Schools’ Health and Safety Handbook
Section9.3: Code of Practice for Secondary Design and Technology
Risk Assessment MW01: Metalwork Centre Lathe
February 2007
Risk Assessment MW01: Metalwork Centre Lathe
ESTABLISHMENT
DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL TEACHING SECONDARY DESIGN AND
TECHNOLOGY
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
WORK ACTIVITY
USE OF METALWORK CENTRE LATHE
HAZARDS
All users should be aware of the following hazards:
 Long hair, loose clothing can become entangled in
the moving parts of the lathe
 Work pieces, chuck keys, broken cutting tools,
swarf etc can be violently ejected from the lathe
 Centre lathes can cause electric shock
 Closing movements of parts under power can be a
trapping hazard
 Sharp edges on tools, work pieces and swarf can
cause cuts
 Contact with cutting fluids, oil and grease can
irritate skin
 Swarf can jam the machine or be ejected if allowed
to build up
 Accidental starting of the machine can cause a
hazard
 Lack of sufficient space around the machine can
lead to the operator being pushed by passers by
resulting in injury
 Slippery floors or loose items around the machine
can cause slips that result in contact with the
moving parts of the machine
 Manual handling of heavy items such as chucks
and faceplates can be a hazard
WHO MIGHT BE
HARMED?
(EMPLOYEES)
Design and Technology Teachers
Design and Technology Teaching Assistants
Design and Technology Assistants
WHO MIGHT BE
HARMED
(NONEMPLOYEES)?
Pupils/Students.
Contractors
Visitors
IS ANYONE AT
SPECIAL RISK?
Persons working alone
Inexperienced teachers
Persons who have not been trained and certificated
within the past five years.
Persons who use the equipment infrequently
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Schools’ Health and Safety Handbook
Section9.3: Code of Practice for Secondary Design and Technology
Risk Assessment MW01: Metalwork Centre Lathe
February 2007
Unauthorised users, for example, site manager,
caretakers, teaching or support staff
RISK CONTROL
MEASURES
Switchgear
 The machine must be provided with a means of
isolation using a fused switch disconnector on or
adjacent to the machine, and that it is controlled by
a starter incorporating overload protection and novolt release
Emergency Switchgear
 The machine must be provided with a conveniently
positioned mushroom headed stop button or other
suitable control device that can bring the machine
to rest within 10 seconds in an emergency
Cabling
 All cabling should be armoured to protect it from
damage
Guarding
 The machine must be provided with fixed guards
that are removable only with the use of a tool, or
alternatively interlocked guards that enclose the
drive mechanisms
 The machine must be fitted with a suitable chuck
guard
 The spindle mandrel must be guarded
 A telescopic helical metal guard must be provided
if the feed shafts and lead screws are not
sufficiently protected by the overhang of the
bedways and/or saddle and swarf trays, a
telescopic metal guard should be provided.
Flooring and Space
 There must be sufficient space around the
machine to prevent the operator being accidentally
pushed by passers-by. This zone should be
marked with yellow tape or paint.
 The floor surface must not be slippery and must be
kept free of loose items and swarf
Operator Safety and Personal Protective
Equipment
 Only one person at a time may operate the
machine
 Eye protection must be worn by the operator when
using the machine
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Schools’ Health and Safety Handbook
Section9.3: Code of Practice for Secondary Design and Technology
Risk Assessment MW01: Metalwork Centre Lathe
February 2007



Long hair and loose clothing must be secured and
dangling jewellery must not be worn when
operating the machine
Gloves must not be worn when using the machine
Substantial, non-slip, footwear which covers the
whole foot, should be worn when using the
equipment. Trainers do not give adequate
protection.
Manual Handling of Chucks and Faceplates
 A risk assessment must be made of the manual
handling tasks associated with changing heavy
chucks and faceplates etc which can be beyond
the physical ability of some people.
 Measures must be implemented to minimise the
risks associated with lifting heavy items by the use
of lifting aids, team lifts and correct lifting
techniques
Adjustment and Setting Up of Machine
 The machine must be electrically isolated before
any internal mechanisms are adjusted.
 The drive to the feed shafts and lead screws must
be disconnected until required.
 The chuck key, which should be spring loaded,
must always be removed from the chuck
immediately after use and before starting the
machine
 Work mounted to a faceplate, a chuck or between
centres must be properly secured and balanced to
prevent excessive vibration
 The rotational clearance must be checked by hand
before starting the machine
 The cutting tool must be checked for security
before the machine is started
 The stock bar must not project beyond the head
stock or where this is unavoidable, the portion of
the stock bar projecting beyond the headstock
must be guarded to prevent entanglement
 Coolant nozzles must not be adjusted whilst the
machine is in operation
 The machine must always be stopped when
measuring or gauging and positioning the cutting
tool so as to minimise possible contact.
 Files and abrasive tape must not be used on the
centre lathe
 Tools post grinders must only be used if they have
been specifically designed for the lathe
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Schools’ Health and Safety Handbook
Section9.3: Code of Practice for Secondary Design and Technology
Risk Assessment MW01: Metalwork Centre Lathe
February 2007
Removal of Swarf
 Swarf must not be allowed to accumulate as it can
become entangled or ejected by the chuck or work
piece.
 Swarf must never be removed whilst the machine
is in operation
 A suitable implement must be used to remove
swarf so as to avoid hands coming into contact
with swarf.
Metalworking Fluids
 If metalwork fluids are used they must be mixed
and changed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions
 Supplier’s hazard data sheets and COSHH risk
assessments for metalworking fluids must be
available and their instructions followed.
 Contact of metal work fluids with the skin must be
minimised.
 Hands must always be washed thoroughly after
the use of metalworking fluids.
Safety Rules
Safety rules for the use of this machine should be
displayed near the machine where they can readily be
referred to.
Maintenance of Machine
 The machine must be included in a planned
programme of servicing and maintenance which
should include electrical safety checks.
 Records of servicing and maintenance must be
available for inspection by health and safety
advisers, subject advisers/consultants and other
authorised persons.
Manufacturer’s Instructions
 A copy of the manufacturer’s instruction book
should be kept by the machine and a spare copy in
the departmental office.
FURTHER ACTION
REQUIRED TO
CONTROL RISK
ACTION BY
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Schools’ Health and Safety Handbook
Section9.3: Code of Practice for Secondary Design and Technology
Risk Assessment MW01: Metalwork Centre Lathe
February 2007
PERSON
ACTION BY DATE
DATE REVISION
OF ASSESSMENT
DUE
ASSESSED BY
DATE
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