Work environment safety and ergonomics at the fine bench

A fine mechanics workshop looks quiet, but it houses machines and processes that can cause damage in a moment if you are careless. At the same time, the trade is physically more stressful than many other crafts: you often sit still, work closely and use your eyes intensively. Both aspects need to be taken seriously.

§Rotating machines and chips

Lathes, mills and drill presses have rotating parts that won't forgive loose sleeves, jewellery or long hair. The basic rule is simple: nothing that can be grabbed by the machine must be loose. Swarf — the small metal pieces cut from the workpiece — are sharp and hot and must never be removed with your fingers while the machine is running. Use a hook, brush or stop the machine first.

• 01Always wear eye protection — a splinter in the eye happens in a flash
• 02Keep guards in place, even when it feels inconvenient
• 03Never remove chips with hands on a running machine
• 04Check that piece is clamped properly before you start

§Cutting fluid, air and skin

During processing, cooling and lubricating agents are often used that cool the workpiece and tool. They can cause skin irritation with prolonged contact and when atomized, the mist can stress the airways. Good extraction, clean hands and skin care therefore belong — and you should know the safety data sheets for the liquids you work with.

§Noise and hearing

Even though fine mechanics seems quiet both machines and pneumatic tools can reach noise levels that over time damage hearing. Hearing does not come back once it is gone so wear hearing protection where recommended and keep using it — even if you think you have got used to the noise.

§Vision and lighting

You work with small parts and fine measurements, often through a magnifying glass or microscope. It strains the eyes. Good, glare-free lighting at the workstation, regular breaks where your gaze moves into the room, and an eye test now and then are real work environment tools in this trade — not luxury.

§Ergonomics — the sedentary trade

Because much work takes place sitting and in the same position, monotonous loads and static muscle work are a real risk for neck, shoulders, and wrist. Arrange the workplace so that back, arms, and vision fit the task, change position, and take micro-breaks. It sounds trivial, but wear on body and joints is one of the injuries that most often causes precision engineers to change direction late in their working lives.

Three habits that keep body healthy

• 01Adjust chair, table height and lighting for you and the task
• 02Vary the tasks so the same muscles are not strained all day
• 03Take short, frequent breaks rather than a few long ones — also for your eyes

“Safety in precision mechanics is about both what can happen in one second at the machine and what wears the body over twenty years. Both matter.”