Drilling machine safety

Most look at a drilling machine as generally harmless. The reality is, each year, workers sustain serious or deadly accidents while using drilling machines. Drilling machines can be extremely dangerous if not used properly! Only those who have been formally trained should operate a drilling machine.  The following safety rules must be observed when operating a drilling machine.

• Environmental Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Safety before operating a Drilling machine
• Safety while working on Drilling machine
• Apply good house keeping
• Videos

Environmental Safety

• Ensure that work area is clean and free of any obstruction
• Ensure that floor is dry and non slippery
• Ensure there is sufficient light to clearly see
• No florescent lights as these lights may cause stroboscopic effect on rotating machines
• Ensure sufficient ventilation - fresh air

• Full SABS approved overalls with short sleeves (No loose clothing)
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Safety boots with steel cap
• In noisy workshop use ear protection such as ear plugs
• When working with materials such as cast iron that give of dust wear dust mask
• Long hair should be tied up and placed under a cap or hair net
• No jewellery such as rings, watches, bracelets or neckties may be worn

• Ensure that the drilling machine is in a good working
• Ensure that all guards are in good condition and position.
• Ensure that all switches are end emergency switches are in good working order
• Ensure that emergency stop switch is operational
• Ensure that clamping device such as machine vice is securely clamp on table
• Make sure that you are familiar with the specific drilling machine

• Ensure that work is securely clamp
• Ensure that drill bit is clamp correct and secure
• Select correct speeds and feed for operation
• Never leave the chuck key in chuck
• Never remove cuttings by hand, use wire hook
• Never leave machine running unattended
• Do not us cell phone while operating a drilling machine
• Do not get distracted when operating a drilling machine
• Do not fool around while operating drilling machine
• Ensure that machine is at a complete standstill before attempting to remove work
• Do not take any measurements while the drilling machine is in motion
• Do not use file on Lathe while it is in motion
• Do not attempt to adjust work while the drilling machine is running

• Clean area after work has been completed
• Clean drilling machine
• Oil all surface are with thin layer
• Store all tools used on proper place
• Return measuring tools to cases and return to store