As I appear at the scar on my left index finger, I am reminded of how quick a machine tool can result in an injury. I was a teenager working in my grandfather's machine shop when it occurred. I was using the sizeable drill press to counter bore holes in the cutting edge of a bulldozer blade.
The drill press was really old and was undoubtedly not built with secure operation in thoughts. I am not certain why, but the procedure involved sliding the heavy plate into position under the drill bit while the bit was nevertheless turning slowly in the chuck. I was wearing gloves to safeguard my tender hands from the sharp edge of the blade. The bit caught my glove, and while it was turning slowly, it began to wrap my finger around the bit all too quickly.
I was in a position to hit the power switch but the drill continued to coast till my complete arm was wrapped about the spindle. I reluctantly known as to my grandfather for help. He manually turned the drill backwards as I unwrapped myself from the machine.
I was very lucky to have escaped with just a cut on my finger. I rapid bandage and I was back to work this time without having gloves.
Machine tools can be especially unforgiving when body parts are caught on or in them. The nature of the work also brings hands and fingers dangerously close to the rotating parts. It is painless to get accustomed to the proximity and get caught.
Gloves and loose clothing can without difficulty get caught. Neckties should really not even get close to the machines.
Procedures require to be developed to reduce exposure to the hazards. Creating sure the rotating parts have stopped prior to relocating the perform or taking measurements is 1 wonderful place to begin. I have noticed a number of experienced machinist take caliper readings when parts are becoming cut in a lathe. Such practices endanger the worker and the equipment.
Guards are often a large annoyance to machinists. Nevertheless, if the guards are constructed of clear supplies and made to very easily open and close, they can add safety without having interfering with the function to be performed.
When establishing procedures and procuring safety equipment, it is essential to perform closely with the machinists to make certain that the safety gear does not interfere with the work. Otherwise, the safeties will be bypassed and procedures overlooked when supervision is not around.
Machine tools are a portion of most modern workplaces. They can be utilized safely and efficiently if right precautions are taken.
