Items to be inspected prior to the operation of a machine will vary with the type of machine. Air lines and hydraulic lines to see that they are in good condition and not leaking. Proper setup and operating speed of the machine. Material to be machined to see that it is properly secured to the machine. Cutting tools on the machine to see that they are sharp and properly secured in the tool holders.
Many machines have rotating parts, such as conveyor belts, spindles, chucks, saw blades and drills.
Some machines also have pinch points, cutting action, punching action and shearing action. A machine operator needs to be familiar with these hazards and know how to operate the machine in order to avoid injury from these hazards. Use one of the machines in your department as an example and ask members of the group to pick out potential hazards on that machine. Discuss ways to avoid being injured by these hazards. Machine operators should protect themselves from machine hazards by wearing proper protective equipment.