Press Brakes

Press brakes bend sheet metal and plate between a punch and a die. Hand and finger amputations happen when operators hold small parts close to the dies or reach in while the ram can cycle.

• General Industry
• Metal Fabrication

Hazards

• Point of operation between the punch and die
• Foot pedals that cycle the ram when stepped on by accident
• Sheet metal “whipping” up during a bend and striking the operator’s face or arms
• Pinch points at the backgauge and between the ram and the frame
• Heavy dies during setup and changeover

Safeguarding

• Presence-sensing devices such as light curtains or laser systems that stop the ram if hands enter the danger zone
• Two-hand controls placed so both hands are clear of the dies
• Pullbacks or restraints for some operations
• Covered foot pedals that can’t be stepped on accidentally
• Hand tools such as magnetic lifters or tongs for small parts

The right safeguard depends on the part and the job. Many shops follow ANSI B11.3 for press brakes.

Safe operation

• Only trained, authorized operators run press brakes.
• Check safeguards at the start of each shift and after every die change.
• Keep fingers out of the die area; use hand tools for small parts.
• Stand so a sheet that whips up won’t hit you, and support large sheets with a helper or followers.
• Coordinate clearly when two people handle one part; only one person controls the ram.
• Keep hands away from the backgauge while it moves.

• Don’t mute, bypass or adjust light curtains to work faster.
• Don’t rest your foot on the pedal between bends.

Die changes

• Ram lowered or blocked with safety blocks
• Machine locked out before hands go between the dies
• Dies lifted with proper equipment, not by hand when heavy
• Safeguards reset and tested before the first part

Last updated: October 2, 2026