What type of guarding is required for the drill bit?

OSHA discusses drill presses in its “Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations” publication. It says, among other things, that for drill presses workers must be protected from the rotating chuck and swarf that is produced by the drill bit. Guarding at the point-of-operation is difficult because of the nature of the drilling press, OSHA says.

However, the publication provides the following primary safeguarding methods as ways to guard the operator and other employees from rotating parts, flying chips, and cuttings:

• Specifically designed shields can be attached to the quill and used to guard this area. For example, telescopic shielding that retracts as the drill bit contacts the piece or a more universal-type shield can be applied.
• Automatic machines and high-production machines could have enclosures designed and installed to guard the employee from the entire drilling operation.
• Install guarding over the motor, belts, and pulleys.
• Install an adjustable guard to cover the unused portion of the bit and chuck above the material being worked.

Several secondary safeguarding methods are also listed in the publication.