Safety needs to be the first concern with any piece of equipment in a machine shop, and the drill press is no different. It may seem like a simple, non-threatening piece of equipment, but it still has the capability to injure the operator. Machinists using the drill press need to follow all the standard safety rules of the shop (see Chapter 2) in addition to knowing the specific potential hazards they may encounter.

Rotating hazards

Drill presses have a rotating spindle and tooling that can catch clothing, gloves, jewelry and hair. Removing or securing these items is necessary when operating a drill press to avoid serious injury. The rotating components of a drill press can also be dangerous to fingers and hands. Keep all body parts at least 6″ from rotating components.

Pinch hazards

Possible pinch points on a drill press are the belts and pulleys between the tool and the work, or the potential for loose rotating work to pinch the operator between the work and the column, just to name a few. Some large drill presses also have power feeds that could be hazardous if the operator becomes complacent. The operator must be aware of potential pinching situations and keep away from harm.

Sharp hazards

Cutting tools and chips produced on drill presses are sharp and can easily injure the operator. Tools must be handled gently and not held at sharp edges. Chips should be cleaned up with brushes, brooms, and dust pans to minimize the chance of the operator getting cut.

Slipping hazards

Cutting oil and chips, produced in the cutting process, can be slippery and dangerous if allowed to accumulate on the floor around the machinery. Chips should be frequently swept as they accumulate during operation. Oil and cutting fluid should be used sparingly and in a manner that doesn’t collect on the floor. If the floor of the work area does become covered with oil and grease, it should be cleaned up immediately with a quality degreaser and a mop. Slippery work conditions often lead to falls and injuries to the operator.