Hang this poster beside your drill press, so the rules are in front of whoever is about to drill.
What is on the poster
Every hole
- Clamp the work; never hold it by hand. Use a clamp or drill vise so the work cannot spin.
- Remove the chuck key before you start. Lock the bit securely in the chuck, then take the key out.
- No gloves, jewelry, or loose clothing. Roll sleeves above the elbow and tie back long hair.
- Guard in place, stop buttons within reach. A guard, shield or barrier must be working, with the start/stop and emergency stop buttons within easy reach.
- Ease off as the bit breaks through. Reduce pressure so the drill does not pull into the work and break.
- Stop the machine before any adjustment. Set speeds, adjust or measure only when it is completely stopped. Shut off power before removing the bit.
Never stop the chuck or spindle with your hand, and never place your hands under the stock being drilled.
Built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard
This poster carries the SSTS mark. Like every Science Safety course, it is built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard (SSTS): every rule on it is taken from the body that governs it, at its current edition, and the source is printed on the poster, so you can check it yourself.
Stay current
When you get this poster, it is saved to your Science Safety account. If we revise the poster, or the Drill Press Safety module it comes from changes, we will email you, and the latest version will be waiting under Downloads in your account. Every revision carries its revision number and date at the bottom of the poster, so you can tell at a glance whether the copy on your wall is current.
Printing and hanging
- One-page PDF, US letter (8.5 by 11 inches).
- White background, so it prints clearly on any office or classroom printer without using much ink.
- Hang it on the wall beside the drill press, at eye level.
- The QR code in the blue title band opens this page, so anyone can get their own copy.
- The QR code at the bottom opens the Drill Press Safety module.
Learn more
The Drill Press Safety module teaches the full topic this poster comes from.
Sources:
- Metalworking Machines - Drill Presses – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (reviewed September 28, 2026)
- 29 CFR 1910.212, General requirements for all machines – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 28, 2026)
Poster SSP-0008, Rev. 1, September 2026.
