General Safety Practices
Rules for a safe workplace:
- Never use any equipment which you have not been trained to operate by a qualified person.
- Never tamper with a machine safety guard or switch.
- Get into the habit of constantly tidying the workspace. A clean workplace is safer. Random metal can not only scratch and ruin finished parts, they can cause severe cuts.
- Use caution when handling cutting tools. They are very sharp. Never handle a tool by its cutting flutes.
- Never start or jog the machine until you have checked that the work area is clear.
- Never push the start button on the machine unless you are certain your setup is capable of safely holding the part against all cutting forces during machining.
- Use caution when running a new program: especially at the start of program and after a tool change.
- Know where the emergency stop is on the machine and practice using it before you need it.
- Never run a machine alone or without other people within hearing distance.
- When working with someone else at the machine, clearly communicate who is running the machine.
- Never have one person touching the control while the other is working in the machine envelope.
- Use a paint brush to sweep away sharp chips. Never use your hands or a rag.
- Never use an air hose to clear chips from a machine. Flying chips are dangerous to you and others.
- Liquids spills are slipping hazards. Clean spills immediately.
- Dirty or oily rags must be stored in a fireproof canister. These can spontaneous combust and cause a fire.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Never lift anything more than you can comfortably handle.
- Get help handling heavy or bulky objects.
- At the end of the program, command the machine to position the part close to the operator so it can be easily reached without leaning far into the CNC machine.
- Never leave a running machine untended.
- Before shutting the machine down, remove any tools from the spindle.
- Avoid contact with coolant. Water-based coolant contains microbes that can cause infection.
- Immediately treat and cover even minor cuts.
- Report any injuries immediately.
- Remain alert. Think safety in everything you do.