Power Press Inspection Service

Power Press Inspection & Testing

We provide a professional power press inspection service for any sized individual, business, or company operating any type of power press device. Power presses are integral to many industrial operations, aiding in the shaping and forming of metals through the use of tools and dies. However, these machines, driven by power and equipped with components like flywheels and clutches, can pose significant safety hazards when not properly maintained or inspected.

It is imperative to recognise the legal framework that governs the safe use of power presses within the ‘The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998’ (PUWER98) in the United Kingdom. These regulations were introduced to ensure the safety of workers operating any type of work equipment, including power presses and apply to employers, the self-employed, and employees alike, making it essential for all stakeholders to comply with its regulations.

Professional Power Press Inspectors

What are power press inspections?

The Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note HSG236 provides comprehensive guidance on Power Press Examinations. A Thorough Examination of a power press encompasses a meticulous inspection of all its components, including internal parts, using non-destructive methods like magnetic particle testing. Power Press Inspection and Testing Services are instrumental in ensuring the safety and compliance of power presses and other machinery governed by PUWER regulations. Regular and thorough examinations, performed by competent professionals, help identify and address defects, mitigating the risk of accidents and fostering a safer industrial environment. Businesses must prioritise these services to protect both their workforce and their equipment.

How often do I need power press inspections?

PUWER 1998 stipulates varying inspection frequencies for power presses based on their guarding types. Power presses with certain guards must undergo inspection every 6 months, while those with fixed guards or enclosed tooling require inspection every 12 months. These inspections must be conducted by competent individuals and is where we can provide a fully-competent inspection and testing service to comply with all regulations.

What is included in a power press inspection?

Achieving compliance with PUWER is a multifaceted process, and specialised inspection services play a pivotal role in ensuring full legal compliance. To ensure your power press adheres to PUWER regulations, we will undertake steps including (but not limited to):

Identifying Clutch and Brake Type

The first step involves identifying the type of clutch and brake installed in your power press. This information is crucial in determining the appropriate inspection and testing procedures.

Internal NDT and Visual Examination

Conduct a thorough internal examination, using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and visually inspect the safety-critical components of the clutch and brake systems. This step is essential to identify any defects that need immediate remediation.

Thorough Examination

Following defect remediation, engage the services of experienced Engineer Surveyors specialising in power presses. They will conduct a comprehensive examination to ensure compliance with PUWER requirements.

All of these inspections combined provide the ability to test for defects including:

Damaged Protective Guards: Damaged or disabled guards significantly increase the risk to operators, potentially leading to severe injuries when guards are damaged to increase production.

Broken Foot Shrouds: Foot shrouds are critical for operator safety and preventing accidental machine operation.

Clutch Key Cracks: Wear and tear can affect the clutch key over time, potentially leading to production losses if not addressed early.

Damaged Cable Glands and Hydraulic Leaks: These issues can result in slipping hazards and fire risks. Ill-fitted cable guards, when combined with poorly secured electrical cables, can serve as potential ignition sources.

Power Press Testing Service

The primary purpose of a periodic Thorough Examination of power presses and their safeguarding systems is to detect and report any deterioration that might jeopardise safety. Deterioration can manifest as wear, corrosion, cracking, vibration, overheating, or damage to hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical systems. Our inspection service encompasses testing all guards and safety devices to ensure their proper operation and prevention of access to dangerous moving parts.