Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 3.5 A simple board with a cut-out in it will do to stop swarf and coolant flying
around. You can make it quite easily from a bit of sheet metal or Perspex.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Protective gear
Milling machines can throw sharp metal chips considerable distances, espe-
cially at high cutting speeds. Apart from deep cuts, the chips may be red hot
when they leave the tool and can cause skin burns and even burn holes in
clothing.
Always use eye protection; wear industrial quality safety glasses fitted with
side-shields. Glasses without safety lenses are not adequate eye protection.
When the safety glasses get dirty, do not wipe them off as they will become
scratched - wash them off under the tap instead.
Do not attempt to remove chips or metal swarf with your hands; always
switch the milling machine off first and either pull the swarf away with a large
metal hook or lift it off using a pair of gloves. Hand gloves should never be
worn while operating a mill, and while protective gloves may be worn when
swarf is being collected, remove them before switching the milling machine
back on. If the swarf is tangled around the spindle or work, untangle it with a
pair of pliers, not a gloved hand; it will cut straight through the gloves and into
your hand. Use a dustpan and brush to remove small chips and swarf from
the swarf tray - never use your hands.
Swarf can get inside protective clothing, especially collars, pockets and
shoes (use a clothes peg to keep your collar tight).
