A Step-By-Step Guide to Drill Press Safety
June 19, 2024
A Step-By-Step Guide to Drill Press Safety
When you aren’t operating your machines safely, the risk of injuries and accidents skyrockets in your facilities. Your drill press machines are no exception — and even the most experienced drill bit operators can make mistakes.
That’s why it’s so important to implement smart safety solutions to keep drilling pressure, keep employees protected, and minimize risks. So the question is, how can you ensure proper usage of your drill press to improve employee safety and efficiency?
Drill Press Safety Rules
The drill press is one of the most commonly used tools in woodworking and metalworking shops. It’s a versatile machine that can be used for a variety of tasks in wood,, from drilling holes to milling curves.
However, while this tool can be very effective, it’s also important to understand and follow some basic safety rules when using it. By following these basic safety rules, your operators can avoid any potential accidents and injuries while using the power drill press:
ALWAYS wear proper PPE.
NEVER wear loose clothing or accessories.
If applicable, keep your long hair tied back.
Know the controls.
ALWAYS operate the machine correctly.
Ensure that the Start/Stop button is within easy reach of the operator.
STOP IMMEDIATELY if the drill press is malfunctioning and report the issue to leadership.
NEVER set up or adjust the drill press while it’s running.
Ensure that the drill bit or cutting tool is locked securely in the chuck.
NEVER leave the chuck key in the drill press.
ALWAYS follow the “4-inch” rule.
Let the bit cut at its own rate; NEVER force it.
NEVER hold the workpiece to drill them; secure them to the worktable with a vise or clamp.
NEVER try to stop the drill chuck and spindle with your hands.
NEVER remove safeguards.
Keep drill bits clean and sharp.
NEVER use tools that are in poor condition.
ALWAYS keep the working surface clean and organized.
Common Drill Press Dangers
Drill press machines are not unlike other industrial equipment; there are plenty of potential hazards associated with their operation. For example, when they come in contact with materials on the workpiece, they are capable of generating considerable torque.
Accessories, loose clothing, and long hair can become entangled with the machine. The substantial rotational force it holds can pull the operator into contact, or close contact, with the shaft or wheel.
There is also the potential for lacerations and puncture wounds, and the friction that a drill press causes can present a burn risk or fire hazard. Finally, chips and bits from the hammer and workpiece — and even the workpiece itself — can be flung into the environment.
Drill Press Safety: A Step-By-Step Guide
With the right training, procedures, and machine safety solutions, you can significantly reduce risks associated with your drill press operations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to operating a drill press with safety and improved workplace productivity to align your team for success.
Step 1: Conduct Proper Training
Every year, thousands of workers are injured on the job due to a lack of adequate training. Education is one of the most important tools for safety in industrial and manufacturing workplaces.
Without proper training, your employees won’t know how to operate the drill press correctly, much less follow the safety rules and procedures necessary for your workplace. By investing in drill press training, you empower your drill chuck operators to recognize hazards and understand safety practices proactively.
Regular training sessions can also ensure that safety is always top of mind for your drill press team. So take the time to refresh your drill press operators on the proper steps to follow; it can make all the difference in combating complacency.
Step 2: Set Drill Press Safety Precautions, Protocols, & Procedures
As a company in the world of industrial operations, you understand the importance of maintaining safety protocols and procedures. It’s also required by law to follow rules and standards set by OSHA regarding safety and health.
Taking the time to review drill press safety precautions and to update your drill press safety guide and procedures is vital. These are the most effective ways to support overall safety around your drill press machines — and your facility at large.
While it’s extremely important to have company-specific safety procedures, there are also a few general safety practices that your operators should be aware of at all times. Develop the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for your operations and provide your operators with a quick reference to ensure that knowledge is always available.
Step 3: Encourage Proper Maintenance
When your machines and tools aren’t taken care of, they wear down faster and create safety issues that put your employees and operators at risk. Using tools in poor condition can be dangerous, especially drill press machines.
When you encourage proper maintenance, you effectively extend the life of your machines while reducing the need to purchase new equipment. This effort also helps reduce any downtime associated with repairing damaged machines.
Maintenance is a critical component of drill press safety.
It helps prevent small issues from growing into large ones. On a regular basis, your operators should:
Utilize a brush or vacuum to remove cuttings from your drill press.
Clean and return drill bits and other pieces to the correct locations;
Clean the drill table and surrounding floor to ensure there aren’t any cuttings or scraps lying around.
These basic steps will go a long way in keeping your people and machines in great condition.
Step 4: Use an OSHA-Compliant Drill Press Guard
Using a drill press guard that’s OSHA-compliant is essential for secure operations — and required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Flying debris created by a drill press break can be extremely dangerous.
Drill press guards work to prevent those types of incidents from occurring by providing physical barriers and electrical switches. With the right safety shield, for example, you can contain flying drilling debris and create a safer, more productive workplace for your team.
At Stronghold® Safety Engineering, we offer a wide variety of drill press safety products, including safety shields, gloves, telescopic drill guards, and power tool brakes.
Drill Press Safety Solutions from Stronghold®
At Stronghold®, we know what it takes to create a safer workplace, and we’re passionate about empowering you to do the same.
From industrial safety services to our selection of top safety products, we’ll help you identify key mine areas in need of improvement and create a customized safety plan to address them.As your full-service safety partner, we’re here to implement solutions that minimize risks and maximize productivity in your workplace. To learn more about our high-quality safety solutions, reach out to our team today.