When working with machine tools, you have to think about staying safe. Some of these machines are powerful, and as a result, dangerous tools. It is wise to err on the side of caution when using any type of machine tool.
Depending on each machine, there are specific safety precautions you should take. However, there are some general safety tips that you must follow regardless of the tool.
Wear Appropriate Protection
First, you must be sure to always wear the appropriate clothing and face protection. This means nothing with loose sleeves or pant legs, nothing sleeveless, and no open-toed shoes. Basically, stay away from anything that can get caught in the machine or anything that might cause you injury if you were to drop something on your feet. You also have to be sure to protect your face with goggles, face masks, and ear protection. It’s common sense to have a guard around your mouth and eyes, but the ears can often be forgotten. The tools you are working with can be very loud, like sumner lifts and other machine services, so it’s always a good idea to protect your hearing.
If a Machine Isn’t Working, Don’t Force It
One of the worst and unsafe things you can do is to try and force a machine that isn’t working. Sometimes a machine might not work and you might not know why. You might become frustrated, but it’s best to just leave it instead of trying to force it into action. This can cause serious problems and even injury. You could break the machine itself by forcing it or break a bone in your body. If you are a professional and consistently take care of your machines, you should know of these safety precautions. Properly cleaning your machine tools regularly can prevent build up that could result in damage, or cause the machine to function poorly.
Always Work With Other People Around
When working in a machine shop, it’s crucial that you do your work, if possible, with other people around. That way, if something were to happen, you’d be protected. Imagine if you got a piece of clothing stuck in a tool, but were unable to pull it out yourself. Someone would be around to turn the machine off and get you out to safety.
Taking the proper steps to stay safe can significantly help you in the long run when working with tools. Contact The Werks for all of your on-site, service and machine repair needs.
