Why You Should Put a Safety Shield on Your Drill Press

A drill press is a powerful tool for drilling holes into various materials. While it can be very useful in a workshop, keeping safety in mind when operating one is important. One of the best ways to do this is by putting a safety shield on your drill press.

Safety shields protect the operator from flying debris and chuck entanglement. They also protect against eye injuries, as the guard helps to deflect any hazardous materials that may come into contact with the operator’s face.

The Safety Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards in the United States. OSHA requires that all drill presses be equipped with a guard or shield to protect the operator from flying debris and other dangerous materials.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires machine guarding methods, such as barrier guards, to protect operators and employees from hazards such as point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks in the machine area. This requirement is specified in 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1) and applies to drill presses.

In addition to OSHA standards, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also provides guidelines for drill press safety. ANSI B11.8 is the standard that applies to drill presses and outlines specific safety shield requirements. This standard requires that safety shields be made from durable materials and designed to provide adequate protection from flying debris.

A safety shield on your drill press ensures a safe and productive workspace. By following the guidelines of OSHA and ANSI, you can ensure that your drill press is up to the highest safety standards.