Standard Operating Procedures: CNC Router

Keep work area clean.

Remove loose articles, tools, and stock prior to turning on or operating equipment.
Check materials for foreign objects; remove foreign objects or reject questionable material, if
necessary.
Sweep and/or Vacuum dust and debris from work areas and surrounding surfaces, including the
floor and under equipment.
Keep all guards in place and in working order.
The spindle guard must be in place around the nose of the spindle during operation.
The movable screen must be in place between the spindle and trained operator during machine
operation.
Do not defeat any safety devices or interlocks.
The vacuum zone override switches must be in the “Off” position for any active vacuum zone.
The doors to the router room are considered equipment safety devices; maintain controlled
access by closing doors. When occupied, doors should remain accessible and only slightly ajar to
provide quick access in case of emergency.
Do not use the machine in dangerous environments.
If the environment is wet or damp, do not operate the equipment.
Maintain a well-lighted work space.
Maintain a clean work space.
Keep visitors and children away.
Visitors, including untrained users, students, faculty and staff, should remain outside the CNC
Router Room, in either the control room or in the hallway surrounding the CNC Router Room
when the machine is operating.
Wear proper apparel.
No loose clothing, clothing draw cords, gloves, scarves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other
jewelry which may get caught in the machine should be worn.
Non-slip footwear that covers the entire foot and has a level bottom is recommended.
Pull back long hair, including beards.
Ensure those in the room with you wear proper apparel as well.
Always wear safety glasses.
Everyday eyeglasses may only have impact resistant lenses; they do not qualify as safety
glasses. Goggles that can be worn over perscription glasses are available and adequate
protection.
Wear hearing protection when CNC router and/or affiliated equipment is in operation.
Wear respiratory protection.
All types of dust and particulate created can be injurious to your health.
Dust collection should not be considered sufficient for capturing all dust created by the machine.
Depending on the material being cut, both particulate and vapors may be generated, requiring
different levels of respiratory protection. Be aware of the potential hazards of any material being
machined and how to provide adequate protection.
Be aware of machinery movement.
Parts of the machine move quickly during operation and can create pinch points or cause
significant impact with individuals within the immediate vicinity.
Do not overreach.
Maintain a proper footing and balance at all times; ask for assistance when necessary.
Never stand on equipment.
The machine may move and cause serious injury if it is not properly locked out or powered down.
Maintain machinery in top condition.
Ensure tools are sharp and clean for best performance.
Clean surfaces of machine by brushing or vacuuming to remove chips, never use compressed
air to remove chips or dust.
Inform other users and Lab Staff when machine is in need of maintenance.
Do not perform maintenance on the machine, including any lubrication, unless you have
consulted with Lab Staff and are following documented maintenance instructions carefully.
Check for damaged or missing parts.
Be certain all guards and important equipment is in place and able to perform its intended
function before using any machine.
Check for alignment and smooth operation of moving parts.
Check for damaged or broken parts.
Check for proper mounting of tools and accessories.
If anything is out of place or order, do not operate the equipment and inform other users and Lab
Staff. Place a sign on the equipment stating “Out Of Order” and include the date, shut off power
to the equipment.
Excessive heat created by dull tools or improper machining methods can create a fire hazard.
Always use sharp cutting tools.
Ramp into cuts rather than plunge unless using a tool specifically designed to plunge.
Always cut at proper chip-load to avoid heat build-up.
Certain materials require coolant in order to be cut without excessive heat build-up, be sure you
are using the correct equipment for cutting these materials.
Certain tools react differently while cutting, generating and dissipating heat in different ways.
Be aware that some tools are more prone to create fire hazards than others and when to use
caution.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Turn machine “off” or trip an emergency stop.
Allow the machine to come to a complete stop before leaving the work station (unless under
emergency circumstances).
Drugs, Alcohol, Medication, Sleep, Sickness.
Do not operate, repair, set-up, perform maintenance, or supervise any equipment while under
the influence of drugs, prescription or otherwise, alcohol, any medication, mental condition, or
state of mind or body, which might impair motor processes, clarity of thought, or in any other
way interfere with safe interaction with equipment.