Cutting Machine Safety
Cutting machines are widely used in a variety of manufacturing, construction and engineering processes, allowing the production of high-precision components and products with great speed, accuracy and reliability. However, due to the nature of the machines and the fact they are often used to cut or machine hard materials, they can also be incredibly dangerous and can cause serious injury or death if not used correctly and with the right kind of safety precautions in place.
In order to minimise the risk of danger and ensure that cutting machines are safely operated by operators of any skill level, a number of symbols, signs and images are used to communicate potential hazards and safe operating procedures. The most common of these symbols are outlined below.
Safety Guard Symbol: This symbol shows the necessity of the safety guard to be in place when the machine is in use. Guidelines should also be followed to ensure that the guard is not adjusted or removed while the machine is operating.
No Hand Symbol: This symbol is used to caution operators against touching, holding or interfering with the machine while it’s in operation. Any adjustments should be made when the machine is stopped.
Stop Button Symbol: This symbol is used to indicate the location of the machine’s stop button, which should be pressed at any sign of potential danger.
No Unauthorised Personnel Symbol: This symbol is typically used on the outside of the machine to indicate that only authorised operators are allowed in the machine’s operating area.
Ear Protection Symbol: This symbol is used to indicate that operators must wear protective earwear when using the machine, due to the loud noise the machine generates.
Safety Glasses Symbol: This symbol is used to indicate that operators must wear protective glasses when using the machine, to protect against possible flying debris.
Prohibited Action Symbol: This symbol is used to caution operators against performing any prohibited activities when the machine is in use and no operator is present.
Safety Helmet Symbol: This symbol is used to indicate that operators must wear protective helmets when using the machine, to protect against falling objects.
By familiarising themselves with the above symbols, operators of cutting machines should be able to better understand the potential hazards and safe operating procedures associated with the machine in question. This will help to reduce the risk of injury or death while working with the machine, allowing operators of any skill level to use it safely.
