For Machines Mfg. Since 3/11 | S A F E T Y |
Additional Metal Lathe Safety
Clearing Chips. Metal chips can easily cut bare
Chuck Key Safety. A chuck key left in the chuck can become a deadly projectile when the spindle is started. Always remove the chuck key after using it. Develop a habit of not taking your hand off of a chuck key unless it is away from the machine.
Tool Selection. Cutting with an incorrect or dull tool increases the risk of accidental injury due to the extra force required for the operation, which increases risk of breaking or dislodging components that can cause small shards of metal to become dangerous projectiles. Always select the right cutter for the job and make sure it is sharp. A correct, sharp tool decreases strain and provides a better finish.
Securing Workpiece. An improperly secured workpiece can fly off the lathe spindle with deadly force, which can result in a severe impact injury. Make sure the workpiece is properly secured in the chuck or faceplate before starting the lathe.
Chucks. Chucks are very heavy and difficult to grasp, which can lead to crushed fingers or hands if mishandled. Get assistance when handling chucks to reduce this risk. Protect your hands and the
Safe Clearances. Workpieces that crash into other components on the lathe may throw dangerous projectiles in all directions, leading to impact injury and damaged equipment. Before starting the spindle, make sure the workpiece has adequate clearance by
Speed Rates. Operating the lathe at the wrong speed can cause nearby parts to break or the workpiece to come loose, which will result in dangerous projectiles that could cause severe impact injuries. Large or
Stopping Spindle by Hand. Stopping the spindle by putting your hand on the workpiece
or chuck creates an extreme risk of entanglement, impact, crushing, friction, or cutting hazards. Never attempt to slow or stop the lathe spindle with your hand. Allow the spindle to come to a stop on its own or use the brake.
Crashes. Aggressively driving the cutting tool or other lathe components into the chuck may cause an explosion of metal fragments, which can result in severe impact injuries and major damage to the lathe. Reduce this risk by releasing automatic feeds after use, not leaving lathe unattended, and checking clearances before starting the lathe.
Make sure no part of the tool, tool holder, compound rest, cross slide, or carriage will contact the chuck during operation.
Long Stock Safety. Long stock can whip violently if not properly supported, causing serious impact injury and damage to the lathe. Reduce this risk by supporting any stock that extends from the chuck/headstock more than three times its own diameter. Always turn long stock at slow speeds.
Coolant Safety. Coolant is a very poisonous biohazard that can cause personal injury from skin contact alone. Incorrectly positioned coolant nozzles can splash on the operator or the floor, resulting in an exposure or slipping hazard. To decrease your risk, change coolant regularly and position the nozzle where it will not splash or end up on the floor.
