Press Brake Safety

• Hands or fingers caught between the punch, die, and workpiece
• Large material moving upward, downward, or toward the operator during bending
• Foot-control activation while a person is in the danger zone
• Pinch points between the workpiece, machine, supports, and nearby objects
• Tooling, dies, or material shifting, breaking, or being ejected
• Setup, adjustment, or maintenance performed without energy control

A press brake bends metal by bringing a punch and die together. The closing die space and movement of the workpiece can expose operators and helpers to severe crushing and pinch-point hazards.

Safeguarding should be appropriate for the machine, tooling, bend, material, and operating method. Guards, light curtains, laser-based devices, two-hand controls, safe-distance methods, and other systems should not be bypassed or repositioned without authorization.

The punch, die, holders, back gauge, material supports, and workpiece should be inspected and set correctly. Damaged tooling, incorrect tonnage, poor alignment, or an unstable setup can cause breakage or unexpected movement.

Operators should keep hands out of the die space and maintain control of the workpiece from a safe position. Fingers should not be placed between the material and die, supports, machine frame, or adjacent objects.

Large sheets and long parts may swing or rise during the bend. The operator and helpers should agree on positions and communication and should use supports or lifting assistance when the material cannot be controlled safely.

Foot pedals should be guarded from accidental activation and positioned so the operator can maintain balance and observe the work. No one should enter the operating area while another person controls the pedal.

Setup, tool changes, cleaning, adjustment, jam clearing, and maintenance may require hazardous-energy control and blocking. Controls and safeguarding devices should be verified after changes before normal operation resumes.

The press brake should be stopped when tooling shifts, the workpiece becomes unstable, a safeguard fails, controls behave unexpectedly, or the bend requires hands to enter an unprotected danger zone.

• Use safeguarding suitable for the bend and setup.
• Inspect and secure punches, dies, holders, and supports.
• Keep hands and fingers out of the die space.
• Plan for sheet and workpiece movement during bending.
• Guard foot controls against accidental activation.
• Coordinate helpers and material-support methods.
• Control hazardous energy during setup and maintenance.

• How is the point of operation safeguarded for this bend?
• Where will the material move as the bend is formed?
• Are the punch, die, workpiece, and supports stable?
• How will the operator and helpers communicate?
• What setup or service tasks require energy isolation?