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Drill press, drilling plastic

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Published by SALUS

\[PRE TASK PLAN TITLE] ======================

Project: \[PROJECT NAME]

Date: 2025-08-12

Location: \[LOCATION]

Supervisor: \[SUPERVISOR NAME]

Task Overview


This pre-task plan outlines the safety procedures for operating a drill press when drilling plastic materials. It addresses hazards such as flying debris, entanglement, and machine malfunction to ensure a safe working environment.

Expected Duration: 4 hours

Number of Workers: 1

Required PPE and Equipment


Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety Glasses/Face Shield: CSA-certified eye and face protectors are required to protect against flying debris. [1]
  • Gloves (appropriate for plastic handling): To protect hands from sharp edges and potential cuts.
  • Close-fitting clothing: To prevent loose clothing from getting caught in the drill press.
  • Safety Boots: Required to protect feet from falling objects and sharp plastic debris.

Tools and Equipment

  • Clamps or Drill Vise: Used to securely hold the plastic workpiece in place during drilling. [1]
  • Drill Bits (appropriate for plastics): Used for drilling holes in plastic materials. Ensure the bit is sharp and appropriate for plastic.
  • Brush or Vacuum: Used to remove plastic chips and debris from the work area. [1]
  • Measuring Tools (Ruler, Calipers): Used to accurately measure and mark the drilling location on the plastic workpiece.

Hazard Analysis


Identified Hazards

HazardRisk LevelPotential Consequences
Flying plastic debris during drilling.MediumEye injuries, skin lacerations, and potential for infection.
Entanglement of loose clothing or hair in the rotating drill bit.HighSerious injury, including fractures, lacerations, or amputation.
Drill press malfunction (e.g., motor failure, chuck failure).MediumEquipment damage, potential for projectile hazards, electrical shock.
Sharp edges on plastic materials and drilled holes.LowCuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds.
Dust inhalation from drilling plastic.LowRespiratory irritation, potential long-term health effects.

Control Measures

  • Ensure the face shield or safety glasses are in good condition and fit properly.: Always wear CSA-certified eye and face protectors to shield eyes from flying debris. [1]
  • Ensure the clamp or vise is properly tightened before starting the drill press.: Secure the workpiece using clamps or a drill vise to prevent spinning. [1]
  • Visually inspect the guards for damage and ensure they are properly positioned.: Ensure all guards and shields are in place and functioning correctly before operating the drill press. [1]
  • When making deep holes, clean out the hole frequently.: Remove burrs and chips from a drilled hole. [1]
  • Do not use compressed air, as it can cause debris to become airborne.: Use a brush or vacuum to remove plastic cuttings and debris from the work area. [1]
  • This action prevents the drill from pulling into the work and breaking.: Reduce the drilling pressure when the drill begins to break through the workpiece. [2]

Emergency Procedures


Emergency Contact Information

  • Site Emergency: 911
  • First Aid: On-site First Aid Station
  • Supervisor: Supervisor's Name and Number

Emergency Response Steps

  1. Immediately stop the drill press.
  2. Provide first aid and call for medical assistance if necessary.
  3. Report the incident to the supervisor.
  4. Investigate the cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Evacuation Routes

Evacuate through the nearest marked exit and proceed to the assembly point.

Designated assembly point outside the building.

Required Permits and Certifications


  • Drill Press Operation Certification
  • Lockout/Tagout Certification (if maintenance is required)

Additional Safety Considerations


  • Ensure adequate ventilation to minimize dust inhalation.
  • Inspect the drill press before each use to ensure it is in good working condition.
  • Keep the floor around the drill press free of oil and grease. [2]
  • Never leave the drill press running unattended. [3]

Pre-Task Plan Verification


By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand this pre-task safety plan:

Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

Workers:

  1. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________
  2. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________
  3. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________

This pre-task plan must be reviewed and updated if conditions or scope of work changes.

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3 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses (cont.) ## What are some safe work practices to know when using a drill press? (cont.) Work Lubrication line Clamp Parallels Drill vise - Reduce the drilling pressure when the drill begins to break through the workpiece. This action prevents the drill from pulling into the work and breaking. - Keep drill bits clean and sharp. Dull drills are a common cause of breakage. - Keep the floor around the drill press free of oil and grease. - Keep the working surface clean of scraps, tools and materials. - Keep guards in place and in good working order. Shut off power before removing the drill bit. Please refer to the OSH Answers on portable hand drills for additional information. Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses CCOHS

[2] Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses (cont.) ## What are some things you should avoid doing? - Do not wear any loose clothing or ties. Roll sleeves above the elbow to prevent them from being caught in revolving parts. Tie back or confine long hair. - Do not wear gloves, rings, watches, or bracelets while working with a drill press. - Do not set speeds, adjust, or measure work until the machine is completely stopped. - Do not force the drill with extra pressure. - Do not leave the chuck key in the drill chuck. Make adjustments and remove the key immediately. - Do not hold work by hand when drilling holes; secure the work with clamps or vices. - Do not place your hands under the stock being drilled. - Do not stop the rotation of the chuck and spindle with your hand. - Do not remove a broken drill with a centre punch and hammer. - Do not leave the drill press running unattended. - Do not bypass any guards. Fact sheet last revised: 2024-11-27 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses CCOHS

[3] Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses (cont.) ## What should you do before using a drill press? (cont.) Please refer to the OSH Answers on Metalworking Machines - General for basic safety tips. ## What are some safe work practices to know when using a drill press? - Wear appropriate CSA-certified = eye and face protectors - Make sure that the drill press has a start/stop button within easy reach of the operator. - Make sure the drill press has a working emergency stop button (e-stop). - Make sure a guard, shield or barrier is in place and functioning properly before starting work. - Use a vacuum, brush or rake to remove cuttings. - Remove burrs and chips from a drilled hole. When making deep holes, clean out the hole frequently. - Use a clamp or drill vise to prevent work from spinning. - Make sure the drill bit or cutting tool is locked securely in the chuck. Remove the chuck key before starting the drill press. - Lubricate the drill bit when drilling metal. Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses CCOHS

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