Known as the oldest tool to man, metal lathes have come a long way since their beginnings in ancient Egypt where they were used to make bowls and vases. Today we find metal lathes turning rounded metal material into everything from car axels to complex engine crankshafts.

The Egyptian lathe used manpower to turn while today’s metal lathe is a powerful machine that can cause serious injury, or worse, a fatality, if proper safeguarding methods are not implemented.  The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes voluntary consensus standards on the care and use of machinery. ANSI standards provide guidance for complying with OSHA standards and employers are accountable for complying with them along with all original equipment operating manuals (OEMs) and other manufacturer recommendations.

Metal Lathe Safety Issues

Severe injuries and fatalities can occur from being caught in or struck by rotating parts. An operator can be pulled into the lathe by working too close or wearing gloves, loose clothing, loose hair, jewelry, etc. Projected parts or material such as chuck keys or unsecured work pieces can also strike nearby operators. Flying chips and coolant are also a danger to the operator.

Metal Lathe Safety Recommendations

Here is a list of practices that employers can put into place to minimize the risk of injury in the use of a metal lathe:

• While operating the lathe, avoid wearing gloves, loose clothing, jewelry, or other dangling objects near lathe.
• Pull longer hair back or use the appropriate hair covering.
• Be aware of material that could become tangled in the lathe workings.
• When needed manually polish rotating material with an emery cloth.
• Use two hands when sanding the workpiece. Do not wrap sandpaper or emery cloth around the workpiece.
• Protect the lathe ways when grinding or filing.
• Keep the workplace clean of metal shavings, use a brush or tool to remove them. Never use your hands.
• Always stop the lathe before adjusting.
• Do not change spindle speeds until the lathe comes to a complete stop.
• Handle sharp cutters, centers, and drills with care. Use the appropriate hand protection when moving this equipment.
• Remove chuck keys and wrenches before operating.
• Always wear the proper eye protection.
• Know where the emergency stop is before operating the lathe.
• Never lean on the lathe.
• Never lay tools directly on the lathe ways.
• Always follow the OEM suggestions.

Workplace safety is a combined effort between employers and employees and BlackHawk Industrial is committed to working with our customers to help keep workers safe.

Our trained professionals are happy to help you with any of your questions. We welcome you to contact us here:  https://www.bhid.com/ContactUs or call us TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.