Power Press Safety Checklist
Machine Shop Safety Quick Links
Power Press Safety Checklist
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for safe and proper use.
Safeguards
- Do the safeguards provided meet the minimum OSHA requirements?
- Do the safeguards prevent workers’ hands, arms, and other body parts from making contact with dangerous moving parts?
- Are the safeguards firmly secured and not easily removable?
- Do the safeguards ensure that no object will fall into the moving parts?
- Do the safeguards permit the safe, comfortable, and relatively easy operation of the machine?
- Can the machine be oiled without removing the safeguard?
- Is there a system for shutting down the machinery before safeguards are removed?
- Can the existing safeguards be improved?
Mechanical hazards - point of operation
- Is there a point-of-operation safeguard provided for the machine?
- Does it keep the operator’s hands, fingers, and body out of the danger area?
- Is there evidence that the safeguards have been tampered with or removed?
Power transmission apparatus
- Are there any unguarded gears, sprockets, pulleys, or flywheels on the apparatus?
- Are there any exposed set screws, keyways, collars, etc.?
- Are starting and stopping controls within easy reach of the operator?
- If there is more than one operator, are separate controls provided?
Other moving parts
- Are safeguards provided for all hazardous moving parts of the machine including auxiliary parts?
Non-mechanical hazards
- Have appropriate measures been taken to safeguard workers against noise hazards?
- Have special guards, enclosures, or personal protective equipment been provided, where necessary, to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances used in machine operation?
- Other important areas to focus on include any electrical hazards, employee training, PPE, and machinery maintenance and repair.
Contact Information
Robin McCall-Miller, Occupational Safety Program Manager
- Call: 540-231-2341
- Email: rmmiller@vt.edu