Machine Safety – A Priority for Industrial Workplaces
Machine tools must be equipped with protective devices to ensure the safety of operators working with lathes, drills, grinders, and milling machines. These safety measures help reduce the risk of injuries caused by rotating spindles, moving chucks, or flying chips and coolant.
Regulations such as occupational safety directives and accident prevention guidelines define the minimum requirements for machine safety. The first step is securing hazardous areas with appropriate measures, including protective covers, shields, or safety fences, to prevent direct contact with dangerous machine components.
By implementing modern safety solutions, companies not only comply with legal requirements but also actively contribute to the well-being and protection of their employees. Older machines may require retrofitting to meet current safety standards, while newer equipment should be regularly inspected to ensure compliance. Below is an overview summarizing the key requirements.
General Safety Measures
- Fixed, complete enclosure for all drive elements
- Non-rotating hand cranks or smoothly running handwheels
- Control elements protected against accidental activation
- Enclosure of all exposed shaft ends longer than 5 cm
- Machine lights at least IP54 rated, no switchable sockets
Electrical Safety
- Main switch easily accessible from the operator side, with only two positions (On/Off), lockable if the machine has no plug connection
- If the main switch also serves as an emergency stop, it must be marked in red on a yellow background
- Emergency stop button (if available), latching, red/yellow
- No automatic restart after a power failure when power is restored
- Protective earth conductor in green/yellow according to EN 60204-1
Specific Safety Devices
- Nameplate present
- Chuck guard protects against accidental contact with hazardous areas
- The guard should cover the outer edge of the chuck as closely as possible
- Chuck key should be self-ejecting
- In applications requiring frequent opening of the guard or machines operated by less experienced users:
- Electrical or mechanical interlocking required, ensuring the drive stops when the guard is open
- Particularly important for serial production, machine shops, and machines used by apprentices
- Individual adjustments to the listed recommendations may be possible in specific cases
Download our checklist here: >>> Checklist-Machine-Tools-Safety-Mowotas.pdf
Author: Elisabeth Pietraß
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