Lathe machines have become a cornerstone of metal fabrication. They are renowned for their ability to transform raw metal into precise shapes. However, like any powerful industrial tool, lathes demand respect and adherence to established safety protocols to guarantee seamless and hazard-free operation. To ensure that you are aware of the safe operating procedures when using lathe machines, we at LSG Machine Tools have compiled a list of best practices to follow.
Lathe Machines: Essential Safety Precautions to Follow
Before delving into general safety precautions to follow when operating lathe machines, we feel it is prudent to point out that these machines contain several fast-rotating parts and, if not handled correctly, could lead to major injuries.
- Make sure that you, and preferably those close to the machine, wear basic PPE such as safety goggles and close-toed shoes.
- Do not wear loose clothing, jewellery, gloves, or anything that could get entangled in the lathe. This includes tying up long hair.
- Never lean over the machine; stay erect.
- Make sure that the lathe is switched off before making any adjustments to your workpiece.
- While work is turning in the lathe, don’t put your hands on it.
- Never leave the lathe running unattended.
Safe Operating Principles
Now that we have covered your safety, let’s look at a few operational tips to follow to prevent possible workshop risks:
- Secure and clamp the workpiece before operating the machine.
- Make sure that the workpiece is sufficiently cooled before handling it.
- Always keep your work area, including the floor, clear of chips, debris, and tools.
- All sharp parts of the machine and workpiece must be handled with care, and if chips need to be cleared, do so with a brush, not your bare hands.
- Always inspect lathe machines for possible wear and tear.
- Be aware of where the emergency stop buttons are on lathes as they act as your fail-safe should there be machine failure or if someone gets entangled.
At LSG Machine Tools, we ensure that all our refurbished machinery is thoroughly inspected and tested by our highly qualified team before being offered for sale. We currently have hundreds of machines that we encourage you to view and test yourselves at our premises in Germiston. For superior-quality lathe machines and more, feel free to contact us.