Lathe machine operators should always use safety equipment while the machine is active. Eye goggles or clear masks allow the operator to see the lathe and materials while provide eye protection at the same time. Wearing a dust mask decreases the risk of lung damage from inhaling dust or particles.
Some lathe machine manufacturers build lathe machines that feature shields. These shields can keep debris and dust from coming in contact with the operator. If shields are available for a particular lathe machine, they should always be attached during operating periods.
There remain a number of supplementary safety measures that lathe machine operators should consider before operating lathe machines. Lathe machine operators should never wear loose clothing while operating these machines. Loose articles of clothing and long hair are prone to catch the moving components of a lathe machine. If clothing or hair get caught in an active lathe, the operator can get seriously injured.