Proper Use and Maintenance of Die Safety Blocks for Optimal Protection
Proper use and maintenance of die safety blocks are essential for preventing injuries and ensuring the safety of workers in manufacturing environments.
- By Jane Marsh
- Jul 29, 2024
Die safety blocks may appear to be simple devices, but they are vital to protecting workers in manufacturing environments. The use of this equipment satisfies OSHA’s requirements outlined in 1910.217(d)(9)(iv), which covers machinery and machine guarding protocols. It is also crucial for meeting the tagout requirements for mechanical energy controls.
Like any other equipment, proper use and maintenance of die safety blocks are paramount. This means keeping the device in top operational condition to prevent grievous malfunctions and extend its life span.
Ensuring Safe Die Cutting and Folding Operations
A worker’s upper limbs getting caught in a die-cutting power press is no joke. According to OSHA, 49 percent of this type of injury results in amputation, which is problematic on all fronts. On-site accidents effectively grind operations to a halt, and there is lots of paperwork involved in the compensation process. Plus, fines and other penalties for failing to meet safety guidelines are possible.
Using die safety blocks is essential to prevent these mishaps. Operators insert them between the punch and holder to support the press's dead weight in the event of a brake failure or a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. They interlock with the machine to prevent the actuation of hazardous machine motion. The block’s electrical interlock must also interface with the machine control system. So pulling the plug automatically disconnects the power to the main drive motor and control.
Regardless of how time-consuming it is, workers must follow this procedure and other proper protection measures whenever they put their hands in the die area of a press or work on the die. Safety managers and employers are primarily responsible for enforcing this requirement in a press shop and are therefore held liable for incidents.
The manufacturing industry's rate of non-fatal injuries involving contact with objects and equipment has held steady in recent years. However, there is a bit of consolatory news, as only 2 percent of these workplace accidents between 2021 and 2022 necessitated amputation. This is a testament to the value of properly using safeguarding equipment like die safety blocks and regulatory compliance.