Rule 4246. (1) A steam or air hammer shall be equipped with a functional safety cylinder
head to act as a cushion if the piston rod breaks or pulls out of the ram.
(2) A steam hammer shall be provided with a quick access emergency shut-off valve
identified by name or color in the supply, sometimes called admission, pipeline at a
location within reach of the operator. This valve shall be closed and locked in the “off”
position while the hammer is being adjusted, repaired, or serviced, or when the die are
being changed, except where necessary to move the ram.
(3) If the steam hammer cylinder is constructed without a self-draining arrangement, a
drain cock shall be provided which shall be piped to a sump or drain pipe.
(4) A pneumatic hammer shall have a drain cock on the main head cylinder and on the
clamp cylinder, if a clamp cylinder is provided.
(5) Steam or air pressure at the hammer shall be no higher than that for which the
hammer is designed. A pressure regulator and safety valve at the source of power or at
the equipment, whichever is applicable, shall be used to insure this.
(6) A steam pipe shall be covered where exposed to contact. Pipe supports or other
effective means shall be provided to prevent failure from vibration, expansion, or
contraction.
(7) Steam or air piping shall be as prescribed in ANSI B31.1.0-1967, Power piping, with
addenda issued before April 28, 1971, which is incorporated herein by reference and may
be inspected at the Lansing office of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
This standard may be purchased from IHS Global, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood,
Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at website:
(8) Where it is necessary to service a steam cylinder, a fixed platform, as prescribed in R
408.14249(2), shall be provided, or the employee shall wear a safety belt and lanyard,
with the lanyard secured to the hammer or a structural member.
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.
R 408.14247 Mechanically operated hammers and forging presses.
Rule 4247. (1) A mechanically operated hammer or forging press shall be
provided with a means for disconnecting the power. Acceptable methods include the
following:
(a) A disconnect switch ahead of the starter on the primary line with provision
for locking and within reach from the floor. Power shall be locked off when the
machine is being repaired or serviced.
(b) A tight and loose pulley on a countershaft, with a belt shifter, with a means
to lock it in the "off" position. The belt shifter shall be within easy reach of the
operator.
(c) A clutch or drive pulley, with a clutch handle, with a means to lock it in the "off"
position. The clutch handle shall be within easy reach of the operator.
(2) Springs suspending the ram in a mechanically operated hammer shall be
enclosed or restrained from flying in case of breakage.
History: 1979 AC.
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