Stamping Safety 105

adjustable guard

A barrier that an operator may move or reconfigure to allow for different types of production. Adjustable guards can accommodate different sizes of workpieces or raw materials.

American National Standards Institute

ANSI. A private, non-profit membership organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems in the United States. The American National Standards Institute provides guidelines that ensure workplace safety.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute. A private, non-profit membership organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems in the United States. ANSI provides guidelines that ensure workplace safety.

barrier guards

A physical shield that blocks access to the point of operation. Barrier guards, also known as point of operation guards, protect press operators' hands and other body parts from injury.

continuous mode

A mode of operation in which the press strokes repeatedly until an operator or machine guarding device stops the press. Continuous mode is commonly used for automated press operations.

decibels

dB. The unit used to measure the intensity of sound. Decibel levels at or above 85 decibels over an eight-hour period necessitate that employees wear hearing protection.

die area

The space on a press where the die is located. The die area is the most dangerous area of the press and should be protected with safeguarding measures.

die safety block

A safety component that supports the weight of the slide and upper half of the die during press maintenance. A die safety block prevents the unexpected release of potential energy.

die setter

A technician who is responsible for placing and removing dies from a press. Die setters make sure the appropriate die is properly installed before a press operation begins.

dual palm buttons

A device with two separate buttons that must be pressed simultaneously in order to power a stamping press. Dual palm buttons make sure an operator's hands are a safe distance from the point of operation while running the press.

earmuffs

A protective device that consists of two ear coverings connected by a band. Earmuffs protect hearing and prevent debris from entering the ear.

earplugs

A device that fits inside the ear to protect the operator's hearing from excess noise. Earplugs can be either disposable and self-forming or professionally fitted.

emergency stop

A press control element that shuts off power to the machine immediately when pressed. The emergency stop button, also known as the red stop button or e-stop, is intended to be used in case of emergencies, and operators should memorize its location.

e-stop

A press control element that shuts off power to the machine immediately when pressed. The e-stop, also known as the emergency stop button or red stop button, is intended to be used in case of emergencies, and operators should memorize its location.

eye protection

Any piece of personal protective equipment that protects the eyes in a work area. Eye protection includes goggles and safety glasses.

face shield

A rigid, transparent plastic sheet worn over the face to protect against dust and sparks. Face shields do not protect against impacts, so in stamping operations they are often worn with other eye protection.

fixed guard

A barrier guard that prohibits access to dangerous areas while allowing operators to access some parts of the machine. Fixed guards cannot be adjusted.

foot control

An operator control device that starts the press when activated with the operator's foot. Foot controls require guarding to prevent accidental activation.

full-revolution clutch press

A type of mechanical press that is only capable of stopping after it has completed a stroke. A full-revolution clutch has limited stopping ability, which means that certain safety components, such as light curtains and type B gates, cannot be used to safeguard the press.

function-test

A practice to ensure that safety components are operating correctly before beginning press operations. A function-test should be completed on all safeguarding devices at the beginning of each shift to ensure the press is safe to operate.

gate

A movable barrier device that encloses the point of operation before the slide can begin to move. Gates open and close with each stroke of the press.

goggles

A type of tight-fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes, the eye sockets, and the surrounding facial area. Goggles offer protection from impact, dust, chips, and debris.

handling tools

A device that allows press operators to move objects within the die area without compromising the safety of their hands. Handling tools like safety tongs or magnetic lifters must always be used in conjunction with other safeguarding devices, such as light curtains and restraint devices.

hearing protection

A type of personal protective equipment specifically designed to prevent hearing damage. Earplugs and earmuffs are common forms of hearing protection.

holdouts

A restraint device that keeps an operator's hands a safe distance from the point of operation. Holdouts must be adjusted to fit each individual operator.

hydraulic press

A press that uses pressurized liquids to power the slide. A hydraulic press contains fluids that can present hazards to press operators.

injection injury

A small puncture of the skin or body tissue caused by high-pressure fluid. Injection injuries usually occur while operating or inspecting pressurized hydraulic equipment.

interlock device

A safeguarding measure that prevents a machine from operating when it is out of position. An interlock device in a die safety block ensures the press does not start unexpectedly during maintenance.

interlock guard

A safeguarding device that prevents a machine from operating when the barrier is out of position. Interlock guards help to prevent injuries caused by accidental machine startup.

light curtain

A type of presence-sensing device that uses a field of light to stop a machine when an object blocks or disrupts it. A light curtain prevents mechanical parts from striking workers and equipment.

lockout device

A device, such as a lock and key or combination lock, used to hold an energy-isolating mechanism in a safe position and prevent equipment or machinery from being energized. The lockout device can only be removed by the person who installed it.

lockout/tagout

A method of protecting employees from accidental equipment activation through proper locking and labeling of potentially hazardous equipment undergoing maintenance. Lockout/tagout prevents dangerous parts of the press from moving unexpectedly while technicians work on them.

lower die tooling

A tooling component that allows space for the metal to be shaped or cut. The lower die tooling contains a recess or cavity that matches the upper die tooling.

machine guarding

The full variety of methods used to help prevent worker injury from machine hazards. Machine guarding methods keep body parts from entering hazardous areas of a machine and/or keep flying debris from exiting the machine.

main power switch

A switch that activates or deactivates electrical power to the press. The main power switch must be capable of being locked in the off position to prevent the press from starting up accidentally.

manually fed press operation

A type of work on a press that requires the operator to place and/or remove the workpiece in the die area. A manually fed press operation must use handling tools alongside safeguarding devices, such as light curtains and gates.

mechanical press

A press that uses a rotary motor to transfer power to the slide. A mechanical press provides full capacity only at the bottom of the stroke and is ideal for quickly stamping simple parts.

mode selector

A press control that determines whether a press operates continuously or one stroke at a time. The mode selector typically requires a key, so that only supervisors, die setters, or other authorized employees may operate it.

motor start and stop button

A press control element that starts and stops the press's motor. The motor start and stop button must be guarded to prevent the press from starting up accidentally.

nervous system

The interconnected elements of the human body involved in controlling all bodily functions. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and complex nerve tissues, all of which can be damaged by exposure to fumes from hydraulic fluids.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A federal government agency dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration creates regulations that employers must legally follow to ensure employees work in a safe and healthy environment.

operator control

A component of the press that causes the press to cycle. An operator control often contains safety devices that prevent the press from running accidentally.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A federal government agency dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration creates regulations that employers must legally follow to ensure employees work in a safe and healthy environment.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any clothing or device used to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injuries. Personal protective equipment for stamping operations includes ear protection, eye protection, and other safety clothing.

petroleum-based

Developed from gaseous, liquid, or solid hydrocarbons naturally occurring beneath the earth's surface. Petroleum-based fluid exposure can cause a variety of harmful effects to operators.

pinhole leak

The rapid escape of hydraulic fluid through a small hole. A pinhole leak can reduce system efficiency and cause serious injection injuries.

pneumonia

A medical condition caused by inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia can be life threatening, and its symptoms include cough, fever, chills, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

point of operation

The area where the tool contacts the workpiece. In stamping, the point of operation is the area where the upper and lower halves of the die press together.

point of operation devices

A machine component used to prevent operators from contacting hazards by means other than physical barriers. Common safeguarding devices in stamping include light curtains and restraint devices.

point of operation guards

A physical shield that blocks access to the point of operation. Barrier guards, also known as point of operation guards, protect press operators' hands and other body parts from injury.

potential energy

A type of stored energy that results from an object's position or internal pressure. Potential energy often exists in machines that have been turned off.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment. Any clothing or device used to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injuries. PPE for stamping operations includes ear protection, eye protection, and other safety clothing.

presence-sensing device

A safety device that contains sensors to detect people or objects near hazardous areas of a machine. The most common presence-sensing device used in stamping is a light curtain.

press

A machine with a stationary base and an upper slide that repeatedly moves up and down. A press cuts or forms metal to create useful parts for a range of industries.

press operator

A person trained to run a press. A press operator is responsible for knowing the safety procedures required to run the press in a safe and efficient manner.

pullback cables

A restraint device that pulls the operator's hands out of the point of operation when the press is in motion. Pullback cables, also known as pullouts, allow the operator to access the die area when the slide is not in motion.

pullouts

A restraint device that pulls the operator's hands out of the point of operation when the press is in motion. Pullouts, also known as pullback cables, allow the operator to access the die area when the slide is not in motion.

red stop button

A press control element that shuts off power to the machine immediately when pressed. The red stop button, also known as the emergency stop button or e-stop, is intended to be used in case of emergencies, and operators should memorize its location.

respiratory system

The interconnected organs in the human body involved in the breathing of air. The respiratory system includes the nose, trachea, and lungs.

restraint devices

A wrist safeguarding device that limits the range of motion of an operator's hands during machine operation. Restraint devices prevent an operator's hands from crossing into the point of operation or other hazardous areas.

safety checklist

A comprehensive list of items that operators must examine before operating the machine. A safety checklist involves examination of a press to ensure its components and machine guarding are safe to operate.

Safety Data Sheet

SDS. Mandatory information that must accompany almost every chemical in the workplace, except for items like cleaning supplies. A Safety Data Sheet includes details like the hazards, precautions, and first-aid procedures associated with a chemical.

safety glasses

A type of protective eyewear with metal or plastic frames and impact-resistant lenses that protect eyes from debris. Safety glasses for stamping applications should have protective side shields.

scrap

A piece of unusable material produced during a manufacturing process. Scrap that is caught in the point of operation can cause hazards to press operators and must be removed with handling tools.

self-adjusting guard

A barrier that automatically moves and changes to match the size of the workpiece as it enters the point of operation. A self-adjusting guard allows for a press to seamlessly operate on workpieces of varying sizes.

single stroke mode

A mode of operation in which the press stops after each single stroke. Single stroke mode is often used in manually fed press operations.

slide

The upper portion of a stamping press that moves up and down within the press frame during operation. The slide provides the required force to complete stamping operations.

stored energy

Power that has not been used or dissipated. Stored energy can release unexpectedly and cause injuries if operators and technicians do not follow procedures to dissipate it.

stroke

The reciprocating motion of the slide. One stroke entails the complete cycle of the slide's up-and-down motion.

tagout device

A prominent visual warning device that can be securely attached to a machine or power source during repair or maintenance. Tagout devices alert employees that equipment is not to be operated until the tag is removed.

top stop button

A press control element that stops the press after it has completed a stroke. The top stop button, also known as the yellow stop button, is frequently used to stop the press when it is running in continuous mode.

type A gate

A moveable machine safeguarding barrier. A type A gate prevents operator access to the point of operation during the entire machine cycle.

type B gate

A moveable machine safeguarding barrier. A type B gate prevents operator access to the point of operation while the upper die tool contacts the part but allows access as the tool exits the part.

upper die tooling

A tooling component that pushes into or penetrates the workpiece. The upper die tooling is a component of the upper half of the die that matches the recess in the lower half of the die.

workpiece

A material or part being machined or undergoing another type of processing, such as cutting, forming, or another operation. The workpiece in stamping is often a sheet or coil of thin metal.

yellow stop button

A press control element that stops the press after it has completed a stroke. The yellow stop button, also known as the top stop button, is frequently used to stop the press when it is running in continuous mode.