REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF HYDRAULIC PRESSES

A) SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING WITH THE HYDRAULIC PRESSES! Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the lab. Hydraulic presses use fluids at high pressure and the tooling used in the press can fail catastrophically. Component failure could result in immediate damage to unprotected eyes.

B) The hydraulic presses are not to be operated without the T.A. or an AML supervisor in the immediate area.

C) Know where the hydraulic stop switches are before you attempt to start the machines.

D) --- !! OF VITAL IMPORTANCE !! --- Operation of the hydraulic presses frequently involves more than one operator. This creates the potential for serious accidents since the auxiliary equipment attached to the presses operates automatically and in sequence with the press. Because of this, it is essential that one and only one person be in charge of operations. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS PERSON TO DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE T.A. THAT ALL PERSONNEL ARE CLEAR OF THE PRESS AND ITS AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT BEFORE THE PRESS CYCLE IS BEGUN!!!

E) WARNING!! Although there is a safety device on the Dake Press to prevent operation with the punch set exposed, it is still possible to place yourself in a position of imminent harm. Because of the extreme forces exerted by the press and the auxiliary devices, severe bodily injury may result if safety devices are overridden or ignored and reasonable care is not exercised when working around the punch presses!

F) WARNING!! The strip stock feeder attached to the press operates at high rates of speed and with considerable force. As it cycles in conjunction with the press, it may begin cycling with out human intervention. IF YOU HAVE YOUR PERSON WHERE IT DOES NOT BELONG DURING THIS CYCLE, YOU MAY BE SEVERELY INJURED!

---!!! STAY CLEAR OF ALL PRESS FEEDERS AT ALL TIMES !!!---

G) WARNING!! The stock straightener attached to the strip stock feeder operates automatically as stock is needed for punching operations. When it is operating, the stock gets fed through at a high rate of speed. Since the material being fed is thin and typically has sharp edges, THE STOCK CAN AND WILL CUT LIKE A KNIFE! At no time should you allow your body to come into contact with the metal being fed into the press!!

H) WARNING!! The stock straightener uses a motor, drive belt, and pinch rollers to perform its operation. All of these items rotate during the straightener’s cycle. Loose clothing, long hair, personal stereo wires and jewelry may become entangled in rotating equipment leading to serious injury or death! Make certain that such articles are removed or securely fastened to avoid entanglement.

I) It is recommended that gloves be worn when handling the metal raw stock when loading the feeders. HOWEVER, gloves should not be worn when working in the press.

K) Persons caught intentionally disabling any of the safeties attached to either press or any of the auxiliary equipment will face possible dismissal from the lab.

L) Adjustments to the stroke length of the presses or feeders and to the overpressure cut off switch of the presses are to be done with the approval of the T.A. or AML supervisor only.

M) Changing of punch and die sets is to be done with the T.A. or an AML supervisor present. If not done with proper care, fingers may become pinched in doing this operation.

N) If it is necessary to reach into the press for any reason, such as removing a jammed part, THE PRESS HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND THE AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT AIR AND ELECTRIC POWER MUST BE SHUT DOWN BEFORE REACHING INTO THE MACHINE.

O) Because the auxiliary equipment is synchronized to the press, to avoid unintentional feed cycles after a press shutdown, turn on the press hydraulic system before the air and electric power is restored to the auxiliary equipment.

P) One of the reasons for the shield around the press is that improperly used or installed punch and die sets may shatter. Work around the shield, not in front of it. DO NOT PUT YOUR BODY IN A POSITION OF DANGER SHOULD TOOL BREAKAGE OCCUR.

Q) By the nature of their operating fluid, hydraulic press work areas are prone to having oil on the floor. REPORT ALL OIL AND GREASE SPILLS IMMEDIATELY! These are an extreme slip hazard!!

If you do not know how to operate a machine or do not fully understand the instructions you have been given, ask a supervisor until you are certain about what is required. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK!

In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand the serious nature of working with hydraulic presses. I also realize that other, undefined hazards will always exist in the machine shop environment therefore, MY OWN SAFETY IS ULTIMATELY MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY.

Signature: _____________________________________

Date: ______________________

Student I.D. #: __________________________

Print Name: ____________________________________