UNSW Making

CNC Lathe Fundamentals and Safety Badge

Covers the essential safety, risks, and operational fundamentals required to safely operate CNC lathes in RoboLAB.

CNC Lathe Fundamentals and Safety Badge image

This badge provides foundational knowledge and hands-on training required for the safe operation of CNC lathes within the RoboLAB at UNSW Canberra ADFA.

To be awarded this badge, users must:

  • Complete prerequisite Badges:
  • Read and acknowledge the CNC Lathe Risk Management Form (RMF)
  • Read and acknowledge the CNC Lathe Safe Work Procedure (SWP)
  • Attend and successfully complete a face-to-face practical training session (4–6 hours) with RoboLAB Technical Support Group (TSG) staff

Participants completing this badge will demonstrate an understanding of:

  • CNC lathe fundamentals, including turning operations and machine components
  • Interpretation and safe execution of CNC programs for machining tasks
  • Key hazards associated with CNC lathe operation such as entanglement, crushing, flying debris, sharp edges, and noise exposure
  • Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, enclosed footwear, and appropriate clothing
  • Safe work practices including correct workpiece setup, tool selection, guarding, and emergency stop procedures
  • Pre-operation checks, safe operation, and post-operation shutdown procedures in accordance with approved Safe Work Procedures (SWP)

This badge ensures users are competent to operate CNC lathes under appropriate supervision and in accordance with UNSW safety requirements. Additional supervised training may be required before independent operation is permitted.

Online Component | Must be Completed Before Badge Training
CNC Lathe Fundamentals and Safety Badge - RMF

This module requires users to read and acknowledge the Risk Management Form (RMF) for CNC lathes used within RoboLAB at UNSW Canberra ADFA Campus.

The RMF outlines the key hazards, risks, and control measures associated with CNC lathe operation, including:

  • Entanglement, crushing, and contact with moving parts
  • Exposure to sharp edges, flying debris, and high-pressure ejection
  • Noise hazards and required hearing protection
  • Manual handling risks and safe lifting practices
  • Electrical and equipment-related hazards

Users will also be introduced to the hierarchy of controls, including engineering controls (guards, interlocks, emergency stops), administrative controls (training, inductions, SWPs), and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

By completing this module, users acknowledge that they:

  • Understand the risks associated with CNC lathe operation
  • Are aware of required safety controls and PPE
  • Will follow UNSW safety procedures and workshop rules
  • Will not operate CNC equipment without appropriate training and supervision

Completion of this module is mandatory before attending any face-to-face CNC lathe training.

Click here to complete
CNC Lathe Fundamentals and Safety Badge - SWP

This module requires users to read and acknowledge the Safe Work Procedure (SWP) for operating CNC lathes within RoboLAB at UNSW Canberra ADFA.

The SWP outlines the correct procedures and safety requirements for routine CNC lathe operations, including:

  • Pre-operation checks such as verifying coolant levels, workholding, tooling, and program validation
  • Safe operation practices including running programs cautiously, avoiding unattended operation during initial runs, and proper handling of swarf and tooling
  • Post-operation requirements including machine shutdown, cleaning, and maintaining a safe workspace
  • Key precautions such as keeping hands clear of moving parts, avoiding damaged equipment, and preventing entanglement hazards

The SWP also specifies mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, enclosed footwear, appropriate clothing, and hair restraints, with additional protection such as hearing protection or face shields where required

Emergency procedures are clearly defined, including the use of emergency stop controls, reporting incidents, and following evacuation protocols.

By completing this module, users acknowledge that they:

  • Understand the correct procedures for operating a CNC lathe
  • Are aware of required PPE and safety precautions
  • Will follow all operational steps before, during, and after machine use
  • Will only operate equipment after completing required training and under appropriate supervision

Completion of this module is mandatory before attending any practical CNC lathe training session.

Click here to complete
Practical Component | Must be completed after RMF and SWP modules; includes mandatory face-to-face induction
CNC Lathe Fundamentals and Safety Badge - Induction

This practical module consists of a face-to-face induction session conducted in the RoboLAB at UNSW Canberra ADFA by Technical Support Group (TSG) staff.

The session (approximately 4–6 hours) provides hands-on training in the safe setup and operation of CNC lathes, including machines such as the Haas TL1 and Hyundai SE2200LM.

During this induction, users will be required to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of CNC lathe components, controls, and basic programming workflow
  • Perform pre-operation checks including workholding, tooling setup, and program verification
  • Safely operate the CNC lathe under supervision, including controlled execution of machining programs
  • Follow correct procedures for tool changes, measurement, and adjustments
  • Apply safe work practices in line with RMF and SWP requirements, including hazard awareness and PPE use
  • Demonstrate correct shutdown, cleaning, and post-operation procedures

Users must ensure they have:

  • Completed all prerequisite badges
  • Read and acknowledged the CNC Lathe RMF and SWP modules
  • Confirmed session availability with TSG staff prior to attending

Successful completion of this induction requires users to demonstrate safe and competent operation of the CNC lathe to the satisfaction of TSG staff.

Completion of this module is mandatory for the CNC Lathe Fundamentals and Safety Badge. Additional supervised training may be required before independent operation is permitted.

Book Training