General Information

On the University campus there are several woodworking, metal fabricating, and welding shops. Safety is a major concern for faculty, staff and students working in these shops. All individuals who use shop equipment must receive formal training in the proper and safe use of any shop machine with which they might work. This training should then be documented and maintained on file. The supervisor or department head is responsible for ensuring that this training is accomplished and documented.

Instruction on the proper use of personal protective equipment is an essential part of all shop safety programs. Eye protection is generally required in all circumstances where powered or impact equipment is used. Where machines or operations present the hazard of flying objects, glare, liquid sprays or splashes, injurious radiation, or a combination of the above, suitable eye/face protection must be worn. Whether the eye protection used is goggles or a face shield depends on the hazard presented by the operation. Persons performing welding operations should always wear eye protection with properly shaded lenses. Other types of personal protective equipment that may be necessary include respiratory protection, gloves, aprons, long sleeves, etc. as an interim measure until the hazard can be reduced or eliminated by engineering controls. Special clothing and footwear may also be necessary to protect the shop user. In high noise areas the use of hearing protection is required. It is the responsibility of the department to provide appropriate personal protection equipment, properly disinfected, in sufficient quantities to adequately protect the user. Portable or mobile equipment operation requires the same considerations as in-place shop equipment.

Preventive and corrective shop maintenance is necessary to keep machines in safe working order. All machines are required to have a regular schedule set up for maintenance checks. Preventive maintenance includes, but is not limited to, sharpening cutting edges, lubricating machines, adjusting belts, and ensuring that all machine guards are installed and in proper working order. When gas welding or cutting operations are performed, the cylinders and associated equipment must be checked regularly to ensure that safety check valves are installed, cylinders and lines are not damaged, and tanks are properly secured. Shop maintenance also includes good housekeeping practices in the work area. Areas are to be kept free of wood and metal debris, as well as extension cords and other objects which could be trip and fire hazards.

Equipment should be properly installed and grounded. In addition, incompatible processes should be separated. Some examples include: woodworking, welding operations, and painting operations. All flammable materials and explosive dust generating operations must be kept away from any potential ignition sources. Machines should be spaced in such a way that adequate space is provided between them to accommodate bulky materials.

It is the responsibility of the person in charge of each shop to ensure compliance with the following practices:
Shop machines and tools are to be used only by qualified personnel. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the shop to render a judgment as to who is qualified.
The person in charge will take whatever action is deemed necessary to prevent an injury or damage to equipment.
Equipment guards and protective devices must be used and must not be compromised.
Eye protection (visitor's glasses) must be worn by anyone entering and/or passing through shop areas.
Approved industrial safety eye protection must be worn by anyone working in a posted shop area.
Shoes or boots covering the whole foot must be worn in shop areas.
Persons using machine tools must not wear clothing, jewelry, or long hair in such a way as to present a safety hazard

The EHS office is available to assist supervisory personnel when there is a concern with regard to shop safety. EHS can assist with identification of safety problems, conduct noise assessments, and make recommendations to correct problems.

Tool Maintenance

Faulty or improperly used hand tools are a safety hazard. All employees must be responsible for ensuring that tools and equipment (both University and employee-owned) used by them or other employees at their workplace are in good condition. Hand tools such as chisels, punches, etc., which develop mushroom heads during use, must be reconditioned or replaced as necessary. Broken or fractured handles on hammers, axes and similar equipment must be replaced promptly. Worn or bent wrenches should be replaced regularly. Appropriate handles must be used on files and similar tools.
Appropriate safety glasses, face shields, etc., must be worn while using hand tools or equipment which might produce flying materials or be subject to breakage. Eye and face protection must be worn when driving in tempered spuds or nails.
Check tools often for wear or defect. Jacks must be checked periodically to assure they are in good operating condition. Tool handles must be wedged tightly into the heads of tools. Tool cutting edges should be kept sharp enough so the tool will move smoothly without binding or skipping. When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry, secure location.

Confined Space Entry

Confined space entry is defined as entry into any space having a limited means of egress and/or inadequate ventilation which would allow for the build-up of toxic or explosive gases, or the depletion of oxygen. Many areas exist throughout the University campus which qualify as confined spaces. These include pits, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, underground utility vaults, tanks and pipelines.

All employees who might find themselves in a work situation involving confined space entry must be trained to recognize these areas and realize they are potentially very hazardous. This training is provided by supervisory personnel.

It is necessary to test for oxygen deficiency and toxic/explosive gas build-up before allowing workers to enter a confined space. The following items must be carefully considered:

• Methods for isolating the space (i.e. lock out/tag out of power, steam valves, hydraulic controls, etc.);
• Ventilation of the space;
• Cleaning or purging of the space;
• Safe work procedures, including use of safety lines attached to the worker;
• Personal protective equipment required;
• Special tools required;
• Communications system to be used; and
• Continuous monitoring methods of the atmosphere in the confined space.

Before a confined space can be entered, the steps below must be followed: an entry permit must be issued to the worker by the responsible supervisor and reviewed by the EHS Coordinator. Air quality must be tested to determine the level of oxygen and toxic or flammable air contaminants. Air purging and ventilation must be provided whenever possible. The confined space must be isolated from supply lines capable of creating hazardous conditions. Lock-out procedures must be used to secure electrical systems, pressure systems, piping, machinery, or moving equipment. Rescue procedures must be established and reviewed by all personnel involved. A standby person must be assigned to remain outside of the confined space in which there are individuals working. This individual is responsible for maintaining communications with the workers in the confined space and initiating rescue efforts should an emergency arise. If a person must enter a confined space containing hazardous gases, protective equipment must be worn, including air supply respirator plus harness and lifeline. At least one person must be stationed outside the confined space, with suitable respirator. Communication with personnel in the confined space must always be maintained.

Detailed information and training materials concerning confined space entry are available from the EHS office.

Electrical Safety

General

No unauthorized persons shall tamper with electrical fuse boxes, alter existing wiring, or install electrical wiring. The Physical Plant (ext. 3601) should be notified immediately of any electrical problems.

Combustible materials should not be placed within eighteen inches of a light bulb.

Extension cords and electrical appliance cords shall be maintained in good repair and must bear the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) sticker or meet NFPA standards.

Extension cords should not be placed across doorways where they can be walked on or tripped over. Extension cords should not be placed across objects whose shape may damage cords.

Under no circumstances should any extension cord or electrical cord be spliced.

No more than one extension cord should be used for each appliance.

Household type extension cords should not exceed eight feet in length.

All extension cords should be properly grounded when in use.

Temporary multiple outlets should not be used.

Only appliances bearing the Underwiters Laboratory (UL) sticker should be connected to the electrical distribution system.

Hot plates, coffee pots, electric irons, and other special heating equipment should be placed on noncombustible surfaces. They may not be closer than eighteen inches to any combustible wall unless the surface of the wall is shielded by a metal or asbestos covering extending no less than twelve inches above the appliances. Such appliances may be inspected to insure that they are in safe operating condition.

All appliances should be unplugged when not in use.

The location of electrical power lines and cables (overhead, underground, under floor, other side of walls) must be determined before digging, drilling or similar work is begun.
All metal measuring tapes, ropes, hand lines or similar devices with metallic thread woven into the fabric are prohibited for use where they could come in contact with energized parts of equipment or circuit conductors.
The use of metal ladders is prohibited in areas where the ladder or the person using the ladder could come in contact with energized parts of equipment, fixtures or conductors.
All disconnecting switches and circuit breakers must be labeled to indicate their use or equipment served.
A means for disconnecting equipment must always be opened before fuses are replaced.
All interior wiring systems must include provisions for grounding metal parts or electrical raceways, equipment and enclosures.
All electrical raceways and enclosures must be fastened securely in place.
All energized parts of electrical circuits and equipment must be guarded against accidental contact by approved cabinets or enclosures.
Sufficient access and working space will be provided and maintained around all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operations and maintenance.
All unused openings (including conduit knockouts) in electrical enclosures and fittings must be closed with appropriate covers, plugs or plates.
Electrical enclosures such as switches, receptacles, and junction boxes must be provided with tight-fitting covers or plates.
Disconnecting switches for electrical motors in excess of two horsepower must be capable of opening the circuit when the motor is in a stalled condition without exploding. (Switches must be horsepower rated equal to or in excess of the motor hp rating.)
Low voltage protection must be provided in the control device of motor driven machines or equipment which could cause injury from inadvertent starting.
A motor disconnecting switch or circuit breaker must be located within sight of the motor control device.
Motors: a) must be located within sight of their controller; b) must have
their controller disconnecting means capable of being locked in the open position; c) or must have separate disconnecting means installed in the circuit within sight of the motor.
A controller for a motor in excess of two horsepower must be rated equal to but not in excess of the motor it services.
Employees who regularly work on or around energized electrical equipment or lines should be instructed in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
Employees will be trained on how to work on energized lines or equipment over 600 volts.

Electrical Lock-out/Tag-out procedures
These steps must be taken when maintenance is to be performed on energized equipment:

1. De-energize the machine. Positively disconnect the machine from the power source. If there is more than one source of power, then disconnect them all.
2. Lock out all disconnect switches. You must be given a lock and a key for each disconnect before you begin working on the machine.
3. Tag all disconnect switches. Use the yellow or Red safety tags which state in large letters -- "Danger...Do No Operate," or "Danger...Do Not Energize" and which give the name of the individual who locked out the equipment, date and time. The tag must also state "DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAG". (The person who placed the tag may remove it only after the machinery maintenance has been completed.)
4. Test the equipment to insure it is de-energized before working on it. First, attempt to operate the equipment by turning it on normally. Next, check all electrical lines and exposed areas with test equipment or a "lamp". Finally, short to ground any exposed connections using insulated grounding sticks. This test must be done even if the electrical connection is physically broken, such as pulling out a plug, because of the chance of discharging components. If the machine cannot be locked out, it can be tagged out only under the following conditions: the machine must be supplied with electrical power from a single source, under the control of a trained and qualified repair person at all times, and no other person is in the area who could be harmed by the accidental energizing of the machinery.

Re-Energizing
Many accidents occur at the moment of re-energizing. When machinery is to be re-energized, all persons must be kept at a safe distance. Reenergization can only be performed by:

1. The person who originally performed the lock-out/tag out, or a person acting under his immediate and direct commands; or,
2. in the event of a shift change, a surrogate, appointed by the original person and shown all steps taken to lock-out/tag out the equipment.
   

Use of Ladders

1. Prior to using a ladder, an inspection of uprights and ladder shoes should be made. In addition, the rope on extension ladders should be inspected.
2. Step ladders should be checked for unsafe hinges as well as steps and uprights.
3. Only a clear varnish or shellac should be used in the painting of ladders.
4. Before a new ladder is placed in service, it should be equipped with rubber shoes and well grips.
5. When straight or extension ladders are used on hard surfaces, they must be held or firmly lashed.
6. Ladders may not be lengthened by lashing sections together.
7. Ladders should be so placed that they offer the least possible impediment to traffic.
8. Care should be taken to avoid over-reaching while standing on ladders.

Ladders
Check ladders each and every time before you climb. Ladders should be maintained in good condition: joints between steps and side rails should be tight; hardware and fittings securely attached; and movable parts operating freely without binding or undue play. Non-slip safety feet are provided on each ladder. Ladder rungs and steps should be free of grease and oil. Employees are prohibited from using ladders that are broken, missing steps, rungs, or cleats, or that have broken side rails or other faulty equipment.

It is prohibited to place a ladder in front of doors opening toward the ladder except when the door is blocked open, locked or guarded. It is prohibited to place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. Face the ladder when ascending or descending.
Be careful when you climb a ladder. Do not use the top step of ordinary stepladders as a step. When portable rung ladders are used to gain access to elevated platforms, roofs, etc., the ladder must always extend at least 3 feet above the elevated surface.

It is required that when portable rung or cleat type ladders are used, the base must be so placed that slipping will not occur, unless it is lashed or otherwise held in place.

All portable metal ladders must be legibly marked with signs reading "CAUTION" - "Do Not Use Around Electrical Equipment." Employees are prohibited from using ladders as guys, braces, skids, gin poles, or for other than their intended purposes. Only adjust extension ladders while standing at a base (not while standing on the ladder or from a position above the ladder). Metal ladders should be inspected for tears and signs of corrosion. Rungs of ladders should be uniformly spaced at 12 inches, center to center.

Material Handling

1. Stacked materials shall have a minimum clearance of thirty-six inches between the top of the stack and the sprinkler system piping.
2. In buildings without sprinkler system, the material stack height should not exceed fifteen feet.
3. All stacks must have a minimum of thirty-six inches clearance between the top of the stacks and joists, rafters, or roof trusses.
4. Aisles and walkways in storage areas or warehouses should designated and kept clean, dry, and free of obstructions.
   
   

Storage and Use of Flammable Liquids

1. For the purpose of this program, flammable liquids are defined as those liquids with a flash point of l40 degrees F or less, and having a vapor pressure not exceeding forty pounds per square inch (absolute) at l00 degrees F.
2. Not more than ten gallons of Class I or Class II liquids combined shall be stored in any building, laboratory, storeroom, or garage except in safety cans. The exceptions are warehouses or tanks designed for this type storage.
3. Flammable liquids will be dispersed from and stored in standard safety cans conspicuously labeled as to contents.
4. Flammable liquids will not be used for cleaning floors, clothing, or equipment.
5. Flammable liquids must be disposed of properly and may not be poured down drains or sewers.

Painting and Paint Storage

1. Paint should be stored in sealed containers. Paint in unsealable containers should be stored at a safe distance from any combustible construction.
2. Wiping rags, strainers, drop cloths, and paint-stained work clothes should not be stored with paint thinners, turpentine, or other combustible materials.
3. Paint brushes should not be left to soak in cleaning fluid; they should be cleaned and suspended for air drying. The cleaner should be disposed of properly.
4. All waste masking paper should be removed from the building at the close of each day's work.
5. All paint spills should be cleaned immediately. Benches, floors, and equipment should be free of accumulations of paint.
6. Smoking is prohibited in any part of a paint shop.
7. Empty paint containers must be disposed of daily.
8. Contact the EHS office for information on proper disposal of paints and thinners.
   

Welding Operations

A. Welding or cutting shall not be done in the following situations:

1. In a sprinklered building where such protection is impaired.
2. In the presence of explosive atmospheres.
3. In areas near the storage of quantities of readily ignitable materials.

B. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the work area must be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations to assure that these safety standards have been met:

1. The area must be clear of combustibles within a radius of thirty-five feet. Combustible floors shall be kept, wet, covered with damp sand, or protected by a fire-resistive shield. Where floors have been wet down, personnel operating arc welding or cutting equipment will be protected from possible shock.
2. Ducts and conveyor systems that might carry sparks to distant combustibles are suitably protected or shut down.
3. Where cutting or welding is done near walls, partitions, ceilings, or roof, precautions have been taken to prevent ignition of combustibles on the other side. When combustibles are not relocated, a fire watch on the opposite side will be provided.
4. Welding will not be attempted on a metal partition, wall, ceiling, or roof having a combustible covering, nor on walls or partitions of combustible sandwich type panel constructions, unless a fire extinguisher and water hose are available to keep the combustible wet.
5. Cutting or welding on pipes or other metal in contact with combustible walls, partitions, ceilings, or roofs shall not be undertaken if the work is close enough to cause ignition by conduction, unless a fire extinguisher and water hose are available to keep the combustible wet.
6. Portable fire extinguishers, appropriate for the type of possible fire, must be concentrated at the work area.
   

Compressed Gases

1. Gas cylinders may contain up to 3,000 PSI pressure.
2. Improper storage, movement, and use of gas cylinders is considered a major safety hazard on campus. Cylinders should be properly segregated and securely fastened or strapped in storage, movement, and use.
3. Only the proper gauges should be used when metering gases.
4. Care should be taken to insure that cylinder heads are protected.
   

Power Machinery and Equipment

1. Supervisors should allow only experienced personnel to operate power machines and must give proper instructions on their safe operation.
2. Power saws, shapers, and other equipment must have the proper type safety guards in place while in operation.
3. Protective eye equipment must be used when operating machines which could cause injury.
4. All electrical machinery must be properly grounded and control switches must be located at the point of operation best suited to control the equipment.

Portable Power Tools

Portable power tools pose a special danger to employees because they are deceptively small and light, yet they can do great bodily harm if used improperly or poorly maintained. These rules apply to all power tools, but are especially important when handling portable saws, drills and power screw drivers.

Check all equipment before using it. All grinders, saws and similar equipment should be equipped with appropriate safety guards. Power tools should not be used without the correct shield, guard, or attachment, recommended by the manufacturer.

Portable circular saws must be equipped with guards above and below the base shoe.

Circular saw guards should be checked periodically and before each use to assure they are not wedged up, thus leaving the lower portion of the blade unguarded.

All rotating or moving parts of equipment should be guarded to prevent physical contact.

All cord-connected, electrically-operated tools and equipment should be effectively grounded or of the approved double insulated type. Effective guards must be in place over belts, pulleys, chains, sprockets, on equipment such as concrete mixers, air compressors, etc. If portable fans are provided, they must be equipped with full guards or screens having openings 1/2 inch or less.

Do not attempt to lift heavy objects without proper equipment. Hoisting equipment will be made available for lifting heavy objects, with hoist ratings and characteristics appropriate for the task.

Power tools are either battery operated or wired. If battery operated, don't under-estimate their power. A small electric drill or power screw driver can cause a severe injury if it lands in the wrong place. While not usually a shock hazard, the battery pack contains toxic chemicals and does emit a low voltage electric current. Don't drop or incinerate the battery pack or a tool with a self-contained power source.

Hard wired equipment can be portable or fixed. Typically used with extension cords, the more powerful hard wired equipment presents a double safety problem: the actual equipment plus its electrical power source. Ground-fault circuit interrupters must be provided on all temporary electrical 15 and 20 ampere circuits used during periods of construction. Pneumatic and hydraulic hoses on power-operated tools should be checked regularly for deterioration or damage.

Grinders and Buffers

1. Grinding or buffing equipment should not be used without proper guards and eye shields in place.
2. Grinding wheels should be checked for scoring or cracking prior to use.
3. When new wheels are installed, the RPM capacity of the wheels should be checked against the RPM capacity of the motor.
4. A face shield will be hung on or near each grinder and is to be used by anyone operating the grinder.
5. Work rests are to be adjusted away from the wheels with a maximum opening of one-eight inch.
   
   

Power Mowers and Related Equipment

1. Areas to be cut should be examined for loose objects such as tin cans, or pieces of wire, or glass. Serious injury can result from objects thrown by a rotating blade.
2. Engines must be cut off when filling with gas.
3. Keep hands and feet from under machine.
4. There shall be no smoking when filling machine with gas.
5. Fuel should be carried in an approved safety can.
6. Avoid slopes that are too steep for the machine, especially riding mowers.
7. Suitable foot, eye, and head protection should be worn when operating power mowers. Also, when other workers are present while mowing operations are in progress, suitable protection from flying objects should be worn.
8. Special caution and consideration should be taken when mowing around sidewalks, etc., where students regularly travel.
   

Lift Trucks

1. Only stable or safety arranged loads shall be moved when handling loads which are off center and which cannot be centered.
2. Only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled.
3. Long or high (including multiple-tiered) loads which may affect the truck's capacity shall be adjusted.