Posted By Steven Mellor Could anyone enlighten me as to the PUWER or other requirements for power presses used for compacting non-metallic substances?

Posted By Peter Batty Hi Steven, the definition of a power press in L112 is “press or press brake for the working of metal by means of tools; or for die proving, which is power driven and which embodies a flywheel and clutch" Therefore if you are working non metallic parts then strictly speaking you do not have a power press. However this still means that you are required to ensure that the machine is safe and PUWER will still apply. The Document L112 “Safe Use of Power Presses” would still be good practice if applied. Though it may be that in house inspection would suffice? (Can you defend this in court?) You may also want to look at Health & Safety Executive Guidance Note PM79 Power Presses Thorough Examination. Personally I can't understand how just by changing the material being worked a machine becomes "safer" I assume that normally the forces involved are lower to work non metallic products. I don't think that the person with a hand stuck in the mechanism would notice though. Regards Peter