned specifically about the safety features on your press equipment, contact us. We have updated and equipped factory presses with the latest safety features, and we can help you update your presses too.