Safety

In This Section, You'll Learn:

About the standards and safety precautions associated with this machine.

Before operating the machine in any way, you must read and understand this section.

Safe operation of the machine depends on its proper use and the precautions you take. Only trained personnel — with a clear and thorough understanding of its operation and safety requirements — shall operate this machine.

Intended Use

This machine is intended for general-purpose, computer numerical control (CNC) machining in the following applications:

Educational environments
Hobby applications
Light production
Prototyping
Research and development
Secondary operations

The intended use includes:

Appropriate workholding, toolholding, tooling, coolant systems, and machining parameters.
Machining of conventional, non-abrasive materials such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals below 60 HRC, woods, and plastics.

The intended use does not include machining materials that:

Are abrasive, carcinogenic, explosive, flammable, radioactive, or toxic
Produce aerosols or fine particulates when machined

The intended use does not include the following materials (not a full list):

Beryllium and its alloys
Ceramics
Fiberglass
G10 fiberglass laminate
Graphite
Magnesium and its alloys

To safely operate products, you must obey all safety precautions and warnings that are on the machines and in the documentation.

Machine Standards

When installed and operated as intended (see "Intended Use"), this machine complies with the following standards. You must follow the requirements listed in the standards so that the machine remains compliant.

American National Safety Institute (ANSI)

ANSI B11.TR3-2000 Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction — A Guideline to Estimate, Evaluate, and Reduce Risks Associated with Machine Tools

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA 1910.212 General Requirements for All Machines

Safety Overview

Any machine tool is potentially dangerous. A CNC machine's automation presents added risk not present in a manual machine.

Before operating the machine in any way, you must read and understand this section.

Read and understand all safety messages used in this document.
Locate and understand all safety decals on the machine.
Locate and become familiar with all information decals on the machine.

Safety Messages

The following examples show the standard safety message types used to draw your attention to important information. The standards distinguish between personal injury safety messages and property damage warning messages.

Personal Injury

Personal injury safety messages have safety alert symbols and the following hazard level labels:

DANGER! Indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING! Indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, can result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION! Indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, can result in minor or moderate injury.

Property Damage

NOTICE! Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, can cause property damage.

Safety Decals

Before operating the machine in any way, you must read and understand all installed safety decals on the machine and equipment. Do not remove any safety decals. If any safety decals become worn or damaged, contact Tormach Technical Support for guidance on receiving replacement decals.

The following types of safety symbols are on the decals:

Warning
This symbol indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, can result in personal injury or property damage.
Prohibition
This symbol indicates an action that shall not be taken or that shall be stopped.
Mandatory Action
This symbol indicates an action that you must take to avoid a hazard.

On the Electrical Cabinet Door

WARNING! Electrocution Hazard. Points in the electrical cabinet contain high voltages, which can electrocute or shock you, causing death or serious injury. Even after the machine is powered off, electronic devices in the electrical cabinet can retain dangerous electrical voltages. Use caution when servicing the machine inside the electrical cabinet.
Lockout/Tagout. Before servicing the machine, you must power off the machine and use an approved lockout/tagout device to secure the Main Disconnect switch in the OFF position. Points in the electrical cabinet contain high voltages, which can electrocute or shock you, causing death or serious injury.

Next to the Main Disconnect

Don't Operate Unattended. Never allow the machine to run unattended. The machine's spinning tool generates friction and heat — chips, dust, or materials can start on fire. Before operating the machine in any way, you must verify that you're using the correct tools for the material. During operations, you must be prepared to stop the cut if something seems incorrect or unsafe.
WARNING! Entanglement / Entrapment Hazard. The machine operates under automatic control — it can start at any time and crush, cut, entangle, or pinch body parts. Always keep clear of positions on the machine where unexpected or unintended machine motion could cause harm. Before operating this machine in any way, you must verify that all operators know the location of the machine's Emergency Stop button.
WARNING! Ejection Hazard. Fixtures, tooling, workpieces, or other loose items can become dangerous projectiles and can cause death or serious injury. Before operating this machine in any way, you must verify that you have appropriately secured all components.
WARNING! Fire Hazard. The machine is not designed to contain fire or explosions. Only use materials and coolants that are intended for the specific machining operation. Never use flammable or explosive items. Before operating the machine in any way, you must read all Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for any workpiece materials, coatings, coolants, lubricants, and other consumables used.
WARNING! Inhalation Hazard. The machine does not protect you from airborne particulates. Chips, dust, and vapors from certain materials can be toxic or otherwise harmful. Before operating the machine in any way, you must read all Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for any workpiece materials, coatings, coolants, lubricants, and other consumables used.
Personal Protective Equipment: Eyes. Prevent injury by always wearing protective safety eyewear. Before operating this machine in any way, you must verify that your eyewear is impact-resistant and rated for ANSI 787+.
Personal Protective Equipment: Ears. Prevent injury by always wearing ear protection when you expect the machine or the machining processes to exceed safe exposure limits.
Operator Knowledge. Before operating this machine in any way, you and all other operators must read and understand all instructions. If you don't, there's a risk of voided warranty, property damage, serious injury, or death.

On the Spindle Head

Figure 3: Example of a safety decal on the spindle nose.

WARNING! Crush Hazard. Moving parts can entangle, pinch, or cut you, causing death or serious injury. Before operating this machine in any way, you must verify that all body parts, long hair, and clothes are clear of the machine's extent of motion.
WARNING! Cut Hazard. Tools and swarf can cut you. Only hold tools by the tool holder. Before inserting or removing tools from the machine, you must verify that all motion is completely stopped.

On the Gantry and the Spindle Head

Figure 4: Example of safety decals on the spindle head.

Figure 5: Example of safety decals on the left side of the machine.

WARNING! Crush Hazard. Moving parts can entangle, pinch, or cut you, causing death or serious injury. Before operating this machine in any way, you must verify that all body parts, long hair, and clothes are clear of the machine's extent of motion.

Information Decals

Before operating the machine in any way, you must locate and become familiar with all installed information decals on the machine and equipment.

Serial Number Plate

The serial number plate is on the side of the electrical cabinet, near the Main Disconnect switch.

Machine Safety

Before operating the machine in any way, you must read and understand this section.

Safe operation of the machine depends on its proper use and the precautions you take. Only trained personnel — with a clear and thorough understanding of its operation and safety requirements — shall operate this machine.

General Shop Safety

Verify that only qualified machinery maintenance professionals install, set up, or perform maintenance on this machine.
Verify that a fire extinguisher is accessible to the work area.
Verify that a proper dust collection system is installed. Cutting certain materials (like MDF or other wood products) can create dust, which could create a deflagration or explosion hazard. To identify each material's specific requirements, refer to its safety data sheet (SDS).

For more information about the prevention of fire and dust explosions, see nfpa.org or csb.gov.

Keep the work area well-lit. Use additional lighting if needed. The work area should be illuminated to a minimum of 500 lx.
Keep the work area temperature- and humidity-controlled.
Remove loose-fitting clothing, neckties, gloves, and jewelry.
Tie up long hair and secure it under a hat.
Wear safety eye protection rated for ANSI Z87+.
Wear closed-toed safety shoes.
Wear ear protection when you expect the machine or the machining processes to exceed safe exposure limits.
Keep the work area clean and free of clutter. Machine motion can occur if controls are accidentally activated.
Immediately clean up spills after they occur.
Never operate the machine after consuming alcohol or taking medication that could prevent you from safely operating the machine.
Never operate the machine while tired or otherwise impaired.
Never use the machine table as a workbench.
Never lean heavy materials against the gantry, guide rails, or machine table.
Never operate the machine in an explosive (ATEX) atmosphere. Such explosive atmospheres include explosive gases, vapors, mists, powders, and dusts.
Never use pressurized air to clean the machine.
Never install the machine near sinks or faucets, or below water supply pipes and plumbing. Condensation or water splashes can damage the spoil boards or electrical equipment.

Operational Safety

General

Understand that the machine is automatically controlled and can start at any time.
Become familiar with all physical and software controls.
Always use a chip scraper or brush when clearing away chips, oil, or coolant.
Examine all tools, fixtures, workpieces, and guarding for signs of damage. Replace any damaged components as soon as you find them.

Guards may not stop all types of projectiles, like broken tools or loose workpieces.

Stop the machine and verify that all machine motion has completely stopped before doing any of the following:

Adjusting a part, fixture, or coolant nozzle.
Removing any cut materials.
Changing tools or parts.
Clearing away chips, oil, or coolant.
Reaching into any part of the machine's motion envelope.
Removing protective shields or safeguards.
Taking measurements.
Doing any other action inside the machine's motion envelope.

Use flood or MQL (mist) coolant as required by the machining operation.
Only use coolants designed for metal working applications such as soluble oils, semi-synthetic, or synthetic coolants.
Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all workpiece materials, coatings, coolants (flood or MQL), lubricants, and other consumables. Chips, dust, and vapors from certain materials can be toxic or otherwise harmful.
Dispose of scrap and swarf according to local regulations and guidelines.
Thoroughly read all safety precautions and instructions.
When machining materials that may have sharp edges or splinters, wear cut-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
When machining materials that create dust, use a proper dust collection system.
When putting heavy or large materials onto the machine table, work with an assistant.
When machining an unproven program, use feed, speed, and maximum velocity overrides, Distance-to-Go (DTG) displays, single block, feed hold, and other control features.
Follow all appropriate "Machine Standards" (page 3).
Never remove any cut materials while the machine is running.
Never use the machine as a workbench or hammer on the table surface.
Never enter the machining envelope.
Never reach around a guard.
Never allow the machine to run unattended.
Never put your hands on the machine's rails.
Never obstruct the Emergency Stop button or any other controls.
Never allow untrained operators to install, operate, or maintain the machine.
Never modify, defeat, or bypass safety devices or interlocks.
Never machine abrasive, carcinogenic, explosive, flammable, radioactive, or toxic materials. Such materials include, but are not limited to:
- Beryllium and its alloys
- Ceramic
- Fiberglass
- G10 fiberglass laminate
- Graphite
- Lead and its alloys
- Magnesium and its alloys
Never allow swarf to accumulate on or within the machine.
Never use flammable liquids (like alcohol, diesel fuel, or kerosene) in the machine’s coolant system.
Never use water, coolants without rust inhibitors, or straight cutting oil in the machine’s coolant system.

Tooling

Use appropriate speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters for your machine, machine operation, material, and tooling.
Use tools and tool holders that are suitable for the current operation.
Examine tools for signs of damage. Replace any damaged tools as soon as you find them.

Guards may not stop all types of projectiles, like broken tooling.

Never use unbalanced tooling or spindle fixtures.
Never use tools that are larger or longer than necessary.
Never use tools at speeds above their operational limits.
Never use dull or gummy tools.

Workholding

Secure workpieces with appropriate workholding devices.
Verify that the workpiece is adequately secured.
Position clamps and workholding devices clear of any tool paths.
Remove cutoff workpieces and other large chips before starting the machine.
Never leave tools, stock, or other loose items inside the machine.
Never use your hands to hold the workpiece during machining operations.

Electrical Safety

WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard: You must power off the machine before making any electrical connections. If you don't, there's a risk of electrocution or shock.

Power off the machine before servicing.
Use an approved lockout/tagout system to secure the machine's Main Disconnect in the OFF position before servicing the machine.
Understand that certain electrical components can retain dangerous electrical voltages, even after the machine is powered off and all power is removed from the system.
Understand that certain installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures — for the machine and certain accessories — require access to or modification of wiring inside of the electrical cabinet. Only qualified electrical machinery technicians shall perform these procedures.
Confirm that the mains voltage conforms to requirements before connecting the machine.

For more information, see “Electrical and Power Requirements”.

Confirm that the machine installation meets all codes and regulations of your locality.
Confirm that electrical connections are performed by a certified electrician.
Lock the electrical cabinet door and remove the keys when the machine is not being serviced to prevent unqualified or unauthorized personnel from accessing the electrical cabinet.
Never operate the machine with the electrical cabinet door open.
Never reach into the electrical cabinet with the machine powered on.
Never modify the machine's electronics.
Never drill into the electrical cabinet.

Noise Exposure

CAUTION! Noise Exposure Hazard: If you expect the machine or the machining processes to exceed safe exposure limits, you must wear ear protection.

With the axes moving and the spindle rotating (but not cutting), the emission sound pressure level at the operator control station is 70 dB(A).

Emission sound pressure levels vary depending on the machining processes. Factors that influence the actual level of noise exposure may include:

Characteristics of the work room
Other sources of noise (like the number of machines, or other adjacent processes)

The permissible noise exposure level may vary between countries. You must evaluate of the hazard and risk based on your locality, and mitigate as necessary.

Looking for more information?

This is a section of the 24R operator's manual. To view the whole manual, go to Tormach document UM10564.

If you have additional questions, we can help. Create a support ticket with Tormach Technical Support at tormach.com/how-to-submit-a-support-ticket for guidance on how to proceed.