In order to provide a safe environment for education, the ILC Safety Subcommittee will be guided by the following objectives, checks, and procedures.
Objectives
- To provide clean, organized working spaces and properly displayed safety signage as appropriate.
- To offer safety rules and stress the importance of safety within the ME curriculum.
- To orient and instruct all students to proper use and location of safety equipment.
- To instruct all students in fire drill and emergency evacuation procedures from the maker spaces, classrooms and buildings.
- To instruct and have students demonstrate the proper use of specific tools and equipment.
- To enforce eye and ear protection as appropriate for each working area.
- To assess with a written and performance test, individual knowledge of safety practices and procedures before allowing the student to work in the area of concern.
- To instruct all ME faculty and students in proper safety operations of specific machinery and to be able to identify potentially hazardous conditions of such machinery.
- To conduct periodic inspections and maintenance of facilities, tools, machines, equipment and personal protective equipment.
- To provide emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an accident.
- To identify and properly label hazardous work areas.
- To instruct in the safe handling and use of chemicals.
General Safety Checklist
- Completion of safety instruction precedes the use of all equipment.
- All machine tools are properly guarded.
- All portable electric tools are correctly grounded.
- Oily rags are always placed in an approved safety can.
- Flammables are always stored properly.
- All electric cords are kept in good condition.
- Temporary electrical wiring is never used.
- Scraps of material are never on the floor
- Each tool has a definite storage space and is returned there after each use.
- All material has a definite storage space.
- Storage lockers are inspected regularly for accumulated scraps, etc.
- Cutting tools are kept sharp for maximum learning and efficiency.
- Machine tools are inspected at frequent intervals and any defects are corrected immediately or the machine is taken out of service until such time that proper repairs have been made.
- Only one student at a time is ever allowed in the operator’s zone of a machine.
- Eye and/or ear protection must be worn at all times in designated work areas.
- Students are never permitted to operate machines unless long hair and loose clothing are confined and, neckties and jewelry have been removed.
- Safety instruction is incorporated with regular teaching units in addition to specific lessons concerning safety.
Procedures
- Faculty, staff and pre-authorized students may instruct students in the general safety rules and procedures of the shop, including
- Emergency exit procedure
- Emergency power shut-off buttons
- Locations of personal safety protective devices
- Safety goggles/glasses are to be worn at all times in designated work areas.
- All students must successfully complete a written and practical safety test prior to the use lab equipment. Students must demonstrate competence with all shop equipment and hand tools prior to specific use.
- Report any injury, no matter how insignificant.
- Power tools and equipment must be disconnected when changing the operational set-up.
- Follow safe handling and use of chemicals procedures.
- No food or drink in the labs, studios, or maker-spaces.
- Never inhale an unknown substance.
- Know where the fire exits are located.
- Know the location of all safety equipment.
- Report broken glassware. Do not attempt to clean it up.
- Be mindful of your surroundings.
- Clean your area prior to leaving.