Universal polishing attachments for lathes Hazard Alert

A certified machinist had their hand torn off while operating a lathe machine. The worker was polishing a steel shaft by hand using a piece of emery cloth. Their left hand was pulled into the lathe machine by the spinning shaft. The worker was transported to hospital where it was later determined that their left arm would require partial amputation.

It’s common in the machining industry to polish materials by hand. Universal polishing attachments for lathes are available commercially and offer protection from the moving parts of the machine.

Section 242 of General Regulation 91-191 requires employers to provide adequate safeguards to prevent employees from contacting moving parts on a machine. If a safeguard cannot be provided, the employer must make a physical modification to the machine or prepare a written safe work procedure.

Recommended Preventive Action

1. Where a guard that does not impede the work of the machinist can be installed (especially over the jaws and chuck), the employer is responsible to ensure a safeguard is installed.
2. When the guard installation impedes the planned work, a physical modification to the machine may be required.
3. If a physical modification is not an option, a safe work procedure must be developed and discussed with the machinist before work is done.

The following websites provide examples of safe work procedures. They should be adapted to the lathe being used and work being done.

Ontario Ministry of Labour Alert: Machine Shop Lathes

OSH Answers Fact Sheets: Wood Turning Lathes

OSH Answers Fact Sheets: Metalworking Machines – Lathes