REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION OF MILLING MACHINES

A) SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN THE AREA OF THE MILLING MACHINE! Failure to comply may result in revocation of shop privileges.

B) Know how to stop the milling machine before you attempt to start the machine.

C) WARNING!! Loose clothing, long hair, personal stereo wires and jewelry may become entangled in rotating equipment leading to serious injury or death! Make certain that such articles are removed or securely fastened to avoid entanglement.

D) WARNING!! If improperly used, milling cutters may shatter. If this occurs, sharp fragments of metal will fly off at high velocity. Persons in the path of such missiles will be injured. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SET UP AND USE A MILLING CUTTER, ASK!!!

E) WARNING!! Milling cutters can be extremely sharp. When changing tools, always wrap the cutter in a rag. Do not touch the cutting edges with your bare hands. NEVER touch a rotating tool bit.

F) The chips produced in the milling process can also be razor sharp. Always use a brush to clean a machine. Do not use compressed air to blow the chips off of the machine or your clothes.

G) Never attempt to measure parts or clean the machine while the milling cutter is rotating.

H) Never reach over the machine while the cutter is rotating.

I) Before changing tools, make certain that the power to the drive motor is shut down. Do not simply shut off the spindle. If you are not sure of the procedure for changing tools, ask you supervisor for detailed instructions.

J) The spindle must be completely stopped before attempting to change from low gear to high gear or vice versa. Conversely, speed selection within a gear range should only be done with the spindle running.

K) WARNING!! Make certain that the workpiece is securely fixtured and that all components of the fixture are securely fastened to the table. Because of the enormous forces involved in milling, failure to check security may result in items being flung from the setup causing bodily injury. If you are not sure if your setup is safe, have your shop supervisor check it out before you begin cutting. Pay extra attention to the position and angle of toe clamps.

L) Before powering spindle up, make certain that the milling cutter, its tool holder, and the spindle, are free of the workpiece and will not run into any of the fixturing components. Also, make certain all loose hand tools, spindle wrenches, chuck keys, and measuring tools have been removed from the machine and put in the proper location.

M) Calculate the proper spindle speed and table feed rate before beginning a cut. Make certain to use a proper safety factor for the rigidity of the set up and the condition of the tooling. If you are not sure about your calculations, ask your shop supervisor!

N) Make certain that the feed direction being used does not result in a climb milling operation. If you are not sure of what constitutes a climb milling operation, or what the consequences of that operation can be, consult your shop supervisor.

O) Make certain that the milling cutter is rotating in the proper direction before beginning a cut, otherwise the milling cutter will burn up.

P) Check that table or spindle locks are off before engaging the associated power feed.

Q) Know how the physical properties of the material being cut affect the way that cut should be done.

R) Apply all coolants to the tool bit in a safe manner. The use of spray bottles is highly recommended. REPORT ALL OIL AND GREASE SPILLS IMMEDIATELY! These are an extreme slip hazard!!

S) If the workpiece begins to vibrate, or the cutter makes excessive noise, stop cutting immediately.

T) Do not attempt to take a heavier cut than the cutter or the workpiece setup can handle. If you are not sure what the proper depth of cut is, ask your supervisor!

If you do not know how to operate a machine or do not fully understand the instructions you have been given, ask a supervisor until you are certain about what is required. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK!

In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand the serious nature of working with machine tools. I also realize that other, undefined hazards will always exist in the machine shop environment therefore, MY OWN SAFETY IS ULTIMATELY MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY.

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: ____________________

Student I.D. #: ____________________________

Print Name: ______________________________________