Machining operations are very dangerous. Think. Use common sense. Be careful.

1. 1. Safety
      1. 1. Safety Glasses:
            Safety glasses must be worn when using machine tools (mill, lathe, drill etc.) and when using manual tools made of high tensile steel such as taps. High tensile steel will can shatter and send chips flying.

       

      1. 1. Clothing:
            Rotating spindles can catch clothes, hair, gloves and jewelry. When using machines with rotating spindles, do not wear long sleeves, pull back long hair (but do not braid), and remove jewelry and anything else that could get caught in the spindle. Do NOT wear gloves.Long sleeves, long hair, or jewelry can get caught in the spindle and pull you right into the spindle. Do not braid your hair because if your braided hair gets caught, all your hair gets pulled towards the spindle instead of just a few hairs.Sandals are not allowed in the machine shop.

       

      1. 1. Hearing Protection:
            Use ear protection if you are using a loud machine.

       

      1. 1. Buddy system:
            Never machine alone. There must always be someone nearby in case you get hurt.

       

   2. Training

      Do not operate a machine until you have been trained. Other qualified users can give training. Read the machine’s Operator Manual and/or Technical manual before operating the machine.Do not disturb someone while they are using a machine. Wait until they have finished machining. Machining is very dangerous and can require concentration. If you interrupt somebody they could make a mistake that leads to an accident.

3. 3. Lighting

      DC lamps must always be turned on when using any rotating machines. The main fluorescent lights in the machine shop run off the 110 V, 60 Hz electrical supply and effectively strobe at 60 or 120 Hz. Machines that rotate at harmonics of 60 Hz will appear to be stationary. For this reason, all rotating machines in the shop have a DC lamp beside them. Use the lamps! Otherwise you might try to reach for a spindle that looks stationary but is rotating.

3. Cleanup
   1. Tools must be put away. You are not the only user of the shop. You will waste other peoples’ time if you don’t put tools away in the correct place.
   2. Clean up! When you finish using a machine, clean the machine thoroughly. Coolant should be wiped off and all the chips cleared. If appropriate, lubricate the machine. Leaving machines dirty is rude to the next user and is also bad for the machines. Coolant and chips can get into the moving parts of the machine and cause rust and wear.
   3. Do not use high-pressure air to clean machines. High-pressure air can push chips into the moving parts of the machinery where the chips will wear the machine.
   4. Return all tools, fasteners, and materials to their proper location when you finish work or at the end of the day. Do no leave tools out overnight.
   5. If you are last to leave, check that everything is order. If necessary, sweep the floor and put anything left out away.
4. Machine use
   1. Most machines have rules posted beside them. Read them
   2. Coolant: cutting fluid must be used during all cutting, machining, turning, tapping, and drilling operations to promote proper chip removal and prolong tool life.
   3. Printed circuit boards (PCB’s) should not be cut on the band saw. PCB’s are made from fiberglass, which dulls the cutting blade very quickly. PCB dust is toxic. You can cut PCB’s with shears or with a hacksaw.
   4. Precision instruments (micrometers, rulers, etc.) should never come into contact with each other or with any other surface of equal or greater hardness. i.e. Never put a micrometer on a metal surface. Precision instruments are ground very carefully. Any scratches on their surface make them less accurate and can make them useless.
   5. Tool and machine damage
5. Food

No food in the Shop.  Drinks must be in containers with non-spill lids