{"id":32410,"date":"2018-07-26T08:35:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-26T08:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.woodwardfab.com\/blog\/?p=32410"},"modified":"2025-11-05T07:44:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T07:44:48","slug":"potential-hazards-associated-with-sheet-metal-bending-brakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.woodwardfab.com\/blog\/potential-hazards-associated-with-sheet-metal-bending-brakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Potential Hazards Associated with Sheet Metal Bending Brakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

A press brake is one of the popular machines used for sheet metal bending including bottom bending and air bending. A work-piece is clamped between a punch and a die to create a pre-determined bend. These sheet metal brakes are well-known for their versatility, ease-of-use, minimal maintenance, durability, and dependability. However, the tool must be operated carefully, as negligence leads to unforeseen accidents and injuries to people involved. The post, thus aims to familiarize you with some of the potential hazards associated with press brakes and solutions to protect yourself from those dangers.<\/p>\n

6 Common Hazards Caused by Press Bakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The following are the commonly heard hazards caused when operating press brakes.<\/p>\n

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    Hazard: Body Parts Get Caught <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Example: During bending operations, there are chances that the operators\u2019 hand may get jammed between the stock and the slide.<\/p>\n

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      Hazard: Electrical <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Example: When switches, wires, and plugs are not in good operating condition, employees may be exposed to electric shock, electrocution, and burns.<\/p>\n

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        Hazard: Hearing Damage or Loss <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Example: Power presses are inherently noisy and frequent exposure to such high level of noise can cause hearing damage to the operators. To avoid this, operators can either use industrial grade ear plugs or enclose the machine using noise barriers.<\/p>\n

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          Hazard: Foot Injury<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Example: Press breaks with foot pedals can cause several foot injuries. These can also happen while using the machine by standing on a slipping, or uneven terrain. It is advisable to use approved protective footwear when working with sheet metal bending brakes.<\/p>\n

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            Hazard: Injuries with Sharp Objects <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Example: This happens when loading and unloading work-pieces.<\/p>\n

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              Hazard: Fatigue During Work Hours <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Example:<\/strong> Many times, operators would require to work for long hours to meet the project deadlines. This lead to fatigue and lack of concentration. Unforeseen accidents can happen during these times.<\/p>\n

              \"Sheet<\/p>\n

              To avoid such potential dangers and hazards, several safety practices can be employed stringently as follow:<\/p>\n