Safety is important to everyone and it is your responsibility to maintain a safe working place. To maintain a safe environment, learn these safety rules and practice them at all times.


Safety Rules:

  • When in doubt, ask the instructor.
  • Report any injuries or accidents immediately to the instructor. Also, Report a breakage to a tool or m/c to the instructor. If the equipment does not operate properly, notify the instructor immediately.
  • Wipe up any oil specified on the floor immediately to prevent anyone from slipping. Keep aisles clear at all times.
  • Operate only the machines you have been trained to operate and when the instructor or supervisor/ assistant is present.
  • Operate machines only with permission.
  • Always inspect the m/c before starting to work. Be sure it is clean and threaded correctly, with no loose threads on the pulley belt and all guards in place.
  • Make only adjustments you have been trained to perform
  • When sewing on a power m/c, wear low shoes & close-fitting clothing. Avoid loose fitting sleeves, sweaters, jewelry, ties, and ribbons when operating the machine. If your hair is long, tie it back.
  • Always practice proper posture to reduce fatigue, help prevent accidents and increase efficiency. If possible, adjust the chair height so that your feet rest flat on the floor.
  • Do not pull your chair forward or toward while operating the machine.
  • Use both hands to raise & lower the machine head.
  • Always keep your head above the table.
  • Keep your feet off the treadle when you are setting or threading the needle.
  • Turn the motor off:

1.      Before cleaning, oiling or adjusting the machine.

2.      Before removing or replacing the pulley belt and run the machine out. Wait until all
   motion has stopped.

3.      In case of an emergency or when in doubt.

4.      Before unplugging the machine.

  • When unplugging the machine, hold onto the plug, not the cord.
  • Do not use your hand to stop and start the hand wheel. Use your hand only to set the hand wheel.
  • Before operating the m/c., close the slide bed cover and be sure the needle is properly set and the bobbin is properly placed.
  • When operating the machine, do not be careless. Do not talk with your colleagues. Keep your attention on your work and hands. Keep your hands at a safe distance from the needle. Keep your hands, scissors, and other sharp objects away from the belt.
  • Keep the machine and work station clean with tools in the side drawer.
  • Use the proper needle for the job.
  • Do not stitch over pins or put them in your mouth.
  • When the m/c is not in use, lower the foot and needle.
  • Three-way plugs are a safety feature on the machines. Do not cut off the ground prong.
  • Unplug the machine at the end of the day.
  • Know the location of the main power switch, outlets, and fuses in case of an emergency.
  • Do not remove any safety devices from the machines.
  • Turn off the iron at the end of the work.
  • Always place the iron on the iron pad to avoid scorching the ironing board cover.
  • Always place the industrial iron flat on the iron pad to avoid knocking it over.
  • When trimming or cutting, put all trimmings in the wastebasket.
  • Scissors should be handed to another person with the handles toward the person. Never toss or throw scissors or equipment.
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.

 

Safety instructions

All safety devices must be in position when the machine is ready for work or in operation. The operation without the specified safety devices is not allowed. Read the Instruction Manual before you use the machine. In addition, keep this Instruction Manual so that you may read it at any time when necessary. Use the machine after it has been ascertained that it conforms to safety rules standards valid in your Country. General maintenance and inspection work and also repair, remodeling and adjustment works must only be done by appropriately trained technicians or personnel.

  • For personal protection, wear safety glasses. Tampering with the live parts and devices is prohibited.
  • For the following, turn off the power switch or disconnect the power plug of the m/c from the receptacle: 

1.      For threading needle(s), looper, spreader etc. and reo placing bobbin.

2.      For replacing part(s) of needle, presser foot, throat plate, looper, spreader, feed dog,
   needle guard, folder, cloth guide etc.

3.      For repair work.

4.      When leaving the working place or when the working place is unattended.

5.      When using clutch motors without applying brake, wait until the motor stops totally.

  • If you should allow oil, grease, etc. used with the machine and devices to come in contact with your eyes or skin or swallow any of such liquid by mistake, immediately wash the contacted areas and consult a doctor.


This article was originally published in July issue of the magazine "New Cloth market: The complete textile magazine from textile technologists."