ANSI press brake standard as guarding guidance

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

May 26, 1981

Mr. Charles A. Carlsson
Secretary
B11.3 Committee
Carrier Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Carlsson:

This is in response to a request from a member of the ANSI B11.3 Committee, and describes the manner in which OSHA provides for suitable applications of the ANSI B11.3 specification standard.

OSHA requirements for safeguarding mechanical power press brakes are contained in 29 CFR 1910.212, general requirements for all machines. Paragraph 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) specifically provides that point of operation guarding shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards. The ANSI B11.3-1973 is currently used by OSHA as the appropriate standard regarding power press brakes. The ANSI B11.3 Committee has also published a draft revision dated November 1978, which provides even greater guidance, and is also used by OSHA as a reference when inspecting power press brakes.

As you can see, although OSHA has not and is unlikely to promulgate a specific technical standard for safeguarding power press brakes, the performance standard delineated by 29 CFR 1910.212 is applicable and mandates employers to provide safeguarding. Power press brakes are regulated under 29 CFR 1910.212 and actively enforced by OSHA.

OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.12, issued October 26, 1976, copy enclosed, further discusses power press brake point of operation safeguarding.

If we may be of further assistance, please call or write.

Sincerely,
Bruce Hillenbrand
Deputy Director,
Federal Compliance and State Programs

[Corrected 4/7/2009]