DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
GENERAL INDUSTRY SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory affairs  
by sections 16 and 21 of the Michigan occupational safety and health act, 1974 PA 154,  
MCL 408.1016 and 408.1021, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2, 2003-1,  
2008-4, and 2011-4, MCL 445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2025, and 445.2030)  
PART 42. FORGING  
GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 408.14201 Scope.  
Rule 4201. This part provides safety for life, limb, and health in or about places of  
employment and applies to all classes of power-forging machinery both for drop forging  
and flat-die forging, including steam hammers, pneumatic hammers, mechanically  
operated hammers, forging presses, forging rolls, trimming presses, bulldozers, upsetting  
machines, bolt-heading and rivet-making machines and power shears, and incidental  
operations and equipment in connection with such machinery. Excluded are cold forging  
operations.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14203 Definitions; A to C.  
Rule 4203. (1) "Aisle" means a path of travel for vehicles and employees and which is  
not used for work and storage space.  
(2) "Board drop hammer" means a hammer equipped with boards attached to the ram  
which when propelled by motor driven friction rolls raises the ram and attachments.  
(3) "Cylinder head" means a cover attachment for the top of a steam cylinder.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14204 Definitions; F, G.  
Rule 4204. (1) "Forging press" means a mechanically or hydraulically operated press  
using closed or flat dies.  
(2) "Forging rolls (reducing rolls)" means rolls used as equipment for forging or swaging  
operations. Forging rolls are required essentially for reducing short, thick stock sections  
into long, slender sections and to perform or reduce cross-sectional areas of billets before  
the finished forging operation.  
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(3) "Guide bolt" means a bolt which passes through the hammer columns and secures the  
ram guides in the pocket.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.14205 Definitions; H to P.  
Rule 4205. (1) "Hammer" means a machine designed to shape forgings by means of  
impact between dies. The force of the impact is by gravity or power supplied by steam, air  
or mechanical means.  
(2) "Mechanical hammer" means a gravity hammer which uses hydraulic or mechanical  
devices, such as friction rolls with boards, belts, or ropes to raise the ram and attachments.  
(3) "Point of operation" means the area of a machine, die, or tool where material is actually  
worked.  
(4) "Power shear" means a machine equipped with opposing shear blades and which cuts  
bar stock.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14207 Definitions; R, S.  
Rule 4207. (1) "Rod gland" means a sleeve at the bottom of a cylinder through which a  
piston rod passes.  
(2) "Safety factor" means the ratio of the breaking strength of a piece of material or object  
to the actual safe load or working stress when in use.  
(3) "Steam or pneumatic hammer" means a hammer using steam or air to provide energy  
in a cylinder to raise the hammer for a gravity drop and in case of a double action hammer  
to increase the force of the impact on the forging.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14208 Definitions; T to W.  
Rule 4208. (1) "Tie plate" means a plate located and attached to the upper structure of  
hammer columns and on which the steam cylinder is mounted.  
(2) "Trained and authorized" means to have received instructions regarding specified  
duties and to have permission to perform those duties.  
(3) "Trim press" means a class of auxiliary forging equipment which removes flash or  
excess metal from a forging.  
(4) "Upsetting machine" means a horizontal forging machine employing a set of gripper  
dies that holds stock while the ram or header slide forces the stock into shape and size.  
(5) "Walkaway" means a path of travel for foot traffic only.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14221 Rescinded.  
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History: 1979 AC; 1997 AACS.  
R 408.14222 Aisles.  
Rule 4222. An aisle for vehicular traffic shall be not less than the width of the widest  
vehicle or load plus 3 feet. An aisle shall be outlined by marking.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14223 Platforms.  
Rule 4223. A platform used on the floor in front of a machine shall be designed to hold  
the weight imposed on it without creating a tripping hazard.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14224 Lighting and controls.  
Rule 4224. (1) Machinery and equipment shall be provided with a minimum of 15  
footcandles light intensity to fall upon the general area. When natural light is insufficient,  
artificial light shall be provided. Direct or reflected glare and shadows, including moving  
shadows, should be avoided.  
(2) A manually operated valve or switch for power forging equipment shall be identified  
as to function and accessible to the operator.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14225 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1997 AACS.  
R 408.14226 Use of lead.  
Rule 4226. The following safety requirements apply to lead casts or other use of lead in a  
forge shop or die shop:  
(a) Thermostatic control of heating elements shall be provided to maintain melting  
temperature at not more than 750 degrees Fahrenheit.  
(b) A covered container shall be provided to store dross skimmings.  
(c) Equipment shall be kept clean, particularly from accumulations of lead oxide.  
(d) A sign shall be posted in the work area prohibiting eating in the area and calling  
attention to dangers of oral ingestion of lead dust from hands and clothing.  
History: 1979 AC.  
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R 408.14227 Scale removers, oil swabs, and tongs.  
Rule 4227. (1) If an oil swab, scale brush, or other device is required to remove scale, it  
shall be long enough to enable the employee to perform the job without placing his hands  
within the point of operation.  
(2) Tongs shall be of sufficient length to clear the body of the worker in case of kickback,  
and shall not have sharp handle ends. The worker should be instructed in the proper body  
position when using tongs. Tongs should be checked periodically to see that they remain  
at the proper hardness level for the job. When rings or equivalent devices for locking tongs  
are used, they should be inspected periodically to ensure safe condition.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14231 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.14232 Personal protective equipment.  
Rule 4232. (1) Protective goggles or spectacles shall be provided to, and used by, all  
employees where a face and eye hazard exists. Protective goggles and spectacles shall  
comply with the requirements of general industry safety standard, Part 33. Personal  
Protective Equipment, being R 408.13301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.  
(2) Head protection shall be provided to, and used by, all employees where a head hazard  
exists. Head protection shall comply with the requirements of general industry safety  
standard, Part 33. Personal Protective Equipment, being R 408.13301 et seq. of the  
Michigan Administrative Code.  
(3) Foot or toe protection shall be provided to, and used by, all employees in accordance  
with general industry safety standard, Part 33. Personal Protective Equipment, being R  
408.13301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code, where a foot or toe hazard exists.  
(4) Other types of personal protective equipment, such as aprons, spats, sleeves, and  
specialty gloves other than lightweight cotton or similar types of gloves, shall be provided  
to, and used by, employees when such personal protective equipment is required for the  
protection of the employee from hazards.  
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS.  
R 408.14241 Guards, hammers, and forge presses.  
Rule 4241. (1) The portion of a treadle at the rear of a hammer shall be guarded so that  
scrap or other material cannot collect below this portion of the treadle and prevent it from  
returning to normal position.  
(2) A treadle shall be blocked or otherwise secured during the time an employee is  
exposed under the ram or between the dies.  
(3) A scale guard constructed of not less than 20 gauge sheet steel or equivalent material  
shall be provided at the back of a hammer, so arranged as to stop flying objects and  
anchored or secured so that it cannot tip or fall.  
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(4) A foot operated device, such as a treadle, pedal, bar, valve, or switch, shall be  
substantially and effectively protected from unintended operation.  
History: 1979 AC.  
HAMMER AND FORGE PRESSES  
R 408.14242 Hammer installation.  
Rule 4242. (1) A hammer shall be installed on or anchored to a foundation of such strength  
as to support the imposed weight and normal work stress.  
(2) A press shall be installed in a manner that it will remain in position or it shall be  
anchored to a foundation of such strength as to support the imposed weight and normal  
work stress.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14243 Ram props and blocks.  
Rule 4243. A ram prop or block shall be provided and used at each hammer when dies  
are changed or repaired. The prop or block shall have a handle on the side. One of the  
following shall be used:  
(a) A wooden ram prop or block of hardwood and complying with not less than the  
specifications of table 1. The ends shall be square.  
(b) A steel ram prop of not less than 2 1/2-inch outside diameter by 2-inch inside diameter,  
or a structural shape of equal strength, with squared ends.  
(c) Other material which shall be of equal or greater strength as required for steel in  
subdivision (b).  
Figure for 408.14243  
Page 5  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14244 Hammer die keys.  
Rule 4244. (1) A hammer die key and shims shall be made from a grade of material which  
does not crack or splinter when treated. A die key shall project not more than 3 inches in  
front or in back of the ram or die.  
(2) A head of a key shall be kept free of mushrooming and splitting by grinding off any  
flaring.  
(3) A head of a manual key driver shall be kept free of mushrooming by grinding or  
machining. A cutting torch shall never be used for this. A driver shall be suspended from  
a securely fastened beam with chain or cable of sufficient size to handle the weight of the  
driver plus a safety factor of 5. Chain, cable and fasteners shall be kept free of twisted,  
bent or elongated links. A driver shall be made of steel that will not chip on impact.  
(4) A pneumatic key driver is recommended. The driver shall be made of steel that will  
not chip on impact.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14245 Hammer cylinder heads and fasteners.  
Rule 4245. Parts, such as, but not limited to, a cylinder head and fasteners for a cylinder  
head, glands, tie plates and guide bolts, which are subject to failure shall be secured by use  
of a safety cable strung to them.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14246 Steam and pneumatic hammers.  
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.  
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(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:  
http://global.ihs.com, at a cost as of the time of adoption of these rules of $96.00 each.  
(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.  
R 408.14248 Point of operation devices.  
Rule 4248. Effective August 31, 1974, the following shall pertain to a mechanically  
operated hammer used for cold re-strike operations:  
(a) Where only 1 hand is used for holding the material, a safety stop, dog or catch shall  
be provided to prevent the ram from descending until this device has been released and is  
held out of the way by the other hand, or a hand lever instead of a foot treadle shall be  
provided for tripping the hammer.  
(b) On a hammer where neither hand is used for holding the material, there shall be  
provided a point of operation device that restrains the operator from inadvertently reaching  
into the point of operation or which automatically withdraws the operator's hands if they  
are within the point of operation as the dies close, or a tripping lever or safety stop or both  
that will require concurrent use of both hands to trip the hammer.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14249 Board drop hammers.  
Page 7  
Rule 4249. (1) On a board drop hammer a guard constructed of 20 gauge sheet steel or  
stronger must be provided around the board above the rolls to prevent the board from  
falling if the board breaks or comes loose from the ram.  
(2) Where work must be done at or near the rolls of a board hammer, a fixed or portable  
platform equipped with a guardrail system must be provided and used in compliance with  
General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 2. “Walking-Working Surfaces,” being  
R 408.10201 to R 408.10241 of the Michigan Administrative Code.  
(3) Roll release levers and front friction rods on a board hammer must be prevented from  
falling by being secured to the hammer frame by cable, chain or an equally effective means.  
History: 1979 AC; 2019 AACS.  
R 408.14251 Forging presses.  
Rule 4251. (1) Forging press operating valves shall be located so that the operator will  
have a clear and unobstructed view of the press when standing in the usual operation  
position. If this arrangement is impossible, a mirror shall be installed in front of the operator  
to assist him in obtaining a full view of the press.  
(2) When dies are being changed or maintenance is being performed on a press, the  
following shall be accomplished:  
(a) The energy source to a mechanical press shall be locked out, and the flywheel shall be  
at rest before work begins.  
(b) The hydraulic pumps and power apparatus of the hydraulic press shall be locked out.  
(c) Blocking shall be provided and used to prevent the ram from dropping. The material  
shall equal or exceed specifications in table 1.  
Die design shall take into consideration the need for a flat spot for the block.  
(3) Location of steam, air, or water headers and scale or splash aprons shall give the  
operator sufficient clearance at the front of the forging press for any upward or downward  
movement of the tongs without creation of a pinch point between these facilities and the  
tongs.  
(4) A hot forging press shall be equipped with a scale guard, as prescribed in R  
408.14241(3).  
(5) A forging press shall be provided with a positive means for retaining a piston and head  
assembly inside the counterbalance cylinder in case of failure or breakage of the piston and  
rod assembly.  
(6) An electrical motor shall be provided with a disconnect switch, as prescribed in R  
408.14247(1). A hydraulic forging press shall be equipped with a positive type lockout  
disconnecting switch or valve.  
(7) Fire resistant fluids shall be used in a hydraulic press forming hot work.  
(8) Die bolts shall not be worn or damaged, and shall be long enough to permit being  
threaded into die bolt holes a distance not less than 1 1/2 times the diameter of the bolt.  
Washers shall not be used in multiple to compensate for excessive lengths of bolts.  
(9) A mechanical foot pedal or foot switch shall be covered on both sides and top with a  
substantial guard to prevent accidental tripping. The guard shall have rolled, broad, or  
covered edges to prevent injury or discomfort. The mechanical foot pedal shall be mounted  
to a press leg or anchored to the floor.  
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History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14252 Inspection.  
Rule 4252. (1) Daily visual observation, without dismantling, shall be made of a forging  
hammer and forge press to insure the safe condition of bolts, screws, keys, valves, and all  
parts of treadles and clutches and other operating mechanisms that might become loose by  
vibration.  
(2) A periodic and regular maintenance safety inspection shall be made of forging  
machinery and equipment, including guards and point of operation protection devices by a  
trained and authorized employee.  
(3) A record shall be made and maintained to show the date of inspection, equipment  
number and condition found.  
History: 1979 AC.  
OTHER MACHINES  
R 408.14261 Trim presses.  
Rule 4261. (1) A trim press shall be provided with a main disconnect switch as prescribed  
in R 408.14247(1).  
(2) A trim press shall be provided with a safety block or prop as prescribed in R  
408.14243. Die design shall take into consideration and provide a suitable flat area in the  
die for locating and using blocking material.  
(3) A trim press shall be fed by devices as prescribed in R 408.14251(10).  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14263 Bulldozers.  
Rule 4263. A guard shall be attached to the side of the moving head of a bulldozer and  
shall extend past the stationary head to prevent persons from stepping between the dies, or  
another method may be used which offers equal protection.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.14265 Bolt heading and rivet-making machines.  
Rule 4265. (1) A treadle (pedal) of a bolt heading or rivet-making machine shall be  
guarded as prescribed in R 408.14251(9).  
(2) A bolt header or rivet-making machine shall be equipped with a positive-type lockout  
device as prescribed in R 408.14247(1).  
(3) A screen shield shall be installed across point-of-operation on a bolt heading or rivet-  
making machine to protect against flying pieces.  
(4) Tension or relief springs on a bolt heading or rivet-making machine shall be guarded.  
Page 9  
(5) Safety blocks as prescribed in R 408.14243 shall be used when required while working  
on, removing, or setting dies.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14267 Power shears.  
Rule 4267. (1) The maximum size and specification of material being sheared on a power  
shear, as recommended by the manufacturer of the shear, shall not be exceeded.  
(2) Effective point-of-operation guarding shall be provided at both the feeding end and  
discharge end of a power shear.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.14268 Material-handling equipment.  
Rule 4268. Material-handling equipment shall be of such capacity and size as to safely  
handle the imposed load of the dies and containers.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.14269 Tumbling barrels and shot blasts.  
Rule 4269. (1) A tumbling barrel shall have all of the following:  
(a) Have fittings to the barrel dust-tight or the barrel enclosed in a booth with an exhaust  
system as approved by the state department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(b) Be locked in place while being loaded or unloaded.  
(c) Have an interlocked barrier across the front before it can be started.  
(2) A shot blast cleaning chamber shall have doors, curtains including silhouettes, or  
guards to protect the operator.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.14271 Upsetting machines.  
Rule 4271. (1) An upsetter pedal (treadle) shall be guarded as prescribed in R  
408.14251(9).  
(2) A shut-off valve or safety switch for service equipment on an upsetter, such as air  
lines, electric lines and water and oil lines, shall be located conveniently for the operator,  
and each shall be distinctly marked for ease of identification.  
(3) A positive type lockout device for disconnecting the power to the upsetter shall be  
provided as prescribed in R 408.14247(1).  
(4) An upsetting machine shall be installed so that it will remain on its foundation.  
History: 1979 AC.  
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R 408.14273 Billet heating furnaces.  
Rule 4273. (1) A billet heating furnace shall be equipped with an automatic valve on the  
main fuel line which will shut off in case of electrical or fuel supply failure.  
(2) Radiant heat from a billet furnace shall be controlled by 1 or more of the following  
methods:  
(a) Reflective shields of aluminum or materials of equal reflectivity.  
(b) Controlled openings.  
(c) Evaporative cooling.  
(d) Water jackets.  
(e) Chain curtains.  
(3) An exhaust system shall be provided as prescribed by the state department of licensing  
and regulatory affairs.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
Editor's Note: An obvious error in R 408.14273 was corrected at the request of the promulgating agency,  
pursuant to Section 56 of 1969 PA 306, as amended by 2000 PA 262, MCL 24.256. The rule containing the  
error was published in Annual Administrative Code, 2013. The memorandum requesting the correction was  
published in Michigan Register, 2016 MR 10.  
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;