How To Operate a CNC Machine Safely

Computer numerical control (CNC) machinists work with heavy-duty machinery to transform raw materials into custom parts.

CNC machinists are trained to operate machines that perform a range of functions, including grinding, cutting and drilling.

These techs can set up the machines properly and operate them correctly to produce high-quality results. Given the range of functionality of this equipment, machinists must comply with CNC safety standards.

Keep reading to learn about the many safety tips and guidelines that need to be followed when working with CNC machines!

4 CNC Machining Safety Tips

CNC machines can come in a range of shapes and sizes, combining mechanics and technology to produce durable parts used in many industries.

Whether it’s a lathe or mill combined with a computer system, it’s important that a trained machinist is operating it properly and paying attention to the do’s and don’ts of CNC machines.

Many of these CNC machine safety tips come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which requires employers to keep a workplace free from serious hazards and exposure to moving machine parts that could cause serious injuries.

While there are many safeguards in place thanks to OSHA regulations, there is still a level of personal responsibility involved when it comes to operating CNC machines. If you want to learn how to perform CNC machining safely, here are a few tips to remember.

1. Keep doors closed

Allow a machine’s cycle to reach completion before opening any compartments or working with different parts. Opening the hood of a machine before it completely stops can be very dangerous.

While many machines include safety interlocks to prevent this, it’s important that barriers and warning signs are put into place for those that don’t.

CNC machines feature “home” positions that they return to before they start another cycle, so machinists must be aware of what these are before operating the machines. Allowing the machine to return to this position and powering it off is necessary before reaching into it.

It’s also critical to not leave the doors open to watch parts when the machine is running. Parts can fall off the spindle, and chips and sparks can fly out from tools that are in operation.

2. Wear protective gear

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating any kind of CNC machine, since they have rotating parts. One of the main items of protection that should always be worn is machinist safety glasses.

Image credit: ACCURL Machine Tools

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CNC gloves are another piece of PPE that should be worn when operating these machines, as they can help prevent the risk of cuts or abrasions to the hands.

Depending on where you’re working, a hard hat might make sense to wear, as well as hearing protection if the environment is particularly loud. Appropriate footwear, such as steel-toe shoes or work boots, should also be worn.

3. Use proper tools

It might be tempting when working with CNC machines to use modified or inexpensive tools to save money, but it’s important not to alter tools or work with ones that aren’t suited for the specific machine’s functions. When tools are altered, they increase the risk of breaks to the enclosures in the machine. Also, be sure to check your tools for chips and cracks, and ensure they aren’t blunt.

4. Clean machines

A key component of machine shop safety comes with the maintenance and cleaning of the CNC machines. Having a clean machine can help it run longer and help it produce higher-quality parts.

Neglecting cleanings could not only damage the CNC machine, but it could also increase the risk of injury. Following a regular maintenance schedule can help reduce the risk of cuts and burns.

5. Be familiar with the machines

Only operate CNC machines that you have been trained to use. If there’s something you haven’t worked with before, it’s best to leave it to those with hands-on training and experience.

Attending a CNC machining program at a trade school like Universal Technical Institute’s NASCAR Technical Institute campus in Mooresville, North Carolina, can help prepare students for a career in the industry, as well as give them the knowledge they need to operate a range of equipment.^2,85

Read: How to Become a CNC Machinist

Potential Hazards of CNC Machines

In the realm of CNC machining, where precision and efficiency are of utmost importance, the safety of the workforce cannot be overemphasized. The operation of CNC machines, despite their technological advancements and contributions to manufacturing, is accompanied by an array of risks and hazards that could pose significant threats to operators and the workplace environment.

Identifying and understanding these hazards is the first step toward preventing them and ensuring a safer workspace. The following list categorizes the primary hazards associated with CNC operations, from mechanical to health-related risks, which need to be managed.

1. Mechanical hazards

The moving parts of CNC machines, such as the spindle and milling cutter, can pose serious mechanical hazards. Accidental contact with these parts can lead to injuries like cuts, abrasions or even amputations.

2. Electrical hazards

CNC machines depend on electricity to function. Faulty wiring, improper grounding and the handling of electrical components can result in electric shocks or fires, endangering the operator and the workspace.

3. Chemical hazards

The cutting fluids and coolants used in CNC machining processes can pose chemical hazards. Direct exposure to these substances without proper protective equipment can lead to skin irritations, respiratory issues and other health complications.

4. Noise pollution

CNC machines, especially during high-speed operations, generate significant levels of noise. Prolonged exposure to such noise without proper hearing protection can lead to hearing loss or other auditory problems.

5. Dust and particulate matter

Milling, cutting and grinding operations can produce a considerable amount of dust and particulate matter. Inhaling these particles over time can cause respiratory illnesses and worsen existing conditions.

Read: What Is a Quality Control Inspector?

FAQs

1. What are the basic safety precautions for CNC machine operation?

Basic safety precautions for operating a CNC machine include ensuring the machine is properly maintained and inspected before use, keeping the work area clean and free of clutter and adhering to the operational procedures and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

2. What PPE should be worn when working with CNC machines?

When working with CNC machines, individuals should wear protective eyewear to shield against flying debris, ear protection to guard against noise and durable gloves to protect hands from sharp objects and materials.

3. Are there any specific training or certifications required to operate a CNC machine safely?

Yes, to operate a CNC machine safely, specific training or certifications are typically required, focusing on machine operation, safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure competent and secure handling of the equipment.

4. What are the common causes of accidents or injuries when using CNC machines?

Common causes of accidents or injuries when using CNC machines include operating the machine without proper training, failure to use personal protective equipment and neglecting to follow maintenance and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Read: CNC Machining Frequently Asked Questions

Learn About CNC Safety Standards with Training at UTI in Mooresville, NC!

Getting the right education is important to be able to operate CNC machines safely and effectively. The 36-week CNC Machining Technology program offered at UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute campus in Mooresville, North Carolina, can help you get the training you need to pursue this career path.

Courses in the program cover a range of topics, including equipment setup, machine maintenance and CNC safety skills, of course! Knowledge gained from these classes can be applied to the field after graduation.