| Machinist create and provide custom and unique parts for companies, industries, and manufacturing plants. Day in and day out they operate different pieces of equipment both manual and automatic (drilling machines, grinders, lathes, CNC machines.) to create a variety of parts needed to keep our plant running. It is an extremely precise job, requiring to make cuts to at least one-thousandth of an inch. Because there is a high attention to detail being a machinist, there is also a high attention to “Safety First.” Prior to performing a task, experienced machinist plans the following: needed tools, area workspace, and how the workspace will change throughout the process. He is evaluating his environment. Then he prepares mentally to where his body and particularity his hands will be from one stage of the process to the next. Based on his experience, most accidents happen when the machine is not cycling or powered. It happens during a transitionary phase of setting up the part of equipment and then your hand happens to run across a sharp object such as a carbide tip. Machinist are always aware of where their hands are when the machines are off or on. They keep their hands out of the line of fire. As stated by a 30 year machinist, “Everyone makes a living with their hands and body protect what you have.” |
What is “Line of Fire” you may ask. Line of Fire was originally a military term. It is now commonly used in industrial safety and is a situation where someone places themselves in harm’s way by virtue of the type of work they are carrying out. For example, if you have accidently hit your hand or finger when using a hammer, you have placed your body in the “line of fire.” Common areas to be mindful of “Line of Fire” are equipment, machinery, hand & power tools, material handling and mobile equipment. When “Line of Fire” hazards are identified use the following practices to eliminate the hazard: organize your work area to provide unobstructed and easy to access equipment., use signs, keep pathways clear, do not remove guards, and use the correct tool for the job. Keep yourself safe by understanding the machines and operation. Take the time to think about the consequences that could result from what you are about to do.
Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Leadership Basics 
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