Using the Centre Lathe
Centre Lathes are predominantly used for turning metal - The Lathe can be a dangerous piece of equipment if you don't use it properly. In the first instance, always ask your teacher or technician to help you if you are unsure.
The Centre Lathes used in School look like the picture shown here.
How do I use it??
The simple answer is YOU DON'T! - Unless of course your teacher has given you full instruction in how to use it safely.
A few important things to remember when using:
> Identify where the Start, Stop and Emergency Stop buttons are located.
> Always wear Goggles
> Tie back long hair
> Wear an apron
> Ensure that the workpiece is held securely
> Remember to remove the Chuck Key from the Chuck before switching it on
The full Risk Assessment for the Centre Lathe is Shown below:
Adapted from © CLEAPSS 2009
1.037
Man Regs
METAL WORKING:
LATHES - METAL TURNING
Applicable to:
aluminium;
brass;
copper;
steel;
plastics
Process(es) covered: Turning: The production by turning, facing, boring, screw cutting, centre drilling and
knurling of primarily cylindrical or spherical forms from both ferrous and non-ferrous
raw material, or appropriate plastics possibly using oil-based coolants.
HAZARDS
Trapping Closing movements between parts under power feed can present a trapping hazard.
A trapping hazard exists from the outer end of the hollow mandrel.
Flying workpiece Workpieces (and chuck keys or tools) can be ejected violently if not held correctly or
if the machine starts unexpectedly.
User injury Human contact with rotating parts and swarf can cause cuts or abrasions.
Entanglement Long hair, dangling jewellery or loose clothing can become entangled with rotating
parts, dragging the user onto them. Application of cutting oil using a brush presents
an entanglement risk.
Manual handling Heavy parts, eg, chucks, face plates and stock bars can present a manual-handling
hazard.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Trapping Movements under power feed are usually slow, minimising this risk.
Flying workpiece There is a high risk that trainees will not clamp these items securely.
User injury There is a high risk that trainees will put hands or fingers in hazardous places and
experienced users may attempt short cuts. Application of cutting oil by the use of a
brush has a high risk of entanglement.
Entanglement Entanglement is most likely to occur if rotating parts are exposed.
Manual handling Handling heavy components or awkward manipulation will not occur frequently but
will present a real risk.
CONTROL MEASURES
The provision of adequate space around machines should minimise the trapping risk,
with telescopic guards over lead screws etc. See Further Information overleaf.
Guards over the hazardous areas should prevent anything flying towards the user.
Ideally an interlock should prevent the machine operating unless the guard(s) are in
place. Eye protection is needed. Self-ejecting chuck keys are recommended. When
a pupil has fitted work into the chuck then the position and tightness should be
checked by a suitably qualified teacher or technician.
The guards will also reduce the risk of hand or finger injury. Application of cutting oil
by use of a coolant pump (if fitted) is safer, but where this is not possible then a long
handled brush should be used.
Long hair must be tied back; jewellery should be removed or covered and loose
clothing covered by a secure apron or overall.
The Centre Lathes used in School look like the picture shown here.
How do I use it??
The simple answer is YOU DON'T! - Unless of course your teacher has given you full instruction in how to use it safely.
A few important things to remember when using:
> Identify where the Start, Stop and Emergency Stop buttons are located.
> Always wear Goggles
> Tie back long hair
> Wear an apron
> Ensure that the workpiece is held securely
> Remember to remove the Chuck Key from the Chuck before switching it on
The full Risk Assessment for the Centre Lathe is Shown below:
Adapted from © CLEAPSS 2009
1.037
Man Regs
METAL WORKING:
LATHES - METAL TURNING
Applicable to:
aluminium;
brass;
copper;
steel;
plastics
Process(es) covered: Turning: The production by turning, facing, boring, screw cutting, centre drilling and
knurling of primarily cylindrical or spherical forms from both ferrous and non-ferrous
raw material, or appropriate plastics possibly using oil-based coolants.
HAZARDS
Trapping Closing movements between parts under power feed can present a trapping hazard.
A trapping hazard exists from the outer end of the hollow mandrel.
Flying workpiece Workpieces (and chuck keys or tools) can be ejected violently if not held correctly or
if the machine starts unexpectedly.
User injury Human contact with rotating parts and swarf can cause cuts or abrasions.
Entanglement Long hair, dangling jewellery or loose clothing can become entangled with rotating
parts, dragging the user onto them. Application of cutting oil using a brush presents
an entanglement risk.
Manual handling Heavy parts, eg, chucks, face plates and stock bars can present a manual-handling
hazard.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Trapping Movements under power feed are usually slow, minimising this risk.
Flying workpiece There is a high risk that trainees will not clamp these items securely.
User injury There is a high risk that trainees will put hands or fingers in hazardous places and
experienced users may attempt short cuts. Application of cutting oil by the use of a
brush has a high risk of entanglement.
Entanglement Entanglement is most likely to occur if rotating parts are exposed.
Manual handling Handling heavy components or awkward manipulation will not occur frequently but
will present a real risk.
CONTROL MEASURES
The provision of adequate space around machines should minimise the trapping risk,
with telescopic guards over lead screws etc. See Further Information overleaf.
Guards over the hazardous areas should prevent anything flying towards the user.
Ideally an interlock should prevent the machine operating unless the guard(s) are in
place. Eye protection is needed. Self-ejecting chuck keys are recommended. When
a pupil has fitted work into the chuck then the position and tightness should be
checked by a suitably qualified teacher or technician.
The guards will also reduce the risk of hand or finger injury. Application of cutting oil
by use of a coolant pump (if fitted) is safer, but where this is not possible then a long
handled brush should be used.
Long hair must be tied back; jewellery should be removed or covered and loose
clothing covered by a secure apron or overall.