Causes The main causes of press accidents are lack of training, ineffective guards or lack of guards, and the bypassing of guards. Untrained operators using complicated and potentially dangerous machinery are a threat to themselves and their co-workers. No one should operate a power press without training in safe operating techniques. Guards between the operator and the point of operation should be designed to prevent the operator from reaching under the ram during the downward stroke. If guards are not used, or not working properly, it is only a matter of time before an accident occurs.
Employees contribute to unsafe working conditions if they try to bypass press guards and interlocks.
Sometimes the operator has to be able to reach under the ram while the ram is inched downward. Many serious accidents occur at these times. Read the instruction manual supplied by the manufacturer to make sure you are operating safely, and maintenance procedures are as safe as possible. Review of the power press instruction manual is an effective part of your shop training program. The regulations for power press safety are in Sections 4189 through 4212 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.