Stanford University

Shop Machinery Guidelines for Supervisors

What are the hazards?

Shop machinery users may encounter numerous potential hazards when in proximity to or working with hand tools and stationary machines (e.g., lathes, saws, drills) including:

  • Mechanical hazards: points of operation, pinch points, shear points, power transmission points, etc.
  • Operational hazards: heat, metal chips, noise, etc.
  • Chemical hazards: coolants, cleaning solvents, lubricants, etc.
  • Electrical hazards: exposed wiring, malfunctioning equipment, etc.

How can I protect myself?

Training and Supervision of Users

Ensure local safety training is provided to shop users before access, including but not limited to:​

  • Potential hazards associated with each type of shop tool
  • The manufacturer’s instruction manual or shopdeveloped safety procedure for each shop tool
  • Proper attire and use of appropriate personal protective equipment
  • General safe work practices and procedures
  • Reporting accidents/incidents
  • Emergency procedures

Document such training using SU’s Site-Specific Shop Shop Machinery Safety Training Documentation form or equivalent and retain for at least one year.

  • EH&S provides general safety training for shop machinery use. Contact EH&S at (650) 723-0448 for more information.
  • Control access to prevent unauthorized equipment use (e.g., on-duty staff, card-keys, equipment lockout).
  • When using shop machinery and tools, at least one other authorized person is to be present in the shop.

Requests to work alone, after hours, or on the weekend must be approved by the Shop Supervisor and the user’s Principal Investigator/Supervisor.

Evaluation of a request must take into consideration:

  • Task and machinery/tools to be used
  • Possibility of an accident or incident that would prevent the user from calling for help
  • User’s training and experience
  • User’s physical condition and/or handicaps

Supervisors have the responsibility to revoke access privileges or take other disciplinary action for shop users who fail to follow shop safe work practices or procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Enforce the proper use of appropriate street clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with all shop users:

Street Clothing:

  • Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.
  • Wear closely fitting clothing (no loose shirt sleeves, loose apron ties/straps, etc.).
  • Confine long hair/beards to prevent entanglement in machinery (long hair should be put up in a bun, a pinned-up ponytail, or a hairnet).
  • Do not wear jewelry (rings, necklaces, etc.).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Eye protection: ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses or goggles are required when working around machines or with hand tools.
  • Face protection: Face shields are required if flying fragments/particles are likely to be generated.
  • Hand/body protection: Properly selected gloves are required when using hazardous chemicals and handling scrap metal or wood, sharp-edged stock, and unfinished lumber, as well as protective sleeves, aprons, etc.

IMPORTANT: Do not wear gloves while machining, as they can get caught in moving equipment.

  • Foot protection: ASTM F2412-05 approved steeltoed boots (ANSI Z41 approved if boots purchased on or before 1/26/07) may be required where potential dropping of heavy objects may occur.
  • Hearing/respiratory protection: For loud work or operations with respiratory hazards, contact EH&S at 723-0448 for assessment and recommendations.

Work Practices

  • Enforce SU’s Safe Operation of Shop Machinery.
  • Enforce good housekeeping.
  • Conduct periodic inspections using SU’s Shop Area Inspection Checklist or equivalent.
  • Remove, tag (lock) out of service, and promptly repair any malfunctioning or damaged equipment.

Emergency procedures

  • Document and follow up any incidents, accidents, or near misses, per SU’s Injury Illness Prevention Program.
  • For serious injury/illness (emergency medical care required) or fatality, report by phone to EH&S immediately at (650) 725- 9999.

Special problems and procedures

Equipment Setup

  • Place equipment in an area with adequate clearance for safe operation.
  • Equipment operating in wet areas must only be plugged into GFCI-protected outlets.
  • Stationary machines are to be leveled and securely anchored to the floor.
  • All attachments used with machining tools must be consistent with manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Equipment controls must be protected from unexpected or accidental activation.

Non-Routine Equipment Servicing

  • Equipment repair or special adjustment shall only be conducted by qualified service technicians. Consult equipment manufacturer for recommendation.
  • To ensure personnel safety during non-routine cleaning or maintenance performed in-house, lock out and tag out procedures shall be followed as specified in the University’s Lock Out/Tag Out Safety Program. Contact EH&S at (650) 723- 0448 for assistance.
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