Environmental Health & Safety: Equipment/Task Name: Equipment/Task Hazard Class
Environmental Health & Safety: Equipment/Task Name: Equipment/Task Hazard Class
Environmental Health & Safety: Equipment/Task Name: Equipment/Task Hazard Class
Equipment/Task
Name:
METAL SHEARS
Equipment/Task
Hazard Class:
5 POWERED
SHEARS
2 MANUAL
SHEARS
Shop Name:
http://ehs.yale.edu/forms-tools/toolclassification-matrix
Shop Hazard
Class:
Purpose
Metal shears are typically used to make straight cuts in flat sheet metal stock. Metal shears may be
bench mounted or have integral stands and can be manually powered or electrically, hydraulically,
and/or pneumatically powered. For the purpose of this Procedure, the term shear will be used to
refer to manual and powered metal shears unless specifically stated.
Hazards
As with all shop tools there are many potential hazards associated with the use of a shear. Powered
shears are Class 5 tools while manual shears are Class 2 tools (http://ehs.yale.edu/forms-tools/toolclassification-matrix). There are a number of particular hazards associated with the operation and use
of shears (See attached diagram).
Amputation The shear blade can easily amputate body parts if proper safe guards and
procedures are not used.
Flying Objects Cutting activities can generate sharp flying chips. Work pieces can become
disengaged and be flung across the room. This is especially true for cutoffs on the exit side of
the shear.
Cuts, Laceration, and Puncture Sharp edges on tooling, sharp edges and potential burrs on the
work piece are created when using this tool.
Pinch Points Potential pinch points exist with hold down clamps, moving shear parts, and
between the workpiece and the tool. Familiarity of all potential pinch points, appropriate
guarding, and proper tool use will prevent accidental contact with pinch points.
Limitations
Manual shears typically allow for cutting mild steel sheets less than 1/8 in thickness with width
limited to the width of the shear blade. Refer to the equipment manufacturers instructions or
contact the Shop Supervisor for appropriateness of material.
Shears are designed to cut sheet metal stock only. Cutting material other than sheet metal,
such as round stock, will damage the shear blade.
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Refer to the Shop Safety Postings and instructions provided by the Shop Supervisor.
Shop specific required PPE:
Required Training
Applicable Shop Rules
o Student Shop Rules (http://ehs.yale.edu/forms-tools/shop-rules-student-accessible-shops)
o Professional Shop Rules (http://ehs.yale.edu/forms-tools/guidelines-professional-shops)
For Class 2 through 5 Student Shops, review and signing of the Yale University Shop/Tool Use
Safety Agreement (http://ehs.yale.edu/forms-tools/shoptool-use-safety-agreement).
Shop Supervisors or Instructors must evaluate the tool user based on successful demonstration
of the Training Competencies listed below as applicable.
Training Competencies:
Understand the uses, limitation, and hazards of shears.
Be able to dress appropriately and don correct personal protective equipment.
Know how to inspect the shear and ensure all components function properly for the
selected option.
Show proper body position for stable operation of the shear.
Demonstrate good judgment in the shearing process.
Know how to recognize proper operation and engagement of clamps and guards.
Be capable of effectively and safely performing the shearing operation.
Be able to correctly locate, mark, position, and shear a workpiece to the desired size.
Observe and follow all Yale Professional or Student Shop Rules as posted.
Understand and follow manufacturer operating procedures.
Inspect the tool for damage prior to use.
Verify all guards are in place and adjusted properly.
Do not bypass any safety devices.
Always stay at the machine while it is running.
Clean the tool after use.
Report any malfunction or damage to the Shop Supervisor after tagging the tool Out of Service,
do not use.
Always keep fingers clear of the blade.
For foot operated manual shears, keep the foot that is not being used out from under the
treadle.
Never exceed the capacity of the tool. For hand operated manual shears, never attempt to
exceed the capacity by using an extension bar on the handle to increase leverage. Similarly, for
foot operated manual shears, never attempt to exceed the capacity by jumping on or placing
both feet on the treadle.
Never attempt to shear multiple workpieces at a time.
If a two-person operation is required, communication and responsibilities must be clear and
defined. The helper must give the signal to the operator to cycle the shear. The operator must
know the helpers position at all times and give a clear signal before bringing the blade down.
Never feed material from the backside of the shear.
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Diagrams/Illustrations
HOLD DOWN AND GUARD
SHEAR TABLE
EXTENSION ARMS
TREADLE
SHEAR TABLE
Creation/Revision Dates:
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