Guidance

Safety Bulletin 21 – Use of emery cloth on metalworking lathes

Alerts industry to specific issues. Normally time sensitive and action may be required.

Documents

Details

Following an incident involving the use of a lathe machine on a bulk carrier, which resulted in a broken arm, the MCA is issuing this safety bulletin to raise awareness of the risks of using emery cloths. The incident occurred when the victim placed a strip of emery cloth over the work piece of the metalworking lathe, and their boiler suit sleeve became caught in the fast-spinning shaft. The use of emery cloths on metalworking lathes is not recommended, and where it must be used, precautions should be taken.

Published 31 August 2021