2
(2) "Point of operation" means the area of the press where material is actually
positioned, and where work is being performed, during any process such as shearing,
punching, or forming.
(3) "Point of operation device" means a press control or attachment that does any of the
following:
(a) Restrains the operator from inadvertently reaching into the point of operation.
(b) Prevents normal press operation if the operator's hands are inadvertently within the
point of operation.
(c) Automatically withdraws the operator's hands if they are inadvertently within the
point of operation as the dies close.
(4) "Presence sensing device" means a device designed, constructed, and arranged to
create a sensing field or area, and to deactivate the control of the press when an operator's
hand or other part of the body is within the field or area.
(5) "Press," as referred to in this part, means a powered machine, having a liquid energy
transfer media that actuates the slide motion toward and away from the bed surface,
where the slide is guided in a definite path by a frame or cylinder.
(6) "Primary operation" means a preliminary press operation applied to material to be
subsequently processed. Examples of primary operation include blanking, piercing, and
corner cutting.
(7) "Pull-out device" means a mechanism attached to the operator's hands or arms and
connected to the slide or upper die, and designed to withdraw the operator's hands from
the point of operation as the slide or upper die descends.
R 408.12331 Two-hand controls.
Rule 2331. (1) A 2-hand control shall require the application of both hands to operate
the press and shall require concurrent pressure on both controls until a point is reached in
the downward stroke where the die opening is such that the operator cannot remove their
hands and place them within the point of operation. Removal of 1 or both hands, before
the closing portion of the cycle, shall either stop the slide or return the slide to its starting
position.
(2) Two-hand controls for single-stroke operation, manufactured and installed on or
after August 31, 1971, shall be designed to require release of all operator's hand controls
before a second stroke can be initiated.
(3) Controls for more than 1 operating station shall be designed to be activated and
deactivated in complete sets of 2-hand controls per operating station, by means capable of
being supervised by the employer.
(4) If foot control is provided, the selection method between hand and foot control shall
be separated from the stroking selector and shall be designed so that the selection may be
supervised by the employer.
(5) A 2-hand control is a mechanically, pneumatically, or electrically controlled system.
(6) A 2-hand control shall be installed to prevent "bridging" controls, so that it can be
operated by 2 hands only.
(7) In a press operation requiring more than 1 operator, a set of 2-hand controls shall be
provided for each operator. However, a foot control may be used with 2-hand controls if
arranged to operate concurrently (otherwise, no cycle) and if the operator is not exposed
to the point of operation.