Safe use of

Shipboard
Lathe Machine
 LATHE MACHINE
Lathe is a precision turning machine that rotates a metal rod or irregular-
shaped material while a tool cuts into the material at a preset position .

Lathe normally consists of a headstock and base that houses spindle on

which a work-holding device (chuck) can drive the stock and the cutting
tools can remove metal, producing mainly cylindrical and conical shapes .
 HAZARDS
Hazardous exposures are present simply
due to the operators close proximity to the
lathes rotating parts.
Severe injuries and death can occur
primarily from being caught in or struck by
rotating parts.
Trapping spaces are also created between
the cutting tool, its mounting, and the work
piece or chuck.

Projected parts or material such as chuck

keys or unsecured work pieces can also
strike nearby operators.

Flying chips and coolant also present

hazards to the operator.
Before START you must know how to STOP
Hazardous zones of a lathe machine
 Zone 1
Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls

Work piece beyond During operation work 1. Never allow work piece
the headstock piece may bend and to protrude from headstock.
strike workers nearby.
2. Ensure proper speeds
(RPM) as per the
requirement of the job.

3. Install portable barriers to

stop workers around
dangerous zone like
headstock.
 Zone 2
Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls
Exposed drive mechanisms Crew can become 1. Ensure exposed
entangled in drive mechanisms are
unguarded drive guarded at the front and
mechanisms like back of the lathe (see
chuck, chuck picture).
assembly, work piece,
pulleys, belts or gears 2. Ensure controls are
when lathe is in within easy access of
operation. operator and away from
working zone.
 Zone 2 Contd
Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls

1. Lack of markings on Workers can activate Ensure control

controls incorrect controls functions are clearly
resulting injury displayed.

2. Unsecured tools and Stored objects can fall Ensure headstock is

objects stored or onto the spinning clear and free from
placed at undesignated chuck and be clutter. Do not place
place like on the propelled at the items on headstock.
headstock or on some operator or nearby
moving parts. workers.
 Zone 3
Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls
1. Exposed chuck crew can become entangled on Exposed chucks to
uneven surface of chuck or be guarded
workpiece when spinning. accordingly.

2. key left in chuck crew near lathe can be struck by Never left the key in
key when projected from the chuck.
lathe

3. Jaws of chuck crew can be struck by work Use retaining nut

unable to clamp work piece not securely held in the with left-hand
piece securely. chuck. thread

4. Oversized work Where chuck jaws in full Use appropriate-

piece in self-centering extension to allow for oversized sized chuck for
chuck (three-jaw work pieces may propelled from turning work piece.
chuck) the lathe when operated

 Zone 4
Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls

1.Cutting tools Unsecured objects can Ensure nothing is

unsecured on become projectiles when unsecured on carriage.
carriage /tool post the lathe starts and may
struck to crew.

2. Worn or damaged Use of worn or damaged Ensure worn or damaged

tools being used on tools can result in tool tools are removed and not
the lathe failure and can become to be used.
projectiles or create
irregular or long cuttings
that can lead to
lacerations.
 Zone 5
Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls

Exposed lead and Finger/hand may injured by Ensure lead and feed
feed screws getting entangled in screws are guarded
exposed lead and feed (see picture).
screws
 Zone 6

Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controls

Unsupported Use fixed or travelling

workpieces
Unsupported workpieces
can become loose, striking
workers.
steadies to support long,
slender workpieces
between centers. or to
support outer end of long
piece held in chuck for
drilling or boring,
however in no case the
work piece should be
protrude outside.
 Incident
On one of our managed vessel a crew was
injured leading to death after coming into
contact with a metal rod, protruding outside
the head stock whilst was rotating in a metal
lathe. The metal rod deflected hitting a
passing by crew on head.
SIMULATION
 First lesson to be learnt from this incident is
ALERT OTHERS
1.Barricades must be put to
cordon off the work area. This
prevents the accidental entry of
some crew which may not be
aware of the kind of job being
taken at that place.

2. Use the barricades without

fail even if performing a minor
hot work in workshop which
may require few seconds.
 Knowing what is going on around you
(situational awareness)

Situational awareness is important to

everyone it is important that everyone is
aware of their surroundings and the
potential hazards they face. It is important
that each individual is looking out for his
own safety as well as looking out for their
fellow crew.
Always Plan and Discuss
Ineffective planning and inadequate
discussion for carrying out the job of cutting of
a long rod protruding out of the headstock
ultimately took life of our fellow crew man.

A job may looks like too small but sometimes

may have the potential hazard. Always
discussion jobs in the meeting and
understand.
Key safety points to prevent any accident/injury

Pay close attention to work pieces that have keyway

slots or other surface profiles that may increase the
risk of entanglement.
Cover work-holding devices (chucks) and tool
trapping space hazards (especially in automatic or
semiautomatic modes) with secured fixed or movable
guards.
Avoid wearing gloves, loose clothing, long hair,
jewelry, or other dangling objects near lathe
operations.
 Key safety points to prevent any accident/injury

Make sure all work pieces and work-holding devices

are secure and free from defects.
Remove the chuck key from the chuck after
securing the material. A golden rule is to never take
your hand off the chuck key until you set it back onto
a table.
Provide a chip shield unless another guard or shield
already provides protection. This does not replace
the need for eye and face protection, however.
Crew training is a continuous process
Lathe machine to be
operated only by the
qualified and trained
crew. Chief engineer
onboard is
responsible for
imparting the required
training and safety
awareness for the
lathe operation.
THANK YOU!