The safe and proper operation of all metal fabricating machinery by properly trained personnel is a must. A shear is no exception. A potentially dangerous machine, the shear must be operated in accordance with all federal, state, and local ordinances and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shears should come with safety enhancements such as point-of-operation guards and warning labels which must be left in place. Some operations require the use of additional safety enhancements such as rear guards and light curtains. Generally, the larger the opening under the guard for material thickness, the greater is the distance from the blade that must be protected.

In addition, using proper material handling techniques is critical for parts that are being fed into the machine as well as those being removed from the back of the machine.
Depending on a shear's size and design, a mirror is often mounted on the machine to allow an operator to see around it. Proper lockout/tagout procedures should be used on the shear during repairs or when the blade is changed. In addition, the work area should always be clean.

The basic movement of a shear will always remain the same—the upper blade crossing the lower blade to shear metal. However, maintaining a safe environment and operating shears with various productivity enhancements can help make them safer and more productive.