Lifting Limits on Punch-Press Operations (NIOSH)

[PeterHalbleib]

Hello All:

I've been investigating some of our hydraulic press operations. And a question has arisen.

If we apply the NIOSH lifting equation to the operation of punching one of our parts, it tells us every one of our parts is NOT within the recommended weight limit. Our horizontal reach on most parts is well over 25".

This operation is on a 600 ton press.

How have any of you handled a situation like this? We are punching/pressing sheet metal.

Any help here would be appreciated.

 

[123amit]

As you might aware of in NIOSH equation there are several other factors which u can look like vertical height of lift origin, asymmetry means what is the angle when the lift starts and ends, frequency of lift, duration etc if u are able to reduce these factors and still can't reduce horizontal distance u might get favorable RWL.
what is weight of the piece which person lifts?

 

[PeterHalbleib]

Well...

We run several hundred different parts through the press.

Weights ranging from 2.5 lbs up to 14 lbs.

We've been looking at the other factors of the equation and have provided a lift table (origin of lift) to negate that factor and we have looked at what we could do to reduce the frequency etc...

Some of the parts have been brought back into an acceptable range, but others are still unacceptable.

We're looking into special tools/devices to assist in lifting, but do not want to spend 10's of thousands on a solution.

Hope this provides some better info for you and I appreciate your help!

Peter

 

[mdwilson]

Without knowing the details of part shapes, area layout, etc., it's tough to recommend a solution.

But, you might consider :

1. Delivering & removing parts at the right "altitude" - so they do not have to be lifted

2. Eliminating lifts by using ramps/slides so workers can slide parts where they need to go without lifting.