Answer :

Final answer:

When operating a lathe, potential safety hazards include injury from sharp objects, burns or fire due to heat, electrical shocks, and exposure to chemicals. Proper safety equipment and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries.

Explanation:

Potential safety hazards when operating a lathe can include, but are not limited to, the risk of injury from moving machine parts, the presence of sharp objects that can cause cuts or amputations, hazards with heat from materials and friction which may lead to burns or fire, the potential for electrical shocks from electricity used to power the lathe, and exposure to harmful chemicals used in the machining process. Continued use without proper safety gear can also result in issues such as hearing loss from constant noise and respiratory problems from inhalation of metal particles or coolants.

Ensuring operator safety requires adherence to several guidelines including wearing protective equipment like goggles, using machine guards, following proper operational procedures, routine maintenance of the equipment, and having emergency protocols in place. Facilities should also enforce strict safety measures such as limiting working hours to prevent fatigue and running regular safety inspections to prevent accidents.