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1. Clearing Chips :
Metal chips can easily cut
bare skin—even through a piece of cloth. Avoid
clearing chips by hand or with a rag. Use a brush
or vacuum to clear metal chips.
2. 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.
3. Tool Selection :
Cutting with an incorrect or
dull tool increases the risk of accidental injury
because extra force is required for the operation,
which increases risk of breaking or dislodging
components, which 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
fi
nish.
4. Securing Workpiece :
An improperly secured
workpiece can
fl
y off of 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.
5. Large Chucks :
Large chucks are very heavy
and dif
fi
cult to grasp, which can lead to crushed
fi
ngers or hands if mishandled. Get assistance
when installing or removing large chucks to
reduce this risk. Protect your hands and the
precision-ground ways by using a chuck cradle
or piece of plywood over the ways of the lathe
when servicing chucks.
6. 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 hand-rotating it through
its entire range of motion. Also, check the tool
and tool post clearance, chuck clearance, and
saddle clearance.
7. 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 injury. Large workpieces must be turned
at slow speeds. Always use the appropriate feed
and speed rates.
8. 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 (if equipped).
9. Crashes :
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 slide, cross slide, or carriage will
contact the chuck during operation.
10. 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.
11. Coolant Safety :
Contaminated cutting
fl
uid
is a very poisonous biohazard that can cause
personal injury from skin contact alone. Incorrectly
positioned cutting
fl
uid nozzles can splash on the
operator or the
fl
oor, resulting in an exposure or
slipping hazard. To decrease your risk, change
cutting
fl
uid regularly and position the cutting
fl
uid
nozzle where it will not splash or end up on the
fl
oor.
Lathe Safety
