Enhancing Safety on Automatic Press Machines: Navigating OSHA's Machine Guarding Requirements

In the world of manufacturing, occupational safety is paramount. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established stringent regulations to ensure the safety of workers operating heavy machinery. Recently, a question arose regarding OSHA's insistence on adding additional guarding to an automatic press machine, sparking a conversation among professionals in the field.

Understanding OSHA's Machine Guarding Requirements

The core issue revolves around OSHA's machine guarding requirements. To meet these requirements, OSHA has requested the addition of extra safety measures on an automatic press machine. Specifically, they require that both operator hands be occupied during the machine's operation to prevent any risk of free hands getting crushed as the machine moves. To implement this, OSHA suggests eliminating the foot pedal control and adding a second "start" button. Both buttons must be pressed simultaneously to initiate the press cycle.

Industry Standard vs. OSHA Requirements

The dilemma is that this safety requirement seems at odds with the standard configuration of automatic press machines in the industry. Most modern automatic presses rely on a foot pedal for control, making it a common and practical feature. This request raises concerns about the feasibility of complying with this regulation and its practicality in real-world manufacturing environments.

Consulting the Press Manufacturer

A logical step in addressing this situation is to consult the press manufacturer. However, in this case, the manufacturer, Brown, claimed that in their 16 years of operation, they had never encountered such a requirement from OSHA. This raises questions about whether the request is indeed a misunderstanding or a unique interpretation of the regulations.

Regional Differences in Safety Regulations

In a bid to gain clarity on the matter, the discussion touched upon regional variations in safety regulations. A responder pointed out that in Europe, the necessity for "two-hand controls" is contingent on the press's functionality. If the press can be halted without completing its stroke, the two-hand control requirement may not apply. This leads to the assumption that OSHA's requirements in the United States might not necessarily align with those in Europe, but further investigation is needed to confirm this.

Previous Encounters with OSHA

The conversation revealed some past experiences with OSHA inspections. In one instance, a shop was required to install guard rails around the machinery to prevent accidents related to the movement of pallets. While this safety measure seemed sensible, the current request to eliminate the foot pedal control appears to be more contentious, given the limited space and the typical layout of automatic press machines.

Addressing OSHA's Request

In response to OSHA's request, the original poster expressed their reservations and even sent a two-page letter to OSHA to explain why they believe it is impractical. The outcome of this endeavor remains uncertain, but it illustrates the dedication to finding a balanced approach between safety regulations and practicality.

Seeking Support from Industry Allies

To navigate such complex issues with OSHA, professionals in the field may find solace in organizations such as Printing United Alliance, which can offer guidance and support in dealing with regulatory matters. Having a strong ally in the industry can make a significant difference in resolving such challenges.

The ongoing conversation surrounding OSHA's request to add additional guarding to an automatic press machine serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing safety regulations with practicality in the manufacturing industry. As regulations continue to evolve, it is essential for industry professionals to remain informed and engage with relevant organizations for support and guidance.

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