What do you need to know about machine shop safety? This blog post will give you an overview of the most important tips that every operator and machinist needs to be aware of. Despite cutting-edge technology and advanced machine tools, the average machine shop still poses a number of risks. This guide will give you a quick introduction to the basics of machine shop safety.
It’s always best to start with the basics: here are some of the foundational safety tips for every machine shop floor
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris
In many cases, wearing safety glasses is just as important as other personal protective equipment like gloves. Every machinist should always wear a pair of safety glasses—even if they’re not working with any hazardous materials or using power tools. Safety glasses will protect your eyes from flying debris.
Wear ear protection
Noise is like a poison that we have to protect ourselves from in the workplace—and one of the best ways to do this is with ear protection. It sounds simple, but it’s easy for people who are just starting out at their jobs to think that the constant noise isn’t a big deal, or to think they won’t be around loud machinery long enough for it to harm them.
Keep all cutting tools in good condition and sharpened
Keeping the cutting tools on lathes and mills sharp helps to prevent spalling or chatter, which can cause excessive debris. It also helps finished parts to have a smooth, clean surface.
Follow a strict machine maintenance schedule
Keeping a strict schedule of maintenance is the best way to keep machinery running with minimal downtime. This will help prevent accidents from happening and also gives employees time to work on any issues that come up in between scheduled check-ups.
Maintenance schedules often establish daily, monthly, and long-term rotations, so be sure that all shop floor workers know what steps to perform and when to perform them.
Beyond those specific steps, there are general safety principles every machine shop should follow.
Promote a Safety-Conscious Workplace
In any machine shop, the safety of employees should be a top priority. This includes everything from ensuring that workstations are well lit and free of clutter to holding regular fire drills and emergency response training with all staff members in attendance.
This type of attention can help reduce the risks associated with working on heavy machinery for long periods of time. By encouraging safety awareness, machine shop managers can demonstrate that safety isn’t a series of simple steps; it’s a full awareness of safe practices at all times.
Ensure Proper Training
Keep employees safe while operating heavy machine tools by giving them the correct training. This includes teaching them the basics of how to operate a machine safely, but it also extends into how to best use protective equipment and avoid workplace hazards.
Machine-specific training is a good starting point. Don’t let employees operate equipment that they’re not properly trained for. Only one employee should operate a specific mahine at one time.
More general safety courses are also helpful – that includes general safety orientation training, tool selection tips, and even basic fire drills and emergency response training.
Document Everything
Documentation doesn’t just apply to a simple training record; it means that maintenance schedules are being followed, basic tool safety courses completed, and best practices observed.
The most important safety tip is to always be safe – and that can’t happen unless everyone does their part.
It’s not just a equipment issue, either: it includes general workplace safety tips too! Make sure employees know how to conduct themselves in the shop (i.e., where tools are kept, what they’re doing, and how to ensure that their workplace is as safe as possible.)
