Safety Rules for the Garment Sewing Machine Operators
R.S. Balakumar
Associate Professor
Dept of Fashion Design & Arts
Hindustan University, Chennai, India
Email: rsbalakumar1953@gmail.com
Introduction:
Sewing machine operators are the principle performer of an garment manufacturing industry. The sewing operators accomplish the real job of apparel manufacturing. All the other people do the auxiliary works. Basically they are considered as the backbone of a garment industry. Sewing machine operators operate and monitor sewing machines to make, repair, darn and renovate textile, fur, synthetic or leather garments or embroider ornamental designs on garments or other materials. Safety is important to everyone specially for sewing operators. If they injured production will be delay. In this article I will point out about safety rules for the garment sewing machine operators. Some rules are mandatory and some are auxiliary for sewing machine operators.
Safety Rules for the Apparel Sewing Machine Operators:
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.
1. When in doubt, ask the instructor
2. Report any injuries or accidents immediately to the instructor.
3. Report a breakage to a tool or machine to the instructor. If the equipment does not operate properly, notify the instructor immediately.
4. Wipe up any oil specified on the floor immediately to prevent anyone from slipping.
5. Keep aisles clear at all times.
6. Operate only the machines you have been trained to operate.
7. Operate machine. Only when the instructor or laboratory assistant is present.
8. Operate machines only with permission.
9. Always inspect the machine 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.
10. Make only adjustments you have been trained to perform. Otherwise, as the instructor.
11. When sewing on a power machine, wear low shoes and close-fitting clothing. Avoid loose fitting sleeves, sweaters, jewelry, ties, and ribbons when operating the machine. If your hair is long, tie it back.
12. Always practice proper posture to reduce fatigue, help prevent accidents and increase efficiency. If possible, adjust the chair height that your feet rest flat on the floor.
13. Do not I your chair forward or toward while operate he machine.
14. Use both hands to raise and lower the machine head.
15. Always keep your head above the table.
16. Keep your feet off the treadle when you are setting or threading the needle.
17. Turn the motor off before you are not stitching.
18. Turn the motor off before cleaning, oiling or adjusting the machine.
19. Turn the motor off before removing or replacing the pulley belt and run the machine out. Waft until all motion has stopped.
20. Turn the motor off in case of an emergency or when in doubt.
21. Turn the motor off before unplugging the machine.
22. When unplugging the machine, hold onto the plug, not the cord.
23. Do not use your hand to stop and start the hand wheel.
24. Use your hand only to set the hand wheel.
25. Before operating the machine, close the slide bed cover.
26. Before operating the machine, be sure the needle is properly set and the bobbin is properly placed.
27. When operating the machine, do not be careless.
28. When operating the machine, do not talk with your colleagues.
29. When operating the machine, keep your attention on your work and hands.
30. When operating the machine, keep your hands at a safe distance from the needle.
31. When operating the machine, keep your hands, scissors, and other sharp objects away from the belt.
32. Keep the machine and work station clean with an tools in the side drawer.
33. Use the proper needle for the job.
34. Do not stitch over pins or put them in your mouth.
35. When the machine is not in use, lower the foot and needle.
36. Three-way plugs are a safety feature on the machines. Do not cut off the ground prong.
37. Unplug the machine at the end of the day.
38. Know the location of the main power switch, outlets, and fuses in case of an emergency.
39. Do not remove any safety devices from the machines.
40. Turn off the iron at the of the class.
41. 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.
42. When trimming or cutting, put all trimmings in the wastebasket.
43. Scissors should be handed to another person with the handles toward the person.
44. Never toss or throw scissors or equipment.
45. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
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