Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 202289153 - Employee killed when struck by lathe tool

Accident Summary Nr: 202289153 -- Report ID: 0420600 -- Event Date: 05/14/1999
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
109211607	05/17/1999	3714	0	Performance Engineering Usa, Inc.

Abstract: Employee #1 was programming a job on a Mazak Quick Turn HP Computer Numerical Control machine, a type of metal lathe that runs completely automatically once programmed. The machine was built in 1998 and had several built-in safety features, one of which is an electronic barrier that will not allow a tool to contact the lathe chuck when the feature is enabled. It can be disabled, or bypassed, by pushing a button on the control panel when programming. It can also be disabled by the programming process itself. The machine also has a sliding door that encloses the point of operation that is interlocked when the machine is in automatic mode, but not while programming. Employee #1 made an error in programming the machine, which allowed a tool to strike the chuck when the tool holder indexed. He had the chuck barrier disabled and the sliding door was open. When the tool holder indexed, a cutting tool contacted the revolving chuck, causing the tool to be ejected from the machine, striking Employee #1 in the center of the forehead, causing his death.

Keywords: FRACTURE, LATHE, FOREHEAD, INTERLOCK, POINT OF OPERATION, STRUCK BY

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	109211607			Fatality	Fracture	Numerical control machine operators

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