Power Press Testing
ISI have practical knowledge and experience – along with the most up to date technology to help detect defects and weaknesses in Power Presses and assess how these can be rectified to ensure safe operation.
PUWER (The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998), requires that Power Presses with automatic, photoelectric, or interlocking guards are inspected every 6 months. Power Presses with fixed guards, or enclosed tooling, should be examined every 12 months, by a competent person.
Power Press Examinations are referred to in the Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note HSG236. Within this, it requires a power press to be “thoroughly examined” including the examination of internal parts, using various non-destructive techniques such as magnetic particle testing.
HSG 236 Thorough Examination
Maintenance and thorough examination (HSG 236) includes specific reference to the safety of power press electrical control circuits, including a requirement for up-to-date circuit diagrams.
A Power Press Examination is required:
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Initially, on commissioning of the power press
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Periodic examination, where additional testing may be required
This will require particular checks to be performed at the ‘initial’ thorough examination of a press and may also require additional testing to be performed at the ‘periodic’ examination and test.
Common Defects of Power Presses
If not examined regularly, Power Presses can be amongst some of the most dangerous machinery used in the industry. Some of the more common defects found in Power Press Testing include:
Damaged Protective Guards
The risk to the operator is significantly increased with damaged or disabled guards. There is a real risk of severe injury should the guard be damaged, or disabled to increase production.
Broken Foot Shroud
Foot Shrouds are imperative to ensure the safe use of machinery and to prevent the accidental operation of the machine.
Cracks in the Clutch Key
The clutch key can be prone to wear and tear as a result of use over time. However, early repair can prevent any non-promulgated loss of production.
Damaged Cable Glands and Hydraulic Leaks
This can create a risk of slipping and fire risk. Poorly fitted cable guards can be an ignition source in combination with poorly fitted electrical cables.
Please call our power press testing specialists on 01675 481779 for advice and information. More information available from the HSE: