Machine Shop Safety Despite advancements in machining technology over • Hot work the past few decades, many hazards still exist for areas — Hot employees working with machine tools. work areas, such as According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers welding and who operate and maintain machinery experience grinding approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, areas, crushing injuries, abrasions and over 800 fatalities should be each year. Most machine shops also contain separated flammable liquids and other chemicals that may by at least increase the risk of fire. 35 feet from Fire Prevention flammable Fires occurring in machines using oil-based coolant can and combustible materials. Sparks should be cause significant damage within seconds, potentially controlled through the use of screens, if necessary. spreading throughout the facility and causing extensive Supervisor and Operator Responsibilities damage. Even with the operator standing by, machines Due to the many hazards that exist in machine shops, have been completely destroyed by fire in a matter of it is important for the plant manager to employ well minutes. The following guidelines can reduce the risk qualified and safety conscious supervisors. Supervisors of fire in machine shops: should have the experience, knowledge and training • Housekeeping — Floors, machines and other to mitigate hazards associated with machine tool surfaces should be kept free of wood and metal use. Safety should be of primary importance to chips, dirt, and debris. A “no smoking” policy supervisors, and they should ensure that: should be enforced. • Only trained and qualified operators are allowed • Flammable and combustible liquids — to operate machinery and equipment. Flammable and combustible liquids such as oils, • Machinery and equipment are in good gasoline, cleaners, solvents, paints and thinners mechanical and operating condition. should be stored in UL approved flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets. No • Employees comply with all applicable safety more than a one day supply of a flammable or regulations, such as wearing appropriate combustible liquid should be stored outside personal protective equipment, performing of the cabinet in a UL approved storage can. lockout/tagout and ensuring machines are UL approved rag cans are also available for properly guarded. the storage of rags soaked with flammable or • All injuries and “near misses” are reported to the combustible liquids. appropriate safety coordinator. • Chemicals — Chemicals should be stored in cabinets approved for that use. Do not store Continued incompatible chemicals together. Material safety data sheets should be kept in the shop area for all chemicals used. www.emcins.com Machine Shop Safety • Regular safety inspections are conducted • Lockout/tagout procedures to be followed when throughout the work areas. guards are removed. • Employees do not work alone in hazardous areas. • What to do if a safeguard is damaged, missing or unable to provide adequate protection. Machine operators also have specific responsibilities to ensure their own safety and that of their coworkers. • Use, care and maintenance of personal The following guidelines should be followed: protective equipment. • Observe all safety regulations relating to machine • Emergency planning for medical incidents, chemical tool use and operation. spills, loss of power and evacuation alarms. • Provide suggestions for improving safety, such as For Additional Information enhancements to existing machine guards. EMC Tech Sheets: www.emcins.com • Report any machine that does not have a guard • Ergonomic Risk Factors covering all points of operation, nip points • Machine Safeguarding or cutting, shearing, punching and forming mechanisms. • Lockout Tagout Program • Wear appropriate clothing and personal • Fire Prevention Plan protective equipment. Machine shop employees should also be trained to • Immediately report any machine tools that identify ergonomic risk factors in their jobs. Although exhibit signs of excessive wear or have damaged many machine shop injuries involve the machine or misused parts. (crushing injuries, abrasions and amputations), • Report any injuries or “near misses” to the injuries also result when the employee is handling supervisor immediately. materials being loaded into and unloaded from the • Keep the work area clean. machine. Ergonomic risk factors common to machine shops include: Operator Training In addition to their responsibilities described above, • Excessive force — lifting heavy parts from supervisors may also be responsible for operator pallets and bins training. Even if an employee has previous experience • Repetitive motions — continuously feeding on similar equipment, it is imperative that they be parts into a machine trained on the rules specific to the company. Operator • Awkward postures — reaching to place parts training should include: into a CNC lathe • A description and identification of the hazards By training employees to identify these risk factors, associated with the machinery the employee they may be able to recommend solutions that not may operate. only improve their safety, but may also increase • The safeguards present on each machine, how productivity and improve product quality. they provide protection and the hazards from which they are intended to protect. • How, and under what circumstances, safeguards can be removed. Home Office: 717 Mulberry • Des Moines, IA 50309 • 800-447-2295 • www.emcins.com Disclaimer: This material is designed and intended for general information purposes only, and is not intended, nor shall be construed or relied upon, as specific legal advice. ©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2010. All rights reserved. Image ©2010 JupiterImages Corporation. 6244 (10-10).