In the workplace, machinery can be a huge benefit to production and efficiency. Machines like lathes, molders, conveyors, and punch presses all help machinists get their jobs done quicker and more efficiently. What needs to be noted, however, is that these same machines can cause great harm if not operated and maintained correctly. That’s why in this post, Ambitech wants to share five machine safety tips that can help you and your fellow machinists remain safe in the workplace.
Five Machine Safety Tips
As a machinist or floor manager, it’s important you remain safe while around machines. Here are five tips on how to better keep yourself and those around the machines safe:
Tip #1 – Make Sure Proper Guarding Components Are In Working Order Before Operating The Machine
A proper guard component on any given machine can save lives. Machine safeguarding is imperative to keep the operator from accidentally coming into contact with dangerous moving parts on a machine. Types of motions like rotation, reciprocation, and transversing all pose a danger to the operator, as well as actions like cutting, punching, shearing, and bending. A proper safeguard helps keep the operator safe.
Tip #2 – Always Wear Proper Attire
Not wearing the proper attire can increase operator injury risk. Safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots are all expected attire in a workplace with active machines.
Tip #3 – Do Not Interrupt/Interfere With Operating Machinery
In some cases, it may make sense to try and interfere with operating machinery to stop it faster, slow it down, or adjust a misplaced piece of wood. This is a mistake. The best course of action is to safely shut the machine down. Wait until it is at a complete stop. Engage a safety start switch. And then work on it.
Tip #4 – Never Operate Without Proper Training
The operation of a machine may be simple enough. But what happens when something goes wrong? Do you know how to handle the situation? Training is more for how to handle situations that go wrong. Make sure you are formally trained and observed until you are certified in some way to operate any given piece of machinery.
Tip #5 – Install DC Injection Brakes To Applicable Machinery
One of the biggest benefits to DC injection braking is the safety it provides via stopping power. Mechanical braking causes more heat and requires more maintenance over time, which puts operators and technicians at risk. DC injection braking is non-friction and demands less maintenance to operate properly for longer.
