COMPENDIUM OF TYPICAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CNC MILLING AND

THEIR CONTROL MEASURES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CNC MILLING
No.

Hazards

Possible Control Measures

1. Mounting a holder on milling table

1.1

Loose mounting of holder

causing falling object

Align holder using a dial indicator

Wipe table and bottom of holder before mounting so
that it will not slip off

2. Mounting of work piece

2.1

Struck by falling object due to Implement safe lifting procedures

imbalanced work piece
Check lifting appliances and gears before use
Barricade the lifting area and check that no one
stands below suspended load
Engage only trained personnel in the lifting operation
with clear and maintain concise co-ordination between
crane operator and co-worker
Provide and use appropriate safety footwear

2.2

Struck by swinging chains and

objects

Barricade the lifting area

Check that no one stands below suspended load

Useful Links/Tips

 Place a signalman at an appropriate position

Provide and use appropriate head protection
2.3

Malfunction of overhead crane

Display safe working load prominently on crane

See Appendix Figure 1

Adhere to specified safe working load

Conduct regular maintenance of overhead crane
2.4

2.5

Falling object due to snap of

lifting gear

Conduct regular inspection of lifting gear

Manual lifting of heavy or large

work piece

Use a lifting device to lift the work piece

See Appendix Figure 2

Conduct training on correct lifting techniques

Refer to Factsheet on Manual

Handling1

Use appropriate lifting gear for different rated loads

Get help from colleagues to mount work piece in

holder
2.6

Loose clamped metal work

piece flying off

Check that work piece is clamped tight

Clean clamps and ensure it is free of grease
Conduct training for workers
Implement safe work procedures
Provide and use appropriate safety footwear

3. Mounting of cutting tool / Installing cutter

3.1

3.2

Cut by cutting tool and sharp

parts of cutter

Implement safe work procedures

Struck by falling object Dropping of tool

Implement safe work procedures

Provide and use appropriate gloves (gloves must not

be worn when machine is in operation)

Provide and use appropriate safety footwear

 Conduct training on correct mounting techniques

3.3

Unclean mating surfaces

causing object to slip and
cause injury

Wipe all mating surfaces clean before installation

4. Start cutting process / machine milling

4.1

Accidental starting of machine

Display warning signs

Label 'start' and 'stop' buttons
Construct barricades

4.2

Contact dermatitis from

handling oil and coolants

Apply moisturiser before and after work

Read and adhere to material safety data sheet for
first aid, PPE provision, handling and storage
information
Provide and use suitable hand gloves for non- moving
parts
Conduct awareness program on dermatitis caused by
cooling fluid
Practise personal hygiene
Conduct briefing on emergency stop procedures

4.3

Excessive noise exposure

Place corner pads on corners of work piece

Refer to Hearing
Conservation Programme2

Provide and use appropriate hearing protection

Conduct regular noise monitoring
Apply acoustic damping material in the enclosure of
the CNC machine to control the noise level
Conduct regular audiometric tests for exposed

workers (If noise is more than 85 dBA)

4.4

Body parts caught in between

rotating parts

Construct guarding around rotating parts

See Appendix Figure 3

Install interlock and sensor system

Install a big and visible 'stop' button on machine for
emergency stoppage
Implement safe work procedures
Conduct training
Remove all jewellery
Wear suitable attire, avoid wearing long-sleeved
shirts

4.5

Flying particles and work tools

Clean work holding devices, work piece, cutter and

collars to ensure they are free of grease
Fasten work holding devices tightly to the table
Select the appropriate proper cutting speed, rpm and
rate feeds
Construct shields at milling parts
Provide and use approved eye protection

4.6

Burnt by hot machine parts or

surfaces

Cool machine down after operations

Implement safe work procedures
Conduct frequent lubrication on metal surfaces or
parts that rub together
Avoid touching the surfaces or parts of machines

5. Dismount of completed work piece

Hazards and control measures are similar to 2. Mounting of work piece

This document can be retrieved from http://www.mom.gov.sg/building_capabilities.html under Managing Workplace Hazards
Guidelines Factsheets and Circulars Ergonomics

This document can be retrieved from http://www.mom.gov.sg/building_capabilities.html under Managing Workplace Hazards
Guidelines Factsheets and CircularsNoise and Vibration

Appendix
Figure 1: Safe working load displayed prominently on
crane

Return to Section 2.3

Figure 3: Guard round rotating parts

Return to Section 4.4

Figure 2: Hydraulic pallet truck

Return to Section 2.5

*Contents of this resource are originated from the Risk Assessment workshops organised by the Singapore Manufacturers'
Federation with the support of the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Ministry of Manpower and the
Metalworking Industry Safety Promotion Committee.
This material is not intended to be an exhaustive list of hazards and control measures for the above-mentioned activities.
Companies are to conduct risk assessment on the work activities specific to their workplaces by identifying the hazards,
evaluating the risk and determining suitable control measures where appropriate. References should be made to the
relevant regulations and code of practices when in doubt.