When drilling into thin sheet metal, here's how to proceed safely:

1. Secure the workpiece: Ensure the sheet metal is firmly clamped or secured to a stable surface to prevent it from moving or vibrating during drilling. This is crucial for a clean hole and to avoid injury.
2. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris 3, 4, 11, 12, 17. Gloves are also recommended to protect your hands.
3. Select the right drill bit: Use a sharp, high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit designed for metal. A dull bit can catch and cause the metal to bend or tear. Consider using a step drill bit or a unibit, which are designed for drilling thin materials and create clean, round holes without burrs.
4. Start with a pilot hole: Use a center punch to create a small indentation at the drilling location. This helps prevent the drill bit from wandering.
5. Control drilling speed and pressure: Use a slow to moderate drilling speed. Apply consistent, light pressure. Avoid forcing the drill, as this can cause the bit to grab and damage the metal or cause injury.
6. Lubricate the drill bit: Apply cutting oil or lubricant to the drill bit and the surface of the metal. This reduces friction and heat, extends the life of the bit, and produces a cleaner hole.
7. Deburr the hole: After drilling, use a deburring tool or a larger drill bit (held by hand) to remove any sharp edges or burrs around the hole. This prevents cuts and makes the finished product safer to handle.
8. Ventilation: Use exhaust ventilation on permanent machining jobs [1].

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively drill into thin sheet metal while minimizing the risk of injury and damage to the material.