Cordless Pressing Machines

Cordless pressing machines mechanically join pipe and connect fittings.

Description:

Cordless pressing machines is an engineering control that can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from manual crimping to join pipe and connect fittings. Cordless pressing machines make durable connections with the pull of a trigger.
 

Connecting copper, steel, or PEX tubing by workers requires the use of manual crimping devices to join pipe and connect fittings. Cordless pressing machines like the RIDGID RP 330 pressing tool can make durable connections with minimal force required by the user.

Forceful gripping is stressful on the hand and wrist, and may increase risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Plumbers have to forcefully grip when they manually crimp pipe. Additionally, crimping causes increased contact stress on the hand. In contrast, cordless pressing machines do the forceful work for the plumber. The user only has to press the trigger and hold the unit while it crimps the pipe. The handle on these machines comfortably center the weight of the tool over the hand and are battery operated.

 

Risks Addressed:

Stressful hand and wrist activity can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of elbow and wrist tendons; or carpal tunnel syndrome, which is compression of a wrist nerve, resulting in finger numbness and loss of hand strength.  The cordless pressing machine can help reduce stressful hand and wrist activity by allowing workers to complete pressing tasks with a battery operated device rather than using manual crimping devices.   

How Risks are Reduced:

Handheld pressing machines reduce the forceful exertions and contact stress from using crimping tools. 

There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using handheld pressing machines on the incidence of MSDs. However, independent studies have shown an association between risk factors such as forceful exertions, awkward wrist postures, and contact stresses in the hand and MSDs. (Thomsen et al. 2007)

Health and safety experts believe workers will be less likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders if they reduce forceful hand exertions by using tools such as cordless pressing machines. 

Effects on Productivity:

Cordless pressing machines may increase productivity by increasing the speed at which pressing tasks can be completed and reducing worker fatigue.

Additional Considerations:

Cordless pressing machines reduce the chance of soldering and brazing-related fires.  No flame or heat is needed to make a pressed pipe connection, and no torches or gas tanks are required on the jobsite.

Due to the considerable cost of purchasing cordless pressing machines, these tools are more appropriate for contractors that are connecting piping or fittings on a large scale. The risks associated with handheld crimping are minimal when done only occasionally and with proper tools.
 
There are numerous accessories available to customize pressing tools. For example, RIDGID tools makes a soil pipe cutter attachment that cuts soil pipe without the repetitive force required for manual cutting.
 
Although handheld pressing tools are potentially beneficial, several models are heavy and may increase risk of MSDs from frequent use. Choose the lightest pressing machine that is suitable for your needs. Use these tools in a comfortable position and avoid continuous overhead use. Heavy tools can be suspended for tasks that are done repeatedly in the same location.

Contributors:

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Zack Sinner, SPT – Eastern Washington University

Availability

Stanley Virax
To obtain information, visit http://www.stanleyvirax.com/ or contact 1-800-827-7558 http://www.virax.com/index.php/en/contact

Ridgid
To obtain information, visit https://www.ridgid.com or contact 1-888-743-4333 rtccustomerservice@emerson.com

Return on Investment

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.