Always wear safety glasses while working in the lab. There are some provided for you. Prescription glasses are not safety glasses. You must wear safety glasses over your prescription glasses.
General Safety Rules
- Approach Work not just with the idea of getting it done but of getting it done safely
- After getting instruction and permission to use a tool, inspect it each time before use
- Each machine has specific procedures for start up, operation and shut down, learn and follow them.
- Don't crowd or interrupt someone who is using a power tool, stay clear.
- Bystander injuries are common. Wear eye protection whenever you are around potentially dangerous activities.
- Each type of torch operation such as welding, cutting, brazing, and soldering requires different protection
- Any electric source welding or cutting operation gives off harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause painful and permanent eye damage and can burn unprotected skin
- To be effective safety equipment must fit correctly
- Never hit two hammers together, they can easily chip.
- The folded over edge of a "mushroomed" tool can easily chip when hit even though the tool is made of softer steel.
- Safety glasses under a face shield protect the eyes from particles that can fly up under the shield. A face shield alone does not assure you of eye protection
- Rings, watches, jewelry, loose clothing, and long hair can all get snagged in machinery and cause you to be dragged into the running parts of a machine.
- Work tools away from your body, not toward it. Stay out of the line fire.
- Memorize the locations of exits. There are 4 in the lab. One to the outside, one to the hall, one to the classroom and one to the computer lab.
- Memorize the locations of emergency equipment. The fire extinguishers are next to the welding lab, paint booth and in the tool office.
- Fooling around, running, fighting or throwing things can have disasterous results in the lab.
- Don't remove safety guards and make sure all equipment is in good repair before use.
- Drugs, alcohol, medicine, fatigue, emotional upset, paints, markers, thinners, cleaners, glues, and illness can effect your reaction time and decision making. Do not work in the lab if you are under the influence or sick.
- Keep tools sharp and in good working order and carry them by the handle, sharp end down.
- Keep the lab clean. A major cause of accidents is a disorderly or messy workplace.
- Moisture around electricity increases the danger of electrocution.
- The Margin of Safety rule is to keep hands, fingers, or body parts at least 4 inches away from bits, cutters or revolving machinery
- Cuts and Injuries should be treated immediately
- Prevent serious cuts by never sliding sheet metal in your hand.
- Remove the sharp burr edge on sheet metal with a file.