I think i know a fair bit about health and safety. I consider it as you or anyone else being safe and in good health without hurting yourselves doing anything. As little as walking, the ground surface should be safe to walk on. That is health and safety. It is a rule people must follow in order to keep themselves safe.
I am going to do research and understanding in health and safety in the workshop. Before you can use equipment and machines or attempt practical work in a workshop you must understand basic safety rules. These rules will help keep you and others safe in the workshop.
1. Never work alone.
At least two adults must be in the shop when power tools are being used.
2. Never work when you are impaired.
This includes when you are too tired, stressed or hurried to work carefully.
3. If you cannot do a job safely in this shop, don’t do it.
There are limits to what we can build here.
4. Always wear closed-toe shoes in the shop.
Tools, chips and fixtures are sharp, and often hot. Shoes will help protect your feet from
injury. Leather shoes are preferred when welding.
5. Eye protection is essential. Always wear safety glasses when working or cleaning
tools.
6. Remove or secure anything that might get caught in moving machinery.
Rings, necklaces, long hair and loose clothes that get caught in tools can drag you along.
7. Keep your hands away from sharp tools.
Make sure that nothing that you do will cause you to be cut.
8. Dust, chemicals and smoke can be dangerous – work in well-ventilated areas,
minimize contamination and use appropriate protective equipment.
The safety equipment cabinet is on the patio.
9. If you’re unsure about the safe operation of a tool or any aspect of a job – ask for
help! Have shop staff check you out on a tool the first time you use one with which
you are unfamiliar.
10. Clean up after yourself.
Before you leave the shop each day all tools must be returned to the toolbox, the machine
cleaned and wiped down and the floor swept. Leave 10-15 minutes for cleanup.
Reference:
http://me.ucsb.edu/course_pages/me153/safety_handbook.pdf
Safety Equipment
Wearing the proper equipment on the job is very important. The safety gears can will always protect you from injuries. Before entering the workshop overalls and steel cap boots must be worn at all times.
Overall
Work clothing has two important functions. Firstly, it protects or replaces normal clothing which is more expensive and often unsuitable for working conditions. Secondly, it protects the worker from various hazards likely to be encountered in the workplace. The material is also considered when chooseing overalls for example when welding you need 100% cotton overalls otherwise when molten metals falls on the paper or polycotton overalls it burns through.
Boots
Safety boots have a steel toe cap and sometimes have a steel sole. The steel toe cap protects the feet from being crushed or damaged from falling objects. The steel sole protects the feet from objects puncturing the sole. The sole also comes oil resistant which wont slip in slippery situations.
Safety goggles must be worn when working with equipment where objects and dirt are being fling around such as drilling and working on the lathe. It is very important as it protects the eyes from getting damaged.
Ear muffs must be worm when working in noisy environments. Protects the hearing from getting damaged. People who do not use ear muffs loose their hearing after a while.
Here is a video about safety equipment.
Hazards
First Aid
Everybody should know where the first aid kit is located in the workshop. If any one is injured we should do first aid on them. It is very important to know where the first aid kit is kept so that you can use the material when in need giving first aid. Everyone in the workshop should do a first aid course as we have done 4 weeks ago. First aid kits should always be checked and re stocked.
Treat the injury.
Call 111.
Collect information from the patient example name, address, date of birth and other medical condition's etc.
Reassure the patient that he will be ok and is well looked after.
Always be prepared to do CPR.
I think everyone should do a first aid course as i have learnt alot from it. First Aid saves lives. Here is a video about first aid kits in the work place.
Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is a device used to control or eliminate small fires. A fire extinguisher is a must in the work place and workers should always know where it is kept and how to use it. It should also be checked and serviced regularly. Some fire extinguishers have exploded due to maintenance and have caused death. There are many different types of fire extinguishers. The video below shows the 3 major types of fire extinguishers used.
The other 2 types the video has not covered are the foam type which is generally used ob fuel fires and the class d type which is handles fires on all types of metals. More details in depth about fire extinguishers can be found here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher.
Everyone should also know all fire exits in the building they are working in. This is very important. Before starting work your employer should take you for a tour around the workplace showing you where fire exits are around the building.
WHEN USING ANY TOOLS OR POWER EQUIPMENT YOU SHOULD NEVER EVER BE INTOXICATED OR ON DRUGS OF ANY SORT.
Lathe Safety
When using the lathe you should always wear proper safety equipment. Eye protection is a must when operating the lathe as small pieces of metal fling around while machining. Appropriate clothing should also be worn as clothing might get caught on the lathe and pull you in resulting in major injuries. Long hair must be tired up ans that might also get caught in the lather and cause injuries. NEVER LEAVE THE CHUCK KEY IN THE CHUCK. This can cause major injuries if the lathe is turned on with the chuck key in it. Wear safety shoes and remove all jeweleries while working on the lathe.
1. Make sure that the chuck, driveplate, or, faceplate is securely tightened onto the lathe
spindle.
2. When removing the chuck, driveplate, or faceplate do not use machine power.
3. When installing the chuck, driveplate, or faceplate do not use machine power.
4. Move the tool bit a safe distance from the collet or chuck when inserting or removing
work.
5. Don't run the machine faster than the proper cutting speed – consult a speed and feed
table to determine the best speed.
6. In setting up the tool holder place it to the left side of the compound slide to prevent the
compound slide from running into the chuck or spindle attachments.
7. Always clamp the toolbit as short as possible in the toolholder to prevent it from breaking
or chattering.
8. Always make sure that the toolbit is sharp and has the proper clearance. Ask for
assistance making adjustments.
9. If any filing is done on work revolving in the lathe, file left handed to prevent slipping
into the chuck. Never use a file without a handle.
10. If work is turned between centers, make sure that proper adjustment is made between
centers and that the tailstock is locked in place.
11. If work is being turned between centers and expands due to heat generated from cutting,
readjust centers to avoid excessive friction.
12. Do not grasp or touch chips or turnings with your fingers, but get rid of them using a
blunt instrument. It is safer to turn off the lathe before clearing chips then to leave it
running.
13. Set the toolbit on the centerline of your work to prevent work from climbing over tool or
cutting above center and dragging.
14. Don't cut work completely through when turning between centers.
15. Remove chuck key from chuck immediately after using.
16. Turn chuck or faceplate through by hand before turning on the power to be sure there is
no binding or clearance problem.
17. Stop the machine before taking measurements.
18. Before cleaning the lathe remove tools from the tool post and tailstock
Reference - http://me.ucsb.edu/course_pages/me153/safety_handbook.pdf
Here is a video showing a person trying to play around with the lathe and resulting in major injuries.
lucky his colleague turned the late off orese it probly would have ripped his foot out.
Drilling Safety
Before using the drill press wear proper safety goggles, proper clothing and safety boots. Do not wear loose clothing and jewelery or gloves while operating. Always keeps hands away from the drill bit while operating.
1. Run drill at correct RPM for diameter of drill bit and material. Ask shop personnel for the
correct RPM.
2. Always hold work in a vise or clamp to the drill table.
3. Use a correctly ground drill bit for the material being drilled. Shop personnel can help
select the correct bit.
4. Use the proper cutting fluid for the material being drilled. Ask the shop staff about the
appropriate fluid for the material you are machining.
5. Remove chips with a brush, never by hand.
6. Ease up on drilling pressure as the drill starts to break through the bottom of the material.
7. Don't use a dull or cracked drill. Inspect the drill before using.
8. Don't drill with too much pressure.
9. Always try to support part on parallels or a backing board when drilling thru material.
10. Never place taper shank tools such as large diameter drills or tapered shank reamers in a
drill chuck. Only straight shank tools such as standard drills can be clamped in chucks.
11. Always clean drill shank and/or drill sleeve, and, spindle hole before mounting.
12. Remove taper shank tools from spindle or sleeve with a drill drift and hammer.
13. Never try to loosen the drill chuck while the power is on.
14. Lower the drill spindle close to the table when releasing the drill chuck or taper shank
drill to reduce the chance of damage should they fall onto the table.
15. Never clean a machine while it is in motion!!
16. If the drill binds in a hole, stop the machine and turn the spindle backwards by hand to
release the bit.
17. When drilling a deep hole withdraw the drill bit frequently to clear chips and
lubricate the bit.
18. Always remove the drill chuck key, or, the drill drift from the spindle immediately after
using it.
19. Wear safety eye protection while drilling.
20. Let the spindle stop of its own accord after turning the power off. Never try to stop the
spindle with your hand.
21. Plexiglass and other brittle plastics can be difficult to drill. Ask the shop superintendent
for advice on drill and coolant selection when drilling these materials
References - http://me.ucsb.edu/course_pages/me153/safety_handbook.pdf
The video shows general safety with the drill press.
Grinder Safety
Just like the other equipments safety gears must always be worn at all times. Cotton overalls must be worn as there will be sparks and other types of overalls might catch on fire ie; the paper type. Eye protection must be worn at all types.
- Fasten pedestal and bench grinders securely.
- Ensure all the guards are in place and secure before using a grinder.
- Adjust tool rests to within 3 mm of wheels. Never adjust rests while wheels are moving. Work rest height should be on horizontal centre line of the machine spindle.
- Maintain 6 mm wheel exposure with a tongue guard or a movable guard.
- Check the wheel fits properly to the spindle when mounting. If it is loose, get another wheel.
- Stand to one side of the grinder until the wheel reaches operating speed.
- Bring work into contact with the grinding wheel slowly and smoothly, without bumping.
- Apply gradual pressure to allow the wheel to warm up evenly. Use only the pressure required to complete a job.
- Move the work back and forth across the face of the wheel. This movement prevents grooves from forming.
- Wheels are made only for grinding certain items. Do not grind rough forgings on a small precision grinding wheel
- Ensure the grinder speed does not exceed the operating speed marked on the wheel.
- Visually inspect wheels for possible damage before mounting.
- Wear proper personal protective equipment:
- eye, ear and face protection,
- metatarsal safety boots, where required,
- respiratory protection may be required, depending on the work.
- Wear gloves only where necessary.
- Do not use a wheel that has been dropped.
- Do not use a wheel that does not fit properly to the spindle.
- Do not use excessive force to tighten the nut of the wheel. The force can crack the wheel.
- Do not grind wood, plastics and non-iron metals on ordinary wheels.
- Do not leave grinding wheels standing in liquids. The liquid can cause balance problems.
- Do not grind on the side of a regular wheel.
The animation shows safety with grinders.
Milling Machine Safety
Using the milling machine, safety equipment should always be worn. Proper eye protection should be worn at all times when operating the milling machine. Before starting, make sure that:
- all guards are in place
- work is properly secured in place
- bolts used to hold down work clear the tooling
- tooling and supporting pieces are properly tightened in position
- table stops are secured properly
- handles on all feed screws are in neutral
- table is free of stock, tools or other loose material
- the arbor and arbor support are clear of the work
- Do not wear gloves, rings, watches or loose clothing. Tie back long hair.
- Do not attempt to mount, measure or adjust work until cutter is completely stopped.
- Do not use an excessively heavy cut or feed as it can cause the cutter to break. The flying pieces could cause serious injury.
- Do not reach over or near a revolving cutter. Keep hands at least 30 cm (12 in.) from a revolving cutter.
- Do not lean or rest hands on a moving table.
- Do not make any adjustments while the machine is running.
- Do not use paper shims to check the distance from the cutter to the stock.
- Do not move the operating levers without knowing what they control and what action is going to take place.
- Do not leave machine unattended while it is running.
The video shows a milling machine injury due to not following safety measures.
Hand Tools
Using hand tools you must also wear the right safety equipment. Safety is a state of mind. Always think when using a tool: Is it in good condition? Is it sized right for the job? Is it in the proper working condition?Every tool was designed to do a certain job. Use it for its intended purpose.
- Keep your tools in good condition: sharp, clean, oiled, dressed and not abused. Worn tools are dangerous. For example the teeth in a pipe wrench can slip if worn smooth, an adjustable wrench will slip if its jaws are sprung and hammer heads can fly off loose handles.
- Tools subject to impact (chisels, star drill, punches, etc.) tend to "mushroom". Keep them dressed (sharpened) to avoid flying spalls. Use tool holders. Do not force tools beyond their capacity or use "cheaters" to increase their capacity.
- Secure your work in a vise whenever possible. Never hold small work in your hand when using a screwdriver. Chisels, screwdrivers or other pointed tools should never be carried in clothing pockets. Use tool belts designed for carrying tools. Hammers should have heads ground properly. Should not have broken claws or handles.
- Check for loose handles. Always use proper size and weight for the job. Cutting tools should be kept sharp to ensure good smooth cutting.
- Always use proper handles. Drill Bits should be kept sharp, not dull, chipped, rounded, or tapered.
- Screwdriver points should not be badly worn and handles should be in good condition. Use the proper size and type of screwdriver for the job.
- Wrenches, if adjustable, must work freely and adjust properly. Gripping teeth or smooth jaws should not be worn.
- Always use the proper size for the job. Always wear the PPE required for the job. Protect your eyes, hands, ears and other body parts. Keep clothing out of your work.
Simply with hand tools, use the tools what it is designed to do. Learn the right way to use it and you will not hurt your self. Follow basic safety procedures. Handle tools with safely and with care. Here is a video demonstrating how you can hurt you fingers with general hand tools.
References
