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.