Press brake operator wearing arm-type restraints Click on image to view animation

• A holdout or a restraint device must protect the operator as specified by: [29 CFR 1910.217(c)(3)(i)(c)] and must include attachments for each of the operator's hands.
  
  
• Attachments must be securely anchored and adjusted and separate set of restraints must be provided for each operator if more than one is required on a press. [29 CFR 1910.217(c)(3)(vi)]

Arm-type restraint devices

The arm-type restraint device is suitable for small to medium-size presses, and short-bed press brakes when the operator is able to load and unload, or hold parts without reaching into, along side of, or near the point of operation. They are commonly used for hand feeding of strip material or in conjunction with hand feeding tools.

The device consists of a mounting bracket, tubular arms, and adjustable nylon straps (with wristlets attached) for each hand. Each tubular arm is applied perpendicular to the front of the bolster and can be swung up to 90° to the side, depending on the job situation. When not in use, the tubular arms can be swung downward, out of the way.

The arms (1" square steel tubing) are 24" long with 42" nylon straps provided. This allows ample freedom of hand movement when operating from a sitting or standing position.

Overhead restraint devices with two operators

The overhead restraint device is suitable for large presses and short-bed press brakes. It is a logical choice when the operator never has to reach into, along side of, or near the point of operation to perform their job. Through the use of an overhead frame, boom rails, and braces, a support bar is situated above and behind the operator. Adjustable nylon straps, with wristlets, are attached to the support bar. This provides the operator with holdout protection for each hand, but allows ample freedom away from the machine to handle large or clumsy parts without having to remove the wristlets.

Sliding restraint device

The sliding restraint device is suitable for work on wide presses or large-bed press brakes when the operator needs to move laterally across the front of the machine or when the job calls for two or more operators on the same machine.

A rail is attached above and behind the operator(s), through the use of two single restraint frames. A carrier that can travel along the rail is provided for each operator. A pair of holdout straps is attached to each of these carriers.

With this arrangement, each operator will be restricted to a certain reach toward the machine, but will have lateral movement available through the sliding carriers.