Help on Punch Press Ergonomics

[Chairs]

We are using a punch press and there have been complaints about the comfort for the operator. The operator sits at a chair and actuates the machine with a foot pedal. The problem is there are two solid steel plates attached to the machine that limits the operators leg space. Its uncomfortable and awkward which causes problems when used over long periods of time. We have a few ideas on how to help the situation but they aren't great. Any new ideas would be appreciated. The machine weighs approximately 8000 lbs and needs the plates for support.

 

[Chairs]

Here is a picture of the problem. The two metal plates are shown by the right facing red arrows

 

[MintJulep]

Something like a perch stool and trade the foot pedal for a pair of hand light sensors that ensure the operator's hands are in a safe position.

 

[Chairs]

They have to be about eye level in order to feed the cable in correctly meaning if I raised the operator so his knees weren't bent as far I'd have to raise the machine too. I thought about building a stand for it and using something like that or just have the operator stand but I wanted to see if there were any other options first.

 

[berkshire]

Does the operator have to hold the part in place to index it, or can the part sit there without moving if Palm buttons are used?

It would appear that the lack of a foot well is the biggest source of discomfort. Can that bottom plate be moved or cut down?
B.E.

 

[berkshire]

Dammit,
Posted too soon, If the part can be indexed without the operator having to hold it, you may be able to use palm buttons on a pedestal, back from the machine, allowing the operator to either sit a little further away, or to stand as desired.
B.E.

 

[KENAT]

Replace the chair with an 'ergonomic kneeling stool' and then change to some kind of palm activation?

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