FREE Lathe SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Lathe SOP Template:
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Purpose of Document
Lathe SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for lathe use. Lathe SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
This Lathe SOP should be customised and communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use this document during the induction or onboarding process.
NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Workers should read and agree to comply with Lathe SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Lathe SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, and Instruction
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.
FAQ’s
What is a lathe?
A lathe is a versatile machine tool utilized for shaping, cutting, drilling, and sanding workpieces by rotating them against a fixed cutting tool, enabling precise fabrication and intricate detailing.
What is a lathe used for?
Lathe’s are commonly used in metalworking, woodworking, and machining industries for creating cylindrical or symmetrical parts such as shafts, rods, and components with intricate designs.
What hazards are involved in using a lathe?
Some hazards that are involved in lathe use include:
- Contact with rotating workpieces or cutting tools
- Flying debris
- Entanglement
- Noise
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during lathe use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Using guards
- Clamping workpieces
- Operator training
- Wearing appropriate PPE
Did you know?
The lathe, pivotal in machining, has a dynamic history spanning millennia, from ancient civilizations to the Industrial Revolution. Innovations like Henry Maudslay’s screw-cutting lathe revolutionized precision engineering. Evolving with technology, CNC lathes now offer unmatched precision and automation, essential across industries from aerospace to woodworking.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
- Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>