Supervisor Preflight Check

Just like the supervision of the Laser Cutter there are a number of critical factors that a Fab Lab Supervisor needs to satisfy for themselves before Green Lighting a job. it is not a question of skill or experience (newbie or an experienced machinist) - Only a recognised Fabrication Lab Supervisors have the delegated authority to supervise the use of Edge Fabrication Lab tools and approve the safety of each and every job.

As such the Supervisor on duty must satisfy for themselves

• The area is clean and safe to operate the machine in
• Everyone in the area is wearing the correct PPE
• Everyone in the area is has received a safety brief.
• The Machine is maintained and safe to use

• An appropriate cutting tool has been selected for the job
• The cutting tool is correctly fitted on the machine
• The material is appropriate to be cut on this machine and is secure on the bed
• There is no tools clamps or fixings in the path of the tool or that will obstruct the movement of the gantry.

• Feeds and speeds are appropriate for the material being machined and the cutting tool being used.
• Depth settings hare appropriate for the thickness of the material.
• Maximum Depth of cut has been verified.
• Correct Plate dimensions have been verified.
• Program Simulation has been run to verify correct programming of job.

• Verify that correct version of the NC file has been sent to machine.
• Ensure machine has been homed.
• Ensure correct tool has been verified.

• Ensure participant is actively observing progress of job.
• Ensure participant is watching for small parts being sucked up by/ stuck in the vacuum extractor.
• Ensure participant is watching that vacuum hose and extractor/ guard assembly does not foul with material.
• Ensure only one person inside yellow line when machine is operating.
• Ensure that operators are verifying that the spindle has completely stopped before approaching machine (encourage use of Point & Shout technique).