General Safety For Shop Safety

 

Following a few basic safety procedures will assure a hazard-free experience for you and others working in the shop. Ask your supervisor to assist you in starting up equipment and in fabrication and modifications of existing equipment. High hazard equipment requires supervisor/expert review of your knowledge and procedure, before use. The following are specific guidelines to follow while working in a shop.

Safety Rules

  1. Safety glasses with side shields are required to be worn in the shop area at all times.
  2. Full face shields, welding goggles, welding masks and fixed safety shields on shop equipment are also available in the shop and must be used as the job at hand requires. Face shields do not provide unlimited protection from flying objects and splashes.
  3. Face shields must be worn with one of the following eye protective devices;
    1. Safety glasses or goggles where impact hazard exits.
    2. Proper splash goggles where chemical splash hazard exists.
  4. Hearing protection must be worn when operating known high-noise equipment
  5. Remove rings, watches, bracelets, pendants and neckties, which may be caught in moving machinery. Roll up your long sleeves and secure long hair for the same reason. No shorts or open-toed shoes are permitted.
  6. Do not operate ANY shop equipment unless you are authorized to do so by the departmental safety personnel. If you are uncertain of any shop procedure, ask your supervisor for assistance.
  7. Ensure that machine guards and other safety devices are in place before operating equipment. Know the location of the fire extinguisher(s) or other fire suppression equipment . Always clean up the work area before you leave.
  8. The use of extension cord as a permanent outlet is prohibited. Temporary use of single extension cord is be permitted for portable equipment (to be unplugged and put away at end of day).
  9. Never use compressed air to remove particles from clothing. Compressed air used for cleaning work pieces must be regulated to 30 psi or less. Use the proper safety nozzle.
  10. Never work alone in the machine shop. Always bring a colleague along to help you in case of injury.
  11. Immediately report any safety hazards and all injuries (and near misses), no matter how small, to shop supervisor and/or departmental safety personnel.