Lathe rips shirt off operator - GIF

**IAMSatisfied** · Nov 14, 2021, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by Skun Knuckles

His right foot is under the brake, which shuts the machine down instantly.

Another surviving member of The Machinists Strip Club.

It seems a waist-high shut-off bar like they have on the entry deck of wood chippers would be much more appropriate here than that floor brake. As soon as his shirt caught, his torso was pulled toward the chuck, loading the foot that was under the brake, and he couldn't have lifted that foot to operate the brake on both accounts. You need systems in place that don't require your mind to operate perfectly.

**mklotz** · Nov 14, 2021, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by IAMSatisfied

Another surviving member of The Machinists Strip Club.

It seems a waist-high shut-off bar like they have on the entry deck of wood chippers would be much more appropriate here than that floor brake. As soon as his shirt caught, his torso was pulled toward the chuck, loading the foot that was under the brake, and he couldn't have lifted that foot to operate the brake on both accounts. You need systems in place that don't require your mind to operate perfectly.

Hear, hear! I've been trumpeting this same advice for a long time. I'm surprised that lathe manufacturers don't at least offer it as an accessory.

**drivermark** · Nov 14, 2021, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by mklotz

Hear, hear! I've been trumpeting this same advice for a long time. I'm surprised that lathe manufacturers don't at least offer it as an accessory.

I would bet it has something to do with cost/profit margins

**Toolmaker51** · Nov 18, 2021, 08:24 AM

Sure he was hollering quite soon, but it was nearly over before the dog and co-worker reacted, that's pretty fast.

All those points made are viable, in no particular order; clear floor, proper footwear, not reaching over rotating machinery, lightweight clothing, a laugh for the COVID mask (more proof administrative safety is secondary to personal safety), better primary shut-off mechanisms, minimally an E-stop.... Can even question the shop layout, who lines up lathes along a wall?

Most, if not all of those we have complete control of. Serious accidents don't get do overs.

Make sure the only shirt you loose to machinery is an unsatisfactory purchase.

**Toolmaker51** · Nov 18, 2021, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by drivermark

I would bet it has something to do with cost/profit margins

Wouldn't be the first time, substitute E-stop with Pinto gas tanks......

**mdhatter3** · Nov 18, 2021, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by Toolmaker51

Sure he was hollering quite soon, but it was nearly over before the dog and co-worker reacted, that's pretty fast.

All those points made are viable, in no particular order; clear floor, proper footwear, not reaching over rotating machinery, lightweight clothing, a laugh for the COVID mask (more proof administrative safety is secondary to personal safety), better primary shut-off mechanisms, minimally an E-stop.... Can even question the shop layout, who lines up lathes along a wall?

Most, if not all of those we have complete control of. Serious accidents don't get do overs.

Make sure the only shirt you loose to machinery is an unsatisfactory purchase.

Thanks toolmaker. You summed it up well. Stay safe and healthy.

**Toolmaker51** · Nov 18, 2021, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by mdhatter3

Thanks toolmaker. You summed it up well. Stay safe and healthy.

Accepted, rather good if I do say so myself!

I've run machinery over 60 years, as employee and privately. A few insignificant injuries, worst maybe a counterbore sticking in a plate and it spun half a turn, after hitting me in gut. Sore but not even a bruise. The plate seemed (operative word if there ever was) heavy enough to remain in place.

Having been under so many types of safety program (another operative yet ineffective word); only that offered by Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe is sensible............... "Safety Third".