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Safe System of Work (Lathe using emery cloth)
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Khan44511  
#1 Posted : 27 August 2010 09:04:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Khan44511
I have been working on a SSOW with the lads on the shop floor and I need some help please.
The process is polishing on a metalworking lathe using emery cloth. I have read the HSE information sheet No 2 "Accidents at metalworking lathes using emery cloth" and they give you a list of safe ways to use emery cloth against rotating components.

These are
Backing board
Tool post
Nutcracker
Hand-held wire brush

So this is where the problem is the lads on the shop floor say that no one in their right mind would use a Nutcracker or hand-held wire brush because of the chances of them being grabbed out their hands, and causing more injuries when it flicks up. I can see their point of view but is it right. Surely the HSE would have thought of this !!!
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PhilBeale  
#2 Posted : 27 August 2010 09:25:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PhilBeale
I remember the old paper trick back in my apprentice days. i think placing fingers hands within grabbing distance of the chuck which is what you are doing using emery paper the traditional way is going to have far sever consequences than something that might flick back and injure you. they should look at reducing the speed of the chuck which will reduce the momentum of anything that is drag out of the hand more than likely it will just end up in the bottom of the machine. maybe try one of the new methods and see if there are any issues i would prefer that than having peoples fingers hands near spinning chucks.

Red
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Muiryden  
#3 Posted : 27 August 2010 09:29:46(UTC)
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Muiryden
Please ensure "lads" do not wear gloves when using emery paper.
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Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 27 August 2010 13:07:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter
There are other things you can do, e.g. invest in de-burring machines, and challenge the draughtsmen (oops -CAD operators: showing my age again) who always specify "bright" in the finish box on the drawing when the appearance of the component is neither here nor there.
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pastapickles  
#5 Posted : 22 September 2010 16:20:08(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
pastapickles
Khan,

Did you find a source for or any one use the tool post or nutcracker method, I have found our 'lads' using an emery cloth on our lathe today. I stopped the practice straight away but am keen to provide a solution quickly.

I have read the HSE guidance (EIS2) and contacted infoline for any further information on its source but as the document was produced in 2003 they cant find the authors information.

I think the best method for our process would be the tool post but I am looking for some detailed information on how it works.

Thanks,

Richard
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paul-ps  
#6 Posted : 23 July 2015 14:15:19(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
paul-ps
I know it is an old post, but i am looking into this concern at the moment.

Are there any suitable solutions for avoiding holding the emery cloth by hand, that actually work in practice?
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Garratt39306  
#7 Posted : 04 February 2016 09:52:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Garratt39306
Good morning

I am dealing with this issue at the moment following on from the new document (EIS2) issued by the HSE the end of last year - this states that the emery cloth should NEVER be applied by hand! as you can imagine, the manager and the machinist are stating that they can only use this by hand as they need to get the correct tolerance and this is the only way! anyone got any suggestions or put any controls in place following on from the publication of this document?

thank you
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Binniem  
#8 Posted : 04 February 2016 10:57:22(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Binniem
I saw further up this post someone made reference to the chuck,

but the whole work piece can be just as dangerous.....

(viewer discretion advised, this is cctv footage of a real accident)



Clamping emery cloth in the tool holder is the safest way to use emery on the lathe in my view, but do they NEED to use emery? or is it used for aesthetics only?
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jay  
#9 Posted : 04 February 2016 12:21:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jay
HSE Guidance on the topic:-

The use of emery cloth on metalworking lathes
http://www.hse.gov.uk/engineering/lathes.htm

The use of emery cloth on metalworking lathes
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/eis2.pdf
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hilary  
#10 Posted : 04 February 2016 12:21:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary
We invested in air powered handheld deburring tools which we call "Whizzies". I'm absolutely sure that's not what they're actually called but it's something of an onomatopoeic name.

They're really good and you can get just the finish you need with different heads. Well worth the investment.
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Garratt39306  
#11 Posted : 10 February 2016 10:39:22(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Garratt39306
Thank you for the responses.

Hilary - can you send me the information / pictures on the "whizzies" so I can have a look?

thank you all
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Garratt39306  
#12 Posted : 01 March 2016 14:39:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Garratt39306
Good afternoon

I am back on this subject again! has anyone used or got any experience with the sanding belt holders for lathes?

we use an emery cloth (by hand) on our lathes to obtain the correct size rather than the finish. This was an acceptable method from the HSE, however emery cloths can no longer be applied by hand, this practice is no longer acceptable.

anyone got any experience they can share or know who I could contact to obtain further assistance / guidance.

thank you

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