General safety rules in a machine workshop

Workshop safety means working in a way that prevents injury to people and damage to machines. The main rules are grouped below.

Personal safety

• Wear close-fitting overalls or an apron, with sleeves buttoned or rolled up; no loose clothes, ties, rings, watches or scarves near rotating parts.
• Tie long hair back or cover it with a cap.
• Wear safety shoes, goggles or a face shield (grinding, chipping, welding), gloves (welding, hot work) and ear protection where noise is high.
• Never wear gloves while working near a rotating drill or lathe spindle.

Machine and tool safety

• Learn the machine and its emergency stop before starting it; operate it only with the instructor's permission.
• Keep guards fitted over belts, gears, chucks and grinding wheels; never remove them.
• Clamp the job and tool firmly; remove the chuck key before starting the lathe.
• Stop the machine before measuring, cleaning, oiling or changing speed.
• Do not remove chips with bare hands; use a brush or hook. Do not use compressed air to clean clothes.
• Use sharp, undamaged tools with properly fitted handles. Grind off mushroomed chisel heads.

Housekeeping and general rules

• Keep the floor clean, dry and free from oil, chips and obstructions; keep passages clear.
• Store tools in their proper place; keep heavy items low and stable.
• No running, joking or distracting a person who is operating a machine.
• Know the position of the first-aid box, fire extinguishers and exits.

Electrical and emergency

• Check the earthing of machines; do not touch switches with wet hands; report damaged cables.
• Report every accident, however small, and give first aid at once.
• Keep flammable liquids in closed metal containers away from sparks.