Michigan Ends Requirement for Jam Bars on Horizontal Presses
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) began the process of formally requesting Michigan to amend its requirement in July 2017, saying that, as the industry had embraced more modern safety mechanisms, jam bars had become redundant in horizontal machines. Under the rule change, jam bars are no longer a requirement but remain an option. “I can say we have had a really good working relationship with MIOSHA,” said Marie Gargas, senior technical director of regulatory affairs for PLASTICS. “For example, they were very receptive to the results of the risk assessment, wanted to understand the issues and were responsive in initiating this formal rulemaking process.”