Technician's hand is untouched after a dangerous machining accident

One of the first rules of machine shop safety is to remove gloves when operating a drill press or other milling machine. Clothing, including hand PPE, can easily become caught in the machine, pulling the operator's hands into danger. In January 2013, Mr Fernandez, a veteran machinist in California was operating an end mill using a 5/16 cutter. In a rush to complete his work, he left his mechanic's gloves on. His left index finger was quickly pulled into the spinning blades.

"I could feel the end mill's blades on the top of my finger," said Fernandez. "My reflexes caused my arm to jerk back suddenly, tearing the gloved hand away from the cutter... I thought for sure that when I removed the glove, I would be seeing a bloody mess." As the end mill blades shredded the synthetic leather on Fernandez's HexArmor? Chrome Series? 4023, the 360? SuperFabric? layer underneath deflected each cut, keeping Fernandez's index finger completely untouched.

"The cutter shredded the outer layer of the glove and pulled in the excess material," said Fernandez. "The inner, cut-resistant layer was literally unscratched. I was amazed."

HexArmor Provides Needed Protection from Cut Hazard

"I handle all kinds of metals, sharp objects, and heavy items daily, and have tried several name brand mechanic's gloves. Some I liked better than others, but all have at one point or another fallen apart on me," said Fernandez. "I will be sure to buy all my future pairs of safety gloves through HexArmor. I don't know what that stuff is made of, but I am sure the technology is not from Earth."

SuperFabric? is not tested or approved for use with spinning or rotating blades or machinery. OSHA instructs employees not to wear gloves, jewellery, or loose-fitting clothing while operating a milling machine and to secure long hair in a net or cap.

Courtesy: Marvel Gloves Industries, Mumbai. Tel: 022-22659475, 22659480. Fax: 91-22-22626902. Email: marvelgloves@gmail.com