General Workshop Safety

Always wear eye protection in the Lab. Wear safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield.

Use equipment only with the instructor’s permission, and use it only when the instructor is in the
laboratory.

Do not use any tools or equipment until you have been shown how to and have passed a safety test for that
tool or machine.

Report all accidents to the instructor immediately.

Always keep loose clothing tucked in and sleeves rolled up.

Wear protective boots or shoes in the laboratory. These should be hard soled with rubber bottoms. Steel
toes give added safety.

Jewelry should not be worn in the laboratory. Watches, rings, bracelets, and necklaces should be removed
before work is begun.

Long hair must be tied back or held under a cap to keep it out of the way. Long hair is an extreme hazard
around a moving machine.

Learning the locations of all fire extinguishers in the laboratory and be instructed on the use of them.

Damp and oily rags are a fire hazard and should be kept in an approved, covered metal container.

All paints, thinners, and finishes should be kept in an approved metal cabinet marked “paints and
Flammables”.

Aisles should always be kept free and clear of litter, scraps, and materials. Do not leave anything lying
around that could be tripped over or slipped on.

When clearing dust and scraps from a bench top, use a brush or rag. Never use your hand to wipe a surface.

Use your legs, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.

Be aware of the location of others around you when you are working or moving materials.

When handling large or heavy materials, have someone help you.

Disconnect power to equipment before you make any major changes or adjustments. Unplug the equipment
or disconnect at the circuit breaker panel. If a circuit breaker is disconnected, put up a sign, “Do not
connect.”

Respect safety zones around machinery. Do not interrupt or disturb someone who is working on a machine.
Do not let someone disturb you while working at a machine.

Always work at a safe speed. Never rush or hurry through a project. Working too fast is dangerous with
sharp tools, and the quality of your work will suffer.

Never fool around or engage in horseplay in the shop. There are no exceptions to this.