Power presses and press brakes

Power presses and press brakes are complex pieces of equipmenf that have the potenhal to cause serious injury. For this reason it is important to ensure safe systems of work are in place and thaf power presses and their associated guarding arrangements are subjected to regular examinations 

The Regulations defined a power press as being a press or press brake which in either case is used wholly or partly for the working of cold metal by means of tools or for the purpose of die proving is power driven and embodies a flywheel and clutch. Hydraulic and pneumatic presses were beyond the scope of these Regulations. 

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) revokes the Power Press Regulations but contains specific requirements for power presses in part IV of the Regulations. PUWER 98 is supported by the HSC Code of Practice and Guidance Safe use of power presses.  

The scope of PUWER 98 has been extended beyond that of the Power Press Regulations 1965 which applied only to power presses in factories. The PUWER 98 requirements apply to all power presses used at work. This includes, for example, power presses used in research and educational establishments. The exemptions for certain classes of power presses issued under the 1965 Regulations have been carried forward to PUWER 98 and are listed in Schedule 2 to the regulations. 

The results of the thorough examination and test must be entered on a report of the thorough examination which must be kept for at least 2 years. Any defects found that may affect safety at the tools must be notified immediately in writing to the user and a copy of the report of the thorough examination sent to the HSE. Otherwise the user must be provided with a copy of the report within 14 days of the examination. 

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