A power press explosion is an extremely dangerous industrial accident that can occur when operating a power press machine. Power presses use high pressure to mold, shape, or stamp metal or other materials. If the press malfunctions or is used improperly, a sudden and violent release of energy can occur, causing an explosion.
What causes a power press explosion?
There are several potential causes of power press explosions:
- Improper die setting – If the upper and lower dies are not aligned correctly, it can create uneven pressure and lead to an explosion.
- Damaged or worn parts – Over time, components like the ram, bolster plate, or die can become damaged. Cracked or worn parts can fail under pressure.
- Incorrect workpiece support – The material being pressed must be fully supported or the pressure can cause it to violently shoot out.
- Foreign material in dies – Any material that gets trapped between the upper and lower dies impedes proper closure and can trigger an explosion.
- Excessive pressure – Setting the press ram stroke too high can generate extremely high pressure and lead to a blast.
- Improper clutch adjustments – If the clutch settings are off, it can create abnormal forces on the press components.
- Hydraulic overload – Failure of hydraulic lines, valves, or cylinders can generate a hydraulic explosion.
- Improper maintenance procedures – Failure to properly maintain, inspect, and service the press on schedule increases risk.
Any of these issues can lead to a catastrophic mechanical failure under the extreme pressures involved in power press operation. When that force is suddenly released, it often detonates with explosive violence.
What are the dangers of a power press explosion?
Power press explosions are extremely hazardous to both workers and property. Some of the dangers include:
- Flying shards of metal – When the press dies explode, metal pieces travel at deadly velocities in all directions.
- Ejected materials – Not only metal but also the pressed part or workpiece can be violently ejected.
- Falling machine components – Large pieces of the press machine can be thrown long distances.
- Fire hazards – Sparks, electrical malfunctions, and oil leaks can also lead to fire.
- Collapsing structures – The concussive blast can damage the roof, walls, and floors of a facility.
- Toxic fumes – Hydraulic fluid, burning oil, molten metal, and other chemicals may be released.
Injuries from power press explosions are often catastrophic, including severe lacerations, amputations, crush injuries, burns, and death. The uncontrolled energy release is similar to that of an explosive device.
What safety measures help prevent power press explosions?
To minimize the risks, certain safety measures should be practiced when operating power presses:
- Proper installation – Presses must be anchored correctly and have proper safeguards.
- Equipment inspection & maintenance – Preventative maintenance and repairs should be done.
- Die inspection – Dies should be inspected and properly set before operation.
- Guarding – Point-of-operation guards must be used when possible.
- Training – Workers should receive extensive training on press operation.
- Safety controls – Two-hand trip controls and presence sensing devices help prevent accidental activation.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) – Operators should utilize PPE like safety glasses.
- Proper workpiece support – Support devices must be used to prevent ejections.
- No modifications – Presses should never be modified in any way.
- Standards & codes – Following industry regulations and standards can improve safety. For example, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has published various power press safety standards.
Adhering to safety protocols, conducting preventative maintenance, and not taking shortcuts can help reduce power press explosions. However, they can still occur unexpectedly due to the extreme amount of force involved.
Are power press explosions common?
Power press accidents in general are not uncommon in industrial settings. However, catastrophic explosions are rarer events. Here are some statistics on power press injuries and fatalities:
- Approximately 20 workers per year suffer amputations from mechanical power presses (OSHA).
- Another 44,000 workers annually experience non-amputation injuries on power presses (Lucchini RS study).
- From 1996 to 2005, OSHA identified 143 fatal occupational injuries related to metal and nonmetal power presses.
- Of these 143 deaths, 22 were direct results of press explosions.
- Hundreds of less severe press explosions happen each year in the US.
- One study found that improving safety guards could prevent up to 120 power press accidents per year (BLS data).
So while major catastrophic power press explosions are rarer, minor explosions and operator injuries are relatively common. Additional training, safeguards, and improved machine design could reduce accidents.
What are the long-term consequences of surviving a power press explosion?
Surviving a power press explosion often comes with severe long-term consequences. These may include:
- Amputations – Missing fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, or legs. This often requires prosthetics and lifelong disability.
- Vision loss – Flying debris can cause blindness or partial vision loss.
- Hearing loss – The loud blast can damage ears and cause deafness or tinnitus.
- Scarring & disfigurement – Severe facial and body scars may remain from lacerations or burns.
- Nerve damage – Arms and legs may suffer permanent numbness or paralysis.
- Chronic pain – Significant pain can linger long after the initial injuries heal.
- Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and nightmares are common after explosions.
- Addiction – Some turn to alcohol or pain medication to cope with injuries.
- Loss of livelihood – Inability to work or permanent disabilities affect income and quality of life.
The emotional and psychological tolls compound the intense physical injuries. Many workers suffer from post-traumatic stress for years following serious industrial accidents. Proper medical and mental health treatment is critical for survivors.
Notable power press explosion incidents
Some of the more severe power press explosions that have occurred include:
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 1991 – A 175-ton power press exploded at Herman Engineering. The blast killed 2 workers and injured 55. It destroyed half the building.
- Puebla, Mexico, 2007 – An explosion at Edscha automotive plant killed 5 workers and leveled the factory. 49 others were injured.
- Belvidere, IL, 2009 – An explosion at Chrysler plant threw a 2,000-pound power press 45 feet. It caused major building damage but no injuries.
- Salem, OH, 2020 – A 300-ton power press failed at Paraonllc Solutions, causing an explosion that killed 3 workers.
- Rockford, IL, 2021 – At Arrow Automotive, a power press ejected a car part that struck and killed a worker.
- Columbus, OH, 2022 – A blast at Akron Brass Company injured 3 workers, one critically. The cause was under investigation.
These horrific accidents underscore just how dangerous power press explosions can be. While safety measures have improved over the decades, severe incidents still periodically occur.
Are power press manufacturers liable for explosions?
When a power press explosion occurs, serious injury lawsuits will often target the press manufacturer. Potential legal claims may include:
- Product liability – If there was an inherent defect in the design or a production flaw, the maker may be liable.
- Negligence – The company may have failed to make the press reasonably safe and effective.
- Failure to warn – Not providing adequate warnings and instructions could make them culpable.
- Breach of warranty – Express or implied warranties may have been violated.
Manufacturers have a duty to design, build, and market intrinsically safe power presses. However, they often try to avoid liability by claiming:
- No defects existed when it left their control
- Proper safeguards were provided
- The owner modified or misused the press
- Wear and tear over time caused the failure
- Operators were not properly trained
- Required maintenance was not performed
Determining exactly why a press exploded and where fault lies can be technically complex. Plaintiffs generally need expert testimony to prove their claims against manufacturers. Settlements are common once evidence is gathered.
How can power press safety be improved?
To reduce power press explosions and injuries, some recommendations include:
- Improved press designs and safeguarding standards
- Built-in press monitoring systems
- More mandatory inspections and preventative maintenance
- Increased operator training and licensing requirements
- Safety bonuses and incentives for workers
- Frequent audits and oversight of presses
- Better tracking and analysis of power press incidents
- More research and development on presses and tooling
- Higher fines for violations of safety codes
New technologies like networked sensors, embedded machine monitoring, and virtual reality simulators may also help improve safety. But adequate regulatory oversight and investment in safer equipment remains key.
Can a power press explosion be survived if you are operating the machine?
It is possible, but very unlikely, to survive a catastrophic power press explosion if you are the machine operator. Some factors determine chances of survival:
- Proximity – The farther from the initial blast, the greater chance of living.
- Protective barriers – Barriers like Lexan machine guarding may provide some shielding.
- Alertness – If the operator detects an issue and runs prior to failure, survival is more likely.
- Luck – Some simply experience incredibly good fortune and emerge unscathed.
- First responders – Immediate medical care greatly improves odds of living.
However, most press operators involved in an explosive mechanical failure will die or suffer critical injuries. The sudden release of massive energy at the point of operation makes operator survival rare but not impossible.
Can observers survive a power press explosion if they are standing nearby?
For employees or others standing nearby, not directly operating the press, survival is more likely. Factors include:
- Distance away – The further from the blast epicenter, the less force impacted.
- Obstacles – Objects like walls or equipment can act as shields if between the person and press.
- Noise & events prior – Hearing odd sounds or seeing issues may trigger running.
- Random luck – Some simply are not hit by ejected shrapnel or machine parts.
- Injury mitigation – While injuries may occur, quick medical care improves outcomes.
However, severe injuries or death remain distinct possibilities for bystanders near an exploding power press. At close range, the concussive forces and flying debris can still be fatal. But survival odds are higher than for the operator.
In summary
Power press explosions are extremely hazardous but preventable industrial accidents. They are often caused by issues like improper die settings, damaged parts, or lack of maintenance. Resulting operator injuries can be catastrophic or fatal. While not an everyday occurrence, explosions still periodically happen at metalworking facilities. Safer machine designs, updated press standards, and enhanced operator training could help reduce these tragic incidents.
