by Safety Workshop
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment must be undertaken on all operations or processes which may be hazardous to the operator. Generic risk assessments for common workshop processes are acceptable, and copies of these should be available in each workshop.
Those using such processes must familiarize themselves with the risk assessment before starting work.
Eye Protection
Each permanent member of the workshop staff must be supplied with a personal issue of safety spectacles or goggles. They must be worn whenever flying chips, swarf, turnings, and coolant splashes etc might endanger the eyes. Most workshops should be regarded as "eye protection" areas. Eye protection should be made available to (and worn by) visitors where necessary. All eye injuries should receive qualified medical attention.
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential if workshops are to be safe places to work.
Workshop users should replace tools and equipment immediately after use and
remove swarf, filings and other debris from machine beds, workbenches and the
floor as soon as possible. Tools should not be left in machine beds while the machine is running. The floor should be kept clear of obstructions, and spillages must be cleaned up immediately. Metal waste bins should be provided and used. Faulty wiring, worn or defective equipment, unsatisfactory storage arrangements
and other circumstances likely to lead to an accident should be reported.
Personal Protection
Everyday clothes should normally be covered while working in mechanical workshops. Smocks are generally acceptable for use, provided that they are in good condition, close-fitting at the wrists and are kept fastened at the front. Boiler suits are a safer form of clothing for use in workshops.
Prolonged contact of the skin with oil, grease, cutting
fluids etc. can cause skin problems. Barrier and cleansing creams should be available in all workshops and it is recommended that they be used. Clothing, smocks, boiler suits etc. should not be allowed to become heavily contaminated
with oils, etc. They should be laundered regularly.
Solvents can cause dermatitis and should not be used to remove oil, etc. from the skin.
Long hair can easily be caught in moving machinery and must be secured.
The wearing of rings, dangling jewelry (neck chains and earrings etc,) is very dangerous. All jewelry should be removed before work commences.
Suitable gloves should be worn when handling rough, sharp or dirty objects. However, it should be noted that the wearing of gloves near rotating machinery could be very dangerous.
Protective shoes or boots should be supplied and used
by those engaged in regular heavy lifting. Danger can also strike upwards,
so boots or shoes should have strong soles. Sandals and similar lightweight footwear should never be worn in workshops.
Suitable hearing protection, such as ear defenders or disposable earplugs should be worn near a source of loud/prolonged noise, particularly if it is over 85dBA.
All workshops should have available clear safety glasses and ear defenders/disposable earplugs for visitors and casual users.
Every workshop should maintain a first aid box, which should be
checked on a regular basis.
Storage of Materials
Proper racking facilities should be provided for the storage of sheet materials, rod bars, etc. Vertical racking requires a safety chain or bar. Where appropriate, the protruding ends of rods and the sharp corners of sheet materials should be sheathed to prevent injury.
Fumes and Dust
Areas where fumes or dust are created as part of a workshop process are subject
to strict regulation, and appropriate equipment suitable for the safe removal of such fumes or dust must be used, particularly when using the following processes
welding soldering, burning/cutting etc.
Using a shot/bead blasting machine
Using woodworking machinery (including portable equipment)
Machining of ceramics, carbon or other materials which may cause a fine dust.
Reference should also be made to 1.13 CoSHH.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment must be kept in good condition. Only qualified staff must rectify defects in the equipment. Loose cables should be kept off the floor as
far as possible and where this is not possible cable protectors should be used.
The use of cotton-covered electrical cable is not recommended in workshops or laboratories since it easily becomes contaminated with oil, grease, solvents, swarf, etc. which leads to rapid deterioration of the insulation. Machinery
and appliances must be electrically isolated when not in use and when changing tools/accessories.
Portable Appliance Testing
All portable electrical equipment used in a workshop environment is now subject
to the Portable Appliance Testing regulations (more commonly referred to as PAT testing). All portable electrical equipment should be clearly marked with
a sticker showing the date that it was last tested, and the date that the next
test is due. This sticker is usually located on the plug. If the date shown is overdue, or if no sticker is visible, or if there is any visible damage to the cable etc. DO NOT USE THE EQUIPMENT. Remove it from service, and inform the workshop supervisor who will arrange for testing to take place.
Gangways
Gangways, through and around the workshop, should be clearly marked and kept
clear of obstructions at all times.
Emergency Isolation Buttons
Most machines are fitted with an emergency stop button. However in certain workshops throughout the University, provision has been made to cut the power
to all machinery at once in an emergency by means of emergency isolation buttons.
Before commencing work in a machine shop, the location of any such emergency isolation button should be established.
In some cases specific machines may not be connected to the universal isolation button, these machines should have a separate emergency stop
of their own. The location of such emergency stop buttons should also be established before work begins.
Manual Handling
All operations where lifting is required are covered by the Manual Handling Regulations. All workshop staff should attend basic manual handling training,
and some should also attend the assessor’s course. Manual Handling assessment
forms should be completed for all lifting operations. It is however acceptable
for generic forms covering lifting operations of a similar nature to be used.
All workshop staff should be familiar with the contents of the manual handling booklet.
Lifting Aids
The correct lifting aid must be used for each lifting operation. Shackles, slings, "D" rings, eyebolts hooks etc. should all be marked with the Safe Working Load and be inspected and certified annually by a qualified University approved engineer. Unmarked uncertified or improvised lifting aids should not be used.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH)
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulates all materials
which might be hazardous to the user or persons in close proximity to the user.
All substances are potentially hazardous, and details of the nature of the substance should be obtained prior to its use. If a substance to be used is
thought to be hazardous a CoSHH form should be completed, and detailed
information about the nature of the materials attached. This information is
usually available from the manufacturer in the form of a data sheet, and is
often supplied when the goods are purchased.
All CoSHH forms should be kept on file in a place
accessible to potential users of the material.
Anyone using a hazardous or potentially hazardous substance should read the
CoSHH form before commencing work.
It is also important to dispose of hazardous substances correctly.
Storage and Disposal of Waste Solvents
Solvents used as part of workshop processes should be disposed of in properly labeled containers as specified in the guidelines from Safety Services.
The Workshop Supervisor will have a copy. Care should be taken not to mix
solvents from different groups in the same tin.
Waste coolant/cutting fluid must also be disposed of in
the same manner.
It should never be poured into a drain.
Solvents, oils, cutting fluids cleaners etc. should always be kept in marked containers, and never in jars, tins, bottles or other containers.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment must be undertaken on all operations or processes which may be hazardous to the operator. Generic risk assessments for common workshop processes are acceptable, and copies of these should be available in each workshop.
Those using such processes must familiarize themselves with the risk assessment before starting work.
Eye Protection
Each permanent member of the workshop staff must be supplied with a personal issue of safety spectacles or goggles. They must be worn whenever flying chips, swarf, turnings, and coolant splashes etc might endanger the eyes. Most workshops should be regarded as "eye protection" areas. Eye protection should be made available to (and worn by) visitors where necessary. All eye injuries should receive qualified medical attention.
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential if workshops are to be safe places to work.
Workshop users should replace tools and equipment immediately after use and
remove swarf, filings and other debris from machine beds, workbenches and the
floor as soon as possible. Tools should not be left in machine beds while the machine is running. The floor should be kept clear of obstructions, and spillages must be cleaned up immediately. Metal waste bins should be provided and used. Faulty wiring, worn or defective equipment, unsatisfactory storage arrangements
and other circumstances likely to lead to an accident should be reported.
Personal Protection
Everyday clothes should normally be covered while working in mechanical workshops. Smocks are generally acceptable for use, provided that they are in good condition, close-fitting at the wrists and are kept fastened at the front. Boiler suits are a safer form of clothing for use in workshops.
Prolonged contact of the skin with oil, grease, cutting
fluids etc. can cause skin problems. Barrier and cleansing creams should be available in all workshops and it is recommended that they be used. Clothing, smocks, boiler suits etc. should not be allowed to become heavily contaminated
with oils, etc. They should be laundered regularly.
Solvents can cause dermatitis and should not be used to remove oil, etc. from the skin.
Long hair can easily be caught in moving machinery and must be secured.
The wearing of rings, dangling jewelry (neck chains and earrings etc,) is very dangerous. All jewelry should be removed before work commences.
Suitable gloves should be worn when handling rough, sharp or dirty objects. However, it should be noted that the wearing of gloves near rotating machinery could be very dangerous.
Protective shoes or boots should be supplied and used
by those engaged in regular heavy lifting. Danger can also strike upwards,
so boots or shoes should have strong soles. Sandals and similar lightweight footwear should never be worn in workshops.
Suitable hearing protection, such as ear defenders or disposable earplugs should be worn near a source of loud/prolonged noise, particularly if it is over 85dBA.
All workshops should have available clear safety glasses and ear defenders/disposable earplugs for visitors and casual users.
Every workshop should maintain a first aid box, which should be
checked on a regular basis.
Storage of Materials
Proper racking facilities should be provided for the storage of sheet materials, rod bars, etc. Vertical racking requires a safety chain or bar. Where appropriate, the protruding ends of rods and the sharp corners of sheet materials should be sheathed to prevent injury.
Fumes and Dust
Areas where fumes or dust are created as part of a workshop process are subject
to strict regulation, and appropriate equipment suitable for the safe removal of such fumes or dust must be used, particularly when using the following processes
welding soldering, burning/cutting etc.
Using a shot/bead blasting machine
Using woodworking machinery (including portable equipment)
Machining of ceramics, carbon or other materials which may cause a fine dust.
Reference should also be made to 1.13 CoSHH.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment must be kept in good condition. Only qualified staff must rectify defects in the equipment. Loose cables should be kept off the floor as
far as possible and where this is not possible cable protectors should be used.
The use of cotton-covered electrical cable is not recommended in workshops or laboratories since it easily becomes contaminated with oil, grease, solvents, swarf, etc. which leads to rapid deterioration of the insulation. Machinery
and appliances must be electrically isolated when not in use and when changing tools/accessories.
Portable Appliance Testing
All portable electrical equipment used in a workshop environment is now subject
to the Portable Appliance Testing regulations (more commonly referred to as PAT testing). All portable electrical equipment should be clearly marked with
a sticker showing the date that it was last tested, and the date that the next
test is due. This sticker is usually located on the plug. If the date shown is overdue, or if no sticker is visible, or if there is any visible damage to the cable etc. DO NOT USE THE EQUIPMENT. Remove it from service, and inform the workshop supervisor who will arrange for testing to take place.
Gangways
Gangways, through and around the workshop, should be clearly marked and kept
clear of obstructions at all times.
Emergency Isolation Buttons
Most machines are fitted with an emergency stop button. However in certain workshops throughout the University, provision has been made to cut the power
to all machinery at once in an emergency by means of emergency isolation buttons.
Before commencing work in a machine shop, the location of any such emergency isolation button should be established.
In some cases specific machines may not be connected to the universal isolation button, these machines should have a separate emergency stop
of their own. The location of such emergency stop buttons should also be established before work begins.
Manual Handling
All operations where lifting is required are covered by the Manual Handling Regulations. All workshop staff should attend basic manual handling training,
and some should also attend the assessor’s course. Manual Handling assessment
forms should be completed for all lifting operations. It is however acceptable
for generic forms covering lifting operations of a similar nature to be used.
All workshop staff should be familiar with the contents of the manual handling booklet.
Lifting Aids
The correct lifting aid must be used for each lifting operation. Shackles, slings, "D" rings, eyebolts hooks etc. should all be marked with the Safe Working Load and be inspected and certified annually by a qualified University approved engineer. Unmarked uncertified or improvised lifting aids should not be used.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH)
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulates all materials
which might be hazardous to the user or persons in close proximity to the user.
All substances are potentially hazardous, and details of the nature of the substance should be obtained prior to its use. If a substance to be used is
thought to be hazardous a CoSHH form should be completed, and detailed
information about the nature of the materials attached. This information is
usually available from the manufacturer in the form of a data sheet, and is
often supplied when the goods are purchased.
All CoSHH forms should be kept on file in a place
accessible to potential users of the material.
Anyone using a hazardous or potentially hazardous substance should read the
CoSHH form before commencing work.
It is also important to dispose of hazardous substances correctly.
Storage and Disposal of Waste Solvents
Solvents used as part of workshop processes should be disposed of in properly labeled containers as specified in the guidelines from Safety Services.
The Workshop Supervisor will have a copy. Care should be taken not to mix
solvents from different groups in the same tin.
Waste coolant/cutting fluid must also be disposed of in
the same manner.
It should never be poured into a drain.
Solvents, oils, cutting fluids cleaners etc. should always be kept in marked containers, and never in jars, tins, bottles or other containers.
