In Pursuit of Press Brake Safety

By Jeff Ashcroft

October 1, 2009

The Command Stamp press control (pictured here on a press brake) is a system for press brake manufacturers to upgrade their equipment to meet safety standards before shipping. And, in cases where end users still receive noncompliant equipment, retrofitting is another option.

The CSA Z142-02 safety standard that was first issued in Canada seven years ago requires dual-channel control reliability of all safety monitoring devices on press brakes and presses.

If you speak with many in the industry, including even some inspectors, you’ll hear the general opinion seems to be that less than half of these pieces of equipment have been retrofitted to meet these safety requirements, and most unfortunate of all, serious accidents continue to happen.

This issue will be highlighted and come to the forefront again later this year when the CSA releases its latest version, the updated CSA Z142-09 safety standard.

Also, the fact that many press brakes and presses are shipping with noncompliant press controls, wiring, and safety devices likely will soon become a North America-wide issue in late 2009 when the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) prepares to update its B11 press and press brake safety standards.

If the new press brake that you are purchasing does not meet the CSA Z142 safety standard and you intend to take a proactive approach to upgrading the equipment in conjunction with a Pre-start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) process, there are a few things to consider.

After inspecting the press brake, you need to develop a safety retrofit work plan. This can include an upgrade to a new control system as well as additional safety features. When applied in combination with upgrades to the hydraulics, these add-ons allow most press brakes to meet the CSA Z142 safety standard.

It will take commitment be proactive in making these safety upgrades even on new equipment. Hopefully, going forward, manufacturers of press brakes and presses will soon begin to include the required safety upgrades on the equipment they sell. It seems this may be the only way finally to push through these new levels of safety, as current inspection and enforcement methods appear to be severely deficient to the point of failure.

Add to this the fact that these safety requirements may soon be expanding across the North American market, and we can only hope that enough impetus is created to have these safety requirements built into every piece of press brake and press equipment sold regardless of where it was originally manufactured.

It may only be in these ways that companies can deliver a safe environment for their staff, taking advantage of the added safety protection afforded by dual-channel, control-reliable monitoring of all safety devices.

For more information, visit www.reflexintegration.com.