Safety in the Workshop

1. Safety in the Workshop Prepared by: Gp Capt Dr. HamidUllah Khan Niazi

2. Learning Objectives • All hand and machine tools can be dangerous if used improperly or carelessly. • Working safely is one of the first thing that a student or apprentice should learn because the safe way is correct and efficient. • SAFETY IS EVERYONE”S BUSINESS AND RESPONSIBILITY

3. Safe Work Practices • Do not operate any machine before understanding its mechanism and knowing how to stop it. • Knowing how to stop the machine quickly can prevent a serious injury. • Before operating any machine be sure that the safety devices are in place and in working order.

4. Good House Keeping • Always stop the machine before you attempt to clean it. • Always keep the machine clean as oily surfaces can be dangerous • Keep the floor free from grease and oil. • Sweep up the metal chips on the floor frequently. • Never place tools or material close to the machines as they interfere with the operator’s ability to move safely around the machine.

5. Good House Keeping Contd • Never have more than one person operate a machine at the same time. • Never start the machine until you are sure that the cutting tool and machine parts will clear the work piece. • Return the bar stock to the storage rack after cutting off the required length. • Never use compressed air to remove chips from a machine.

6. Fire Prevention • Always dispose of oily rags in proper metal containers. • Know the location and the operation of every fire extinguisher in the shop. • Know the location of the nearest fire exit from the building. • Know the location of the nearest fire alarm box and its procedure for operating. • When using a welding torch be sure to direct the sparks away from any combustible material.

7. First Aid • Get first aid immediately for any injury, no matter how small. • Report the injury and be sure that the smallest cut is treated to prevent the chance of a serious infection. • All important medications should be available on the spot and the shop should be equipped with emergency numbers of local hospital in case of serious injury.

8. LATHE SAFETY

9. Lathe Safety • YOU are responsible for your own safety and proper machine operation. • As small as it is, the mini lathe, like any power tool, can be dangerous if used improperly. If you are new to metal working, get in the habit right from the start of rigorously following good safety practices.

10. Some Tips about Lathe Safety • Always wear eye protection - preferably industrial quality safety glasses with side-shields. The lathe can throw off sharp, hot metal chips at considerable speed as well as spin off spirals of metal that can be quite hazardous. Don't take chances with your eyes. • Wear short sleeve shirts, if possible, or shirts with snugly fitting cuffs if long sleeve. Loose sleeves can catch on rotating work and quickly pull your hand or arm into harm's way. • Wear shoes - preferably leather work shoes - to protect your feet from sharp metal chips on the shop floor and from tools and chunks of metal that may get dropped. • Remove wrist watches, necklaces, chains and other jewelry. It's a good idea even to remove your wedding ring since it can catch on rotating work and severely damage your ring finger and hand.

11. Some Tips about Lathe Safety • Tie back long hair so it can't get caught in the rotating work. Think about what happens to your face if your hair gets entangled. • Always double check to make sure your work is securely clamped in the chuck or between centers before starting the lathe. Start the lathe at low speed and increase the speed gradually. • Get in the habit of removing the chuck key immediately after use. Some users recommend never removing your hand from the chuck key when it is in the chuck. The chuck key can be a lethal projectile if the lathe is started with the chuck key in the chuck. • Keep your fingers clear of the rotating work and cutting tools. This sounds obvious, but I am often tempted to break away metal spirals as they form at the cutting tool.

12. Some Tips about Lathe Safety • Avoid reaching over the spinning chuck. For filing operations, hold the tang end of the file in your left hand so that your hand and arm are not above the spinning chuck. • Never use a file with a bare tang - the tang could be forced back into your wrist or palm. Inexpensive wooden handles are readily available for common file sizes. • Use a guard to protect your eyes and body against flying chips. • Do not change the gear and speed until lathe stopped completely. • Always select the turning speed carefully. • Never leave the machine unattended. • Never measure the work piece while it is turning. • Never let the tool lie on the ways on machines

13. Some Tips about Lathe Safety • Never use hand to clean the chips, but use brushes to clean the chips • Only trained individual should operate the machine. • Look out for the emergency stops on your machine. • Do not distract the student who is working on a lathe

14. Summary Always follow the safe work practices. Take care fire hazards. Ensure good house keeping. Get first aid immediately for any injury, no matter how small. Safe work practices and Lathe safety be followed with utmost care.