Lathe Safety

• Make sure the lathe has a start/stop button within easy reach of the operator.
• Make sure the lathe has an emergency stop button (e-stop).
• Ensure that the chip and coolant shields are in place.

• Chuck Guard

• Wear appropriate safety glasses. It may be necessary for others in the area to wear safety glasses too as objects will fly off the work.

• Keep the floor free from obstructions, or slip hazards.
• Follow job specifications for the speed, feed, and depth of cut for materials being turned. Make sure all work runs true and centered.
• Centre-drill works deeply enough to provide support for the piece while it is turning.
• Secure and clamp the piece being worked.
• Adjust tool and tool rest so that they are slightly above the center of the work.
• Use a lifting device to handle heavy chucks or work.
• Inspect chucks for wear or damage. Flying pieces can be very dangerous.
• Remove chuck wrench immediately after adjusting chuck.
• Use a barrier guard when operating the lathe in semi-automatic or automatic mode.
• Guard all power transmission parts.
• Remove all tools, measuring instruments, and other objects from the saddle or lathe bed before starting the machine.
• Keep all lathe cutting tools sharp.
• Shut off the power supply to the motor before mounting or removing accessories.
• Stop lathe before taking measurements of any kind.
• Use a vacuum, brush, or rake to remove cuttings only after the lathe has stopped moving.
• Keep working surface clean of scraps, tools, and materials.
• Keep the floor around the lathe clean and free of oil and grease.

• Do not wear gloves, rings, watches, or loose clothing. Tie back and confine long hair.
• Do not lean on the machine. Stand erect. Keep your face and eyes away from flying chips.
• Do not make adjustments while the machine is operating. Wait until the machine has come to a complete stop.
• Do not place hands on work turning in the lathe.
• Do not use calipers or gauges on a workpiece while the machine is moving.
• Do not make heavy cuts on long slender pieces because the work could bend and fly out of the lathe.
• Do not leave the lathe unattended while it is running.

Incident 1 – Operator tried to take some tools from workbench while the piece was still rotating