Safety Knights

Yes, that's correct. All manual power press operators need initial training, which is mentioned in 1910.217(f)(2). If the operators are dealing with PSDI equipment, then that's where the annual refresher training comes in. If they're not dealing with PSDI equipment, then there's no annual refresher per se, but I'd recommend it anyway as a best practice.

All of the mechanical power press standard training requirements are summarized below:
• 1910.217(e)(3) requires training of maintenance personnel, and provides that it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the original and continuing competence of personnel caring for, inspecting, and maintaining power presses.
• 1910.217(f)(2) requires the employer to train and instruct the operator in the safe method of work before starting work on any operation covered by this section, and to ensure by adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are being followed.
• 1910.217(h)(13) requires that training for operators using presses in PSDI mode must be provided before the employee initially operates the press and as needed to maintain competence, but not less than annually thereafter.

I will never forget my first day at my summer job the day after high school graduation. I was working in an auto parts plant for the summer. I was there for the summer before college. My mother had worked there for +20 years.
I was introduced to my foreman that first afternoon. He sat me down in front of an old Bliss Mechanical Press. He told me NOT to touch anything until his best and most experienced Setup man came over to adjust my pull-back guards and teach me how to run the machine. His name was Jim.
Jim came over a few minutes later and began adjusting the cable length on the hand straps. I was 6’4” with 37-38” arms so the cables had to be shortened.
As he worked I noticed his hands. I swallowed hard as I saw he was missing two fingers on one hand and a thumb and finger on the other! My initial thought, “Jim is their most experienced Setup Man, Really?” I then looked around and noticed there were more people close to me with missing fingers! I swallowed very very hard then!
Jim saw me staring and he said, “Oh you see my hands! (He moves them in front of my face) These machines have no conscience. If you ever take a chance with one this could happen to you in the blink of an eye! These are some of the most dangerous machines ever created! Never ever forget!” It was June 1972! I never have!
You cannot train too much on Mechanical Presses! Train as often as you can! What does it matter what OSHA says!?

Thanks for the clarification Drew and I agree with both of you that we should be be going above and beyond what OSHA requires for the MPP....now to figure out how to get management to agree to do it.