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Manufacturer of Hydraulic Presses

Hydraulic Press Operator Safety

April 24, 2013
 
The Hydraulic Press - In a Nutshell
The hydraulic press system is an intricate system that makes use of large pistons and the hydraulic force in order to exert pressure on heavy materials like metal and steel. These are heavy and immensely powerful machines that allow the users to handle even the most rigid of substances with utmost ease.
 
However, these machines are not fully automated and require some degree of manual handling and operation. Hence, it is important that these potentially dangerous and powerful machines be operated and manipulated with immense caution and care. To safeguard the wellbeing of the operators it is of imperative importance that the following factors be maintained:
 
Proper Education
It is of paramount importance that the shop press operator receives proper information and guidance on the usage of these machines. The operators are required to insert the heavy metals and materials into these huge machines. One of the prerequisites for using the machine, or the safety measures that are necessary to take, is that the metal (or other material be properly placed in the machine. It is also important that the operator is advised to keep a safe distance from the machine and be careful enough to keep the body parts from being injured from the enormous pressures exerted.
 
Safety of the Operator
There are safety devices and measures available that allow the operator to be safe from the shop press by helping to create a physical barrier between the two. These measures have been reinforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) authority and are encouraged to minimize the work injury accidents and emergencies. The barriers, however, must be easily removable. In the case of an emergency, these barriers have to be immediately removed and put away.

Furthermore, the motors and pulleys, or the machine work of the system, must not have any uncovered parts. The operational and running speed of the shop press should be kept on the low, which makes it easier to handle. These machines are vital for use in the industries like construction, marine, mining and engineering. Hence the need for education on the use of these machines. Students in fields like metallurgy and design must be specially trained and informed on how to deal with these machines and how to prevent potential hazards from occurring.