Overview

Generally, safety in the manufacturing industry has improved over the years due to a deliberate effort to reduce hazards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2022). A hazard is a potential source of harm or adverse health effect. Hazards are an inherent risk associated with many manufacturing processes, and they must be consistently and deliberately managed to prevent workplace injury.

The machining industry uses powerful equipment, that must withstand strong forces generated during the machining process. A byproduct of the metal removal process is hot, sharp, and abundant amounts of chips and debris. When utilizing modern CNC machines, most of this material is contained within the machine enclosure, and the operator works in relative safety if all equipment performs as intended. Yet, tooling and workpieces can come loose during the machining process, and the only barrier between the fast-moving material and the operator are the guards and reinforced windows. If the windows become compromised or safety mechanisms are bypassed, allowing machines to operate with the doors open, you have a dangerous situation on your hands.

Manual mills, lathes, drill presses, surface grinders, sanders, saws, and other related machines typically do not have the engineered barrier between the operator and the hazard. Any tool breakage or workholding failure can directly impact the operator.

No matter where you find yourself in the machining manufacturing industry, you must be aware of the hazards and know how to protect yourself from them because ultimately, you are the person responsible for your safety.

After completing this chapter, you will be empowered with the necessary knowledge to identify hazards and minimize their impact on your well-being.

Attributions

1. Chapter opening image: Chevalier bedmill mishap while moving machine by Damon Donner, for WA Open ProfTech, © SBCTC, CC BY 4.0