U.S. Department of Labor seeks information on updating OSHA’s mechanical power presses standard
The mechanical power presses standard, first issues by OSHA in 1971, is to be updated per public input. Comments can be submitted until Oct. 26, 2021.

Photo Credit: Science in HD
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, Washington D.C., U.S.) has published a (RFI) seeking information and public input as the agency considers updates to its .
This standard was first issued by OSHA in 1971, based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI, New York, N.Y., U.S.) industry consensus standard. ANSI has updated the standard several times since. OSHA defines a mechanical power press as “a mechanically powered machine that shears, punches, forms or assembles metal or other material by means of cutting, shaping or combination by dies attached to slides” (29 CFR 1910.211(d)(46)).
The agency is requesting information regarding the need to update the mechanical power presses standard, how closely the standard should follow the current ANSI standard, the types of presses that should be covered, the use and certification of equipment, presence-sensing device initiation systems and requirements for press modifications, training and injury reporting. OSHA will use the information received to determine what action, if any, it may take to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining worker safety.
Comments must be submitted electronically at , the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Read the for submission instructions. Submit all comments by Oct. 26, 2021.
Related Content
-
SAMPE 2025: Innovation, circularity and connection drive composites forward
Collaboration, workforce development and an ongoing focus on scalability and sustainability took center stage at SAMPE 2025 in Indianapolis.
-
Composites UK launches best practice guide for composites tooling
“Mould Tooling for Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites” is latest in Composites UK’s series of good practice guides, available online for free.
-
Bucci Composites expands automotive production capabilities with facility addition, new high-ton presses
CW Top Shops recipient Bucci Composites shares an update on its facility expansion, automotive composites applications, sustainability, education initiatives and more.