New edition of national standard aims to improve power press safety

The Canadian Standards Association has published a new edition of its standard Power Press Operation: Health, Safety and Guarding Requirements. The standard, known as Z142-02, outlines requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance, operation, safeguarding methods and safety and guarding considerations for all classes of power presses.

The new edition of the standard has been significantly expanded, now covering additional requirements for mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic power presses. New sections provide information to assist with the management of hazards in the surrounding work environment, as well as new lockout requirements for neutralizing and controlling hazardous energy sources when conducting maintenance.

Improvements upon the previous edition include a section outlining the responsibilities of manufacturers, employers, installers, maintenance and user personnel, added information on the classification and selection of the various types of safeguards allowed, and expanded information on training and maintenance.

Driven by changing technology, this standard is the result of the latest thinking related to operator and equipment safety and is harmonized with U.S. and international standards.

Z142-02 is a National Standard of Canada, and is mandated in legislation in most provinces across Canada.

Z142, Power Press Operation: Health, Safety and Guarding Requirements, is available by contacting CSA Standard Sales at sales@csa.ca, by calling toll-free 1-800-463-6727 or by visiting CSA online at www.csa.ca.

Toronto-based Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a membership association serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in Canada and the global marketplace. A developer of standards and codes, CSA aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and facilitate trade. It is a division of the CSA Group, which consists of CSA, CSA International for product testing and certification, and QMI for management systems registration.