Power Press Testing
ISI has the expertise to identify and report issues in Power Presses, ensuring their safety. We possess the necessary knowledge, experience, and technology for this task.
PUWER 1998 states that Power Presses with certain guards must be 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. To thoroughly examine one, all of its parts, including the inside ones, must be carefully inspected. This inspection should be done using non-destructive methods such as magnetic particle testing.
HSG 236 Thorough Examination
Maintenance and thorough examination (HSG 236) involve checking the safety of power press electrical control circuits. This process requires having current circuit diagrams.
A Power Press Examination is required:
- Initially, on commissioning of the power press
- Periodic examination, where additional testing may be required
This needs specific checks during the first inspection and may need more tests during regular inspections and tests.
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 specialists on 01675 481779 for advice and information. More information available from the HSE: