11.2 Machine Shop Safety for Academic Departments Policy Statement
11.3 Unit Specific Machine Shop Safety Policy Development
11.5 Purchase Considerations and Space Considerations
11.10 Machine Shop Classification
11.12 Personal Protective Equipment
11.17 Machine, Tool, and Equipment Servicing
11.18 Recordkeeping and Housekeeping
11.19 Machine Shop Safety Signage and Postings
11.23 Machine Shop Forms and Machine Specific Checklists
11.2 Machine Shop Safety for Academic Departments Policy Statement #
The purpose of the Machine Shop Safety Program is to provide a University Standard for safety and administrative controls for individuals who work with machining tools and equipment. This section is derived from government regulations, the Research and Academic Safety Policy and best practices from research studies.
This Program provides guidance for safe handling of tools and machines and how to develop a shop-specific policy addressing training and oversight for specific pieces of equipment, room, and equipment access requirements, general rules and responsibilities of shop users and a process for project review (if applicable). Post the shop-specific policy in the shop (for review or reference) or its location.
11.3 Unit Specific Machine Shop Safety Policy Development #
Each shop must develop a policy regarding training requirements and oversight for specific pieces of equipment, room and equipment access requirements, general rules and responsibilities of shop users, and a process for student project review. This policy should be posted within the shop or its location noted. A template is provided for an Academic Machine Shop Safety Policy that can be modified to the specific shop’s requirements.
11.4 Responsibilities #
Everyone working at the University of Michigan has the right to a safe and healthy work environment. They also have a responsibility to help assure a safe and healthy environment for themselves and others. These responsibilities are detailed in the University of Michigan Academic Laboratory and Research Safety Policy, issued jointly by the Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and the Office of Research Ethics & Compliance (UMOR). These responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following categories:
- All faculty, staff, other employees and students
- Graduate Student Research Assistants/Trainees
- Post-Doctoral Trainee/Fellow
- Laboratory Director (Faculty/Lab Manager/Supervisor
- Department Chair
- Facility Managers/Department Managers/Key Administrators/Chief Department Administrators
- Unit (School/College/Department) Safety Coordinators
Deans, Directors and Department Heads #
- Ensure that machine shops are located in adequate facilities to allow for safe operation and layout of equipment.
- Designate and authorize an individual who has thorough knowledge of proper machine operation and safe working procedures as the Responsible Person.
- Implement a unit-specific Machine Shop Safety Policy that incorporates all of the quality elements of the University Standard provided in this program.
- Actively support and enforce their unit-specific Machine Shop Safety Policy.
- Ensure an environment where supervisors and other personnel are encouraged to follow this program.
- Inform the Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) of the designated Responsible Person.
Machine Shop Responsible Person (Responsible Person) #
- Prepare and implement a unit-specific Machine Shop Safety Policy.
- Manage and enforce all aspects of the unit-specific Machine Shop Safety Policy and activities that impact machine shop safety. Examples include user training, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), project review, removal of unsafe machines from service, posting of appropriate signage at work areas, access controls, and approval of users.
- Designate individuals with the appropriate training and experience to function as Monitors to provide oversight and training as necessary to support the Machine Shop Safety Policy.
- Complete EHS’s Machine Shop Responsible Person Training Program and ensure that all designated Monitors complete the training as well. Go to EHS’s My LINC training website to access this training module (course code “IHS070w”).
- Train and credential all machine/tool users in the proper and safe machining, tool and equipment use.
- Maintain training documentation on all authorized machine tool users.
- Limit access to tools, equipment and the shop. Individuals using machining tools and equipment beyond established working hours and during weekends shall be prohibited unless prior written approval is given by the Responsible Person and use complies with the “buddy system” part of this section.
- Conduct self-inspections and preventative maintenance (PM) of machining tools, equipment and facilities at a minimum of once a year and in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintain documentation of inspections and the PM performed.
- Develop a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure for all equipment as needed and follow the procedures prior to servicing or repairing any piece of machinery or equipment. Refer to the Lockout Tagout chapter (chapter 13) of this document and EHS’s LOTO webpage.
- Provide eye protection and enforce its use to authorized machine tool users and visitors upon entry into a machine shop.
- Post, provide or maintain in an accessible location, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manuals for each piece of equipment, as appropriate.
- Act as a safety liaison between the individual department and EHS with the implementation of this program and all other aspects of machine shop safety.
- Establish allowable material use specific for the type of machine, application and environment.
- Consider a policy regarding the consumption, storage and preparation of food and drink within shop areas, e.g., areas where it is prohibited due to the presence of certain hazardous operations or in areas where hazardous materials are being used or stored while potentially allowing food and drink in other designated areas.
- Report all work related injuries and illnesses to the Work Connections office within 24 hours by completing and faxing the Illness and Injury Report Form to (734) 936-1913.
Machine Shop Monitors #
- Enforce unit-specific machine shop policy and administrative controls for a machine shop as designated by the Responsible Person.
- Complete EHS’s Machine Shop Responsible Person Training Program. Go to EHS’s My LINC training website in order to access this training module (course code “IHS070w”).
- Provide machine/tool user training and maintain documentation of training as necessary.
- Provide oversight of equipment/authorized machine tool users.
- Report all work related injuries and illnesses to the Work Connections office within 24 hours by completing and faxing the Illness and Injury Report Form to (734) 936-1913.
Authorized Machine/Tool Users #
- Comply with this chapter and any further recommendations initiated by the Responsible Person or Monitors.
- Conduct assigned tasks in a safe manner, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and only use equipment for which they have been formally trained.
- Report any job related incidents, injuries or illnesses, questions on health and safety, or any unsafe or unhealthy working or equipment conditions to their supervisor and/or Responsible Person (or Shop Monitor).
- Individuals will be classified as “Authorized Machine Tool Users” upon completion of all applicable equipment, tool and safety training and documented departmental training.
- Operate only the specific machines, tools and equipment they have been trained to use, in the manner in which they were trained and the manner in which the equipment was intended to be used.
- Must not wear loose clothing or exposed jewelry while using any machine/tool or piece of equipment. Pull back and secure long hair prior to using machining tools and equipment.
- Report to the Responsible Person/Monitor any defective machinery, equipment and hazardous conditions. Do not use the equipment until proper repairs have been made.
- Do not remove or deactivate guards or other safety devices including safety signage or other postings from machinery and equipment except when necessary for servicing.
- Do not modify machinery or equipment, including guards and other safety features including safety signage or other postings.
- Do not change blades, bits, abrasive wheels/belts/discs, etc., at the points of operation unless trained to do so and all applicable LOTO and other procedures are followed.
EHS #
- Monitor conformance with this program, and performance of unit-specific Policy.
- Provide Responsible Person/Monitor training and maintain documentation of training.
- Conduct machining equipment and facility inspections periodically.
- Provide copies of state regulations and EHS documents, upon request.
- Provide technical support on all aspects of this program.
- Review/revise the University Machine Shop Safety for Academic Departments, as needed.
- Conduct incident investigations, when appropriate.
11.5 Purchase Considerations and Space Considerations #
It is important that Responsible Persons and Research Administrators consult with EHS to conduct a hazard assessment and evaluate the following health and safety items prior to making any purchases and setting up the shop location:
- The candidate spaces for the equipment
- All potential equipment purchases
- Any materials that are not identified in this Program are to be used
- Fire safety code
- Electrical codes
- Adequate ventilation
Note: If a ventilation system is required, it should be compatible with the equipment or the materials that will be worked in the space and must be engineered in coordination with U-M F&O Engineering to adequately control emissions.
In addition, the Responsible Persons and Research Administrators are required to review applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to properly evaluate the safe use of the material.
11.6 Finishing Products #
Special finishing processes for printed or cut materials such as sanding, spray coating, painting, etc., should be discussed with EHS prior to conducting the process. Some processes require additional engineering, administrative, or personal protective controls.
11.7 3D Printers #
- All materials used for the 3D Printing process are to be compatible with the printer in use, per manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations.
- Any material not listed in the operational or safety manuals, specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs) or manufacturer recommendations must be brought to the attention of EHS. EHS will evaluate the material in question and will request the Responsible Person provide the material’s SDS in order to understand the material’s properties. The manufacturer of this equipment must also confirm that any materials used are compatible with the equipment.
- EHS strongly encourages the Responsible Person to select printing filaments made with materials which emit little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when used in the printing process.
- EHS also strongly encourages the Responsible Person to select printing filaments which do not contain hazardous compounds which could emit toxic gasses when melted or burned.
- Any 3D printing processes which use powdered media (especially metals) must be cleared through EHS prior to purchase of equipment and setup of the space. Some powdered media can be classified as combustible and must be handled with care.
- All materials and filaments used to print with must have a SDS located in the Blue Binder.
Engineering Controls #
- EHS recommends the use of 3D printers built with complete or partial enclosures, as these have been shown to reduce odors and particulate emissions into the workspace.
- All 3D printers without an enclosure need to be evaluated by EHS to ensure that it would be permissible to use without such an enclosure or if engineering controls or alternative work practices would be required.
- 3D printers using only PLA filament can be operated in a lab space without special ventilation considerations as long as the general ventilation equates to at least 4 air changes per hour, and only one printer is in use. If more than one printer is in use, EHS should be contacted to evaluate the need for increased ventilation.
- 3D printers utilizing ABS filament, shall be ventilated using any of the following:
- A compatible attached ventilation system (filtered or direct exhausted)
- An EHS-approved fume extraction local exhaust ventilation system (LEV) (filtered or direct exhausted – LEV)
- A fume hood
- Single-pass general ventilation and no less than 6 ACH.
- 3D printing processes which require the use of inert gasses may pose asphyxiation hazards. It is important to ensure all engineering controls are in good condition prior to operating a 3D printer which uses an inert gas system.
Administrative Controls #
- All other filaments or printing materials must be brought to the attention of EHS along with their respective SDSs.
- No more than two unventilated 3D printers should be present in the same workspace, unless EHS evaluates the area and approves.
- Some newer 3D printing materials, or materials that are not commonly used may require workspace air monitoring to be conducted by EHS.
11.8 Laser Tools #
- All materials used for laser cutting, etching, and engraving are to be compatible with the equipment per manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations.
- Materials that have not been identified as compatible by the manufacturer should be evaluated by EHS with an SDS to determine its suitability for use.
- Certain materials, such as Polyvinyl Chloride, Fiberglass, and ABS, should not be used as they emit toxic or otherwise hazardous fumes when melted or burned.
- All materials with the exception of wood, metal, and paper products, must have a SDS located in the Blue Binder. Certain wood-like products, e.g., OSB (Oriented Strand Board), MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), and others require an SDS because of the binding agents that hold them together.
- A table or list of all current materials in use during laser cutting, etching, and engraving operations should be posted within the workspace or stored in the Blue Binder.
Ventilation Requirements #
- Ventilation systems should be integrated within the laser cutting equipment, or should be connected to, and compatible with the laser equipment per manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Ventilation systems should be directly exhausted outside. Filtered ventilation systems must be approved by EHS.
- For exhausted ventilation systems:
- Contact EHS during the planning stages of duct routing for exhaust.
- Turn ventilation system on prior to starting the laser operation, and leave it on 10-15 seconds after the laser has finished operating.
- For filtered ventilation systems:
- Only use the appropriate filter media for the ventilation system and operations as directed by the ventilation system manufacturer.
- After turning on the ventilation system, check to see that no filter change warnings or indications are displayed.
- Conduct routine filter replacements on a schedule as suggested by the ventilation system manufacturer, or as indicated by the system.
- Keep at minimum one set of replacement filters (for each stage if multi-stage filtration is used) on hand for quick replacement.
- Record all filter changes in the maintenance log for the filter ventilation system.
- Leave the ventilation system on for 10-15 seconds after the laser has finished operating.
Prohibited Materials and Commonly Used Materials In Laser Systems #
PROHIBITED MATERIALS, DO NOT USE:
| Material | HAZARD | Cause/Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) artificial leather | Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! | Never cut this material as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system. |
| Thick ( >1mm ) Polycarbonate | Cuts very poorly, discolors, catches fire | Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting. |
| ABS | Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt | ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. Fumes from cutting operations can contain cyanide gas! |
| HDPE/milk bottle plastic | Catches fire and melts | Does not retain a solid composition when used. |
| PolyStyrene Foam | Catches fire | It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. This is the primary material that causes laser fires nationwide. |
| PolyPropylene Foam | Catches fire | Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn. |
| Fiberglass | Emits fumes | It’s a mix of two materials that cannot be cut. Glass (etching only) and epoxy resin (fumes) |
| Coated Carbon Fiber | Emits noxious fumes | A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying – but not when coated. |
Permitted Materials with Proper Ventilation: #
| Material | Notes | WARNING |
|---|---|---|
| Many woods | Avoid oily/resinous woods | Be very careful about cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods as they also may catch fire |
| Plywood/Composite woods | These contain glue, and may not laser cut as well as solid wood | |
| MDF/Engineered woods | These are okay to use but may experience a higher amount of charring when cut | |
| Paper, card stock | Cuts very well on the laser cutter, and also very quickly | |
| Cardboard, carton | Cuts well but may catch fire | Potential for fire |
| Cork | Cuts nicely, but the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has adhesive in it, and may not cut as well. | Avoid thicker cork |
| Acrylic/Lucite/ Plexiglas/PMMA | Cuts extremely well leaving a smooth, polished edge | |
| Delrin (POM) | Delrin comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness) – harder Delrin tends to work better | |
| Kapton tape (Polyimide) | Works well in thin sheets and strips. | |
| Mylar | Works well if thin – thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl | Gold coated mylar will not cut |
| Solid Styrene | Smokes a lot when cut, but can be cut | Must be thin |
| Depron foam | Used a lot for hobby, architectural models, and toys – 1/4″ cuts well, with a smooth edge | Must be constantly monitored |
| Gator foam | Foam core gets burned and eaten away compared to the top and bottom hard paper shell | Can be cut if watched |
| Cloth/felt/hemp/cotton | All cut well | No plastic coated or impregnated cloth |
| Leather/Suede | Leather is very hard to cut, but can be if it’s thinner than 1/8″ | Real leather only – Pleather emits toxic fumes |
| Magnetic Sheet | Cuts well | |
| NON-CHLORINE-containing rubber | Fine for cutting | Assure no chlorine content |
| Teflon (PTFE) | Cuts fine in thin sheets | If not properly ventilated, can cause occupational illness similar to the flu |
| Carbon fiber mats/weave that have not had epoxy applied | Can be cut, very slowly | Do not cut carbon fiber that has been coated |
11.9 Soldering #
Soldering #
- Lead exposure is possible when working with Lead-Based Solder without appropriate PPE, Engineering Controls, and good housekeeping measures.
- Alternatives to Lead-Based Solders, which may contain other metals such as Tin, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Bismuth, Indium, and/or Antimony, should be used whenever possible. These other soldering materials are less toxic than Lead, but are also hazardous to be exposed to, so exposure controls may still be necessary.
- Rosin-containing solder flux emits fumes that may cause occupational asthma or worsen existing cases of asthma. If possible, alternatives to rosin-containing solder flux should be sought. If rosin-containing solder flux remains in use, adequate LEV must be in place to insure that workers are not exposed to fumes.
Work Practices #
- The heating element and tip of the soldering gun or soldering pen should never be directly touched for any reason. If cleaning is necessary, utilize a moist cleaning sponge.
- When handling wires or pieces of soldering media during operation, always handle with clamps, tweezers, or tongs.
- When not using the soldering gun or pen, return it to the stand, never set it on a benchtop or tabletop.
- Always thoroughly wash hands with soap and water immediately after conducting solder operations.
Ventilation Requirements #
- An adequately sized and properly maintained benchtop fume extraction system must be used for all soldering operations.
- Only use the appropriate filter media for the ventilation system and operations.
- After turning on the ventilation system, check to see that no filter change warnings or indications are displayed (if equipped).
- Conduct routine filter replacements on a schedule as suggested by the ventilation system manufacturer, or as indicated by the system.
- Keep at minimum one set of replacement filters (for each stage if multi-stage filtration is used) on hand for quick replacement.
- Record all filter changes in the maintenance log for the filter ventilation system.
- Additionally, general ventilation in these spaces should equate to at least 4 ACH.
Hot Work Permits #
- Hot work permits are not required as long as soldering is conducted within a space designated for soldering.
- If soldering outside of a designated space, contact EHS to assess the proposed new workspace and determine the need for a work permit.
11.10 Machine Shop Classification #
The Classification Matrix for Academic Machine Shop Equipment document can be used as general guidance for development of the unit-specific shop policy. This can be implemented in a manner that best suits the department/unit’s needs, but the Responsible Person must establish clear requirements for access to the equipment and/or shop as well as providing for a means to restrict unauthorized users from using equipment that they have not been trained to operate.
11.11 Potential Hazards #
A machine shop contains the same hazards as one experiences in a laboratory, such as, but not limited to the following hazards:
- Respiratory hazards including respiratory irritation or occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fumes, sprays, mists, fogs, smokes, vapors, or gasses.
- Eye damage/injury is possible with laser cutting or etching equipment if the equipment laser interlocks are tampered with, bypassed or if optic maintenance is not conducted in conjunction with the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Fire hazard if not properly operated/maintained, if the wrong material is used or if used within close proximity to flammable or combustible materials.
- Physical Injuries from compressed gas, flying debris, noise, pinching, cutting, and falling.
- Electrical fire and shock
- Chemicals, toxic liquids, fumes, gas, and dust
11.12 Personal Protective Equipment #
Safety Glasses must be worn at all times when work is being conducted in a machine shop or Makerspace.
Read and adhere to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program and any PPE established by the manufacturer of the equipment and the manufacturer of the media (e.g., SDS).
Appropriate gloves should be worn to protect hands when there is a potential for cuts, lacerations, heat or cold-related injury, or the potential for contact with hazardous molten filaments, or with hazardous chemicals.
Any processes that require the use of corrosive, caustic or other hazardous finishing agents should be evaluated by EHS – proper chemical storage will be discussed as well as the need for an emergency eyewash or shower, additional PPE requirements (such as a respirator), and proper waste disposal considerations.
11.13 Training Requirements #
Only authorized machine tool users as defined by this program are permitted to operate machining tools in U-M facilities. To become an authorized machine tool user, individuals must complete the following training prior to using the machinery and associated equipment:
| PERSONNEL | TRAINING REQUIRED | PROVIDED BY |
| Machine Shop Responsible Person (Responsible Person) | Machine Shop Responsible Person (My LINC IHS070w) | EHS |
| Machine Shop Monitor (Monitor) | Machine Shop Responsible Person (My LINC IHS070w) | EHS |
| Authorized Machine Tool Users | Basic machine shop safety Specific machine tool and equipment | Responsible Person or Monitor |
Developing a Basic Machine Shop Safety Training Program #
The Responsible Person or Monitor must train the authorized machine tool users. The Responsible Person or Monitor must have thorough knowledge about and experience with the following topics:
- How the individual machining tools and equipment operate
- The safety hazards associated with the machining tools and equipment
- Specific actions to take in case of an emergency
The training should include the following topics at a minimum.
- Unit-specific Machine Shop Policy
- Hazard Communication (online)
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Applicable prohibitions (e.g., loose clothing, hair, gloves and jewelry, etc.)
- Machine Guard use/positioning
- Machining tool and bit maintenance
- Hand tool and facility safety
- Machine shop general safety rules and equipment specific documents should also be included in the basic training program.
- General Shop Dress
- General Shop Safety Rules
- Lathe Safety Guidelines
- Mill Safety Guidelines
- Drill Press Safety Guidelines
- Bench or Pedestal Grinder Safety Guidelines
- Planer Safety Guidelines
- Band Saw Safety Guidelines
- Table Saw Safety Guidelines
Shop equipment will require Tool Specific Training, which should include instruction and hands-on demonstration of the following topics: Refer to the document Classification Matrix for Academic Machine Shop Equipment for guidance about the length and type of training for specific machines.
- Description and identification of the hazards associated with a particular machine;
- Proper safety precautions when working with a particular machine;
- Limitations of the tools/equipment/materials and when and what not to use;
- Safeguards, protection they provide, and ensuring their presence before using a machine;
- What to do if a damaged guard, missing part, unusual noise, etc., is noticed.
- How to use the emergency buttons and other measures, when necessary.
- Maintenance (as applicable) and cleaning procedures.
Re-Training #
Re-training shall be provided if there is a change in job assignment, change in machine tool or equipment use, or additional jobs present new hazard(s). Re-training may also occur if the Responsible Person/Monitor or EHS determines that it is necessary.
Emergency Response Training #
First Aid training is recommended, but is not a requirement, for the Responsible Person/Monitor. At a minimum, a stocked first aid kit should be available in or near the shop area.
Each shop’s Responsible Person/Monitor are also encouraged to obtain Fire Extinguisher training by contacting EHS’s Fire Safety Service (EHS-FSS) group at (734) 647-1143.
11.14 Proficiency Testing #
Based on the unit-specific Machine Shop Policy, certain tools or machines may also require proficiency testing prior to being deemed an “authorized machine tool user”. Proficiency determinations may be evaluated through completion of a shop project or through extensive hands-on training/oversight as determined by the Responsible Person.
Recordkeeping #
Individual departments must maintain training records on authorized machine tool users. Training records must include the specific machining tool or other equipment the individual was trained on, date of training, U-M ID number and the signature of trainee and trainer.
The Machine Shop Usage Agreement and Training Documentation Form is an example of a form that can be used to document both the Basic Machine Shop Safety Training and Tool Specific Training for an individual user.
This training information shall be posted in the designated machine shop, other machine tool user area, or maintained in a central location.
Individuals will be classified as “Authorized Machine Tool Users” upon completion of training and documented departmental training records. The Responsible Person will determine what method of identification will be used to distinguish between authorized users and those who have not been authorized. All records of authorized machine tool users will be kept in the EHS Document Binder (The Blue Binder).
11.15 Shop Access #
All University students and employees, i.e., professors, researchers, must have received formal machine shop safety training and be a designated “Authorized Machine Tool User” prior to access and use of machining tools and machining equipment in machine shops and other University facilities.
Spaces should be controlled by lock and key, or key card access so that only authorized users may enter the space. Responsible Persons are to evaluate each potential Authorized User’s use of the equipment in the space and provide instruction and supervision per prospective work. Only users authorized and trained to use the equipment are permitted to access the space to conduct work and research activities. All visitors must be cleared by the Responsible Person before entry. Upon entry they must follow PPE protocol and participate only as an observer.
Buddy System #
In accordance with this program, the designated Responsible Person shall implement a mandatory “buddy” system for all Authorized Machine Tool Users while working in machine shops, laboratories, or other University facilities that have machining tools or equipment.
Establish Hours of Operation #
Employee and student use of machine shops and facilities with machining tools and equipment shall be limited to established hours of operation. Using machining tools and equipment beyond established working hours and during weekends by Authorized Machine Tool Users is prohibited unless the designated Responsible Person has issued prior written approval.
Departments are strongly encouraged to limit after-hours usage of power equipment after midnight due to increased fatigue factors associated with late night working.
11.16 Shop Inspections #
In addition to normal oversight and review of the shop area on a continual basis, the Responsible Person shall conduct machine tool, associated equipment, and facility safety inspections twice yearly. Inspection criteria shall be based on manufacturer’s recommendations and in accordance with state safety regulations listed in the reference regulation section of this document. To aid in the inspection process, use the machine shop safety Self Inspection Checklist Survey.
All machine tools and equipment that are in violation of applicable safety standards, EHS programs or unsafe in any manner shall be removed from service and locked out until properly repaired or replaced.
Recordkeeping #
Documentation of these inspections shall be maintained by the department in the EHS Document Binder (Blue Binder) and be made available to EHS upon request.
11.17 Machine, Tool, and Equipment Servicing #
The equipment should be used and maintained according to the Manufacturer’s safety and general operating instructions. Modifications to any pieces of equipment should be done only with proper permissions from the manufacturer.
All maintenance activities should be recorded in maintenance logs, which should be located either with the EHS Document Binder or near the equipment. Examples of logged maintenance events for equipment can include, but are not limited to optic replacement, part replacement, or cleaning of internal components.
Maintenance logs also apply to ventilation systems attached either to the equipment, or as standalone units. Examples of logged maintenance events for these systems include but are not limited to, flow measurement, filter changes, hose replacement, or fan repair.
Individual departments must have a formal Lock-out/Tag-out procedure established prior to servicing or repairing any piece of machinery or equipment in a machine shop or other University facility. The Lock-out/Tag-out procedure shall be formulated in compliance with the Lockout Tagout chapter of this program (chapter 13).
11.18 Recordkeeping and Housekeeping #
All training, maintenance, and inspection documents should be kept either in the EHS Document Binder (Blue Binder) or in a common area where Responsible Persons, Research Administrators, and Authorized Users can access the information.
Work spaces should be kept free of walking and working surface obstructions including anything that poses a slip, trip, or fall hazard.
Chemicals used in the space must be kept in their appropriate storage locations. Quantities of flammable materials greater than 5 gallons must be stored in a flammable materials storage cabinet.
All spaces should have required signage posted on doors and areas near equipment warning Authorized Users of hazards and/or advising the use of PPE during operation or entry into the space.
11.19 Machine Shop Safety Signage and Postings #
At a minimum, applicable and appropriate safety signs, tags, stickers and other postings shall be provided, installed and maintained in all areas where a person or equipment operator might be, or would likely be, injured if not alerted to the hazard. Machine safeguarding placards are also available from EHS.
Consideration should also be given to using signs and labels based on the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Z535.4 Standard for Product Safety Signs and Labels or ISO 3864, both which specify the use of symbols which have the ability to communicate hazards across language barriers.
11.20 EHS Door Sign #
The posting of an informational door sign on the outside of each entrance to a shop is also strongly encouraged. The use of a U-M door sign is an important part of emergency response. Emergency responders use these signs to determine the primary hazards in the room and the emergency contact person. The sign would include current emergency contact information including contact names, office location, and work and home phone numbers. To obtain a door sign, complete the online Shops/Studios Request Form on EHS’s Forms webpage (Shop/Studio Door Sign Request Form) or contact EHS at (734) 647-1143.
11.21 Project Review #
Another element to consider incorporating into a shop’s safety program is the use of a Project Review Form. This form can be used by shop’s Responsible Persons and Monitors to review and sign off on student’s and other machine user’s projects and ideally would include project description, anticipated machines, tools, materials, etc., potential safety concerns, and safety measures to be taken to address the concerns.
11.22 Reference Documents #
- University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide (SPG 605.1)
- Hand Tools Institute, “Guide to Hand Tools” manual
- MIOSHA General Industry:
- Part 1. General Provisions
- Part1A. Abrasive Wheels
- Part 7. Guards for Power Transmission
- Part 11. Polishing, Buffing and Abrading
- Part12. Welding and Cutting
- Part 26. Metalworking Machinery
- Part 27. Woodworking Machinery
- Part 33. Personal Protective Equipment
- Part 38. Hand and Portable Powered Tools
OSHA:
Laser Cutting References
- Universal Laser Systems – Laser System Media/Materials Library
- ANSI Z136.1 – 2007: American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (2007)
- ANSI Z136.1-2014 – AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD FOR THE SAFE USE OF LASERS Appendix G. – Supplemental Information Regarding Laser Generated Air Contaminants (LGACs)
3D Printers References
- Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments – P. Azimi et.al.
11.23 Machine Shop Forms and Machine Specific Checklists #
- Academic Machine Shop Safety Policy Template
- Classification Matrix for Academic Machine Shop Equipment
- Machine Shop Usage Agreement and Training Documentation Form
- Self Inspection Checklist Survey
- Project Review Form
Machine-Specific Checklists
