Introduction

The workshop rules for the Mechanical Workshop consists of the information provided on this page. After reading this information, you must complete the form at the bottom of the page to confirm that you read, understood and will follow these rules when using the workshop. This forms the initial part of your introduction to the Mechanical Workshop. You also have to undertake training and an assessment of competence by the workshop manager before you are allowed to use any of the machinery.

Rules for the Mechanical Workshop

1. No-one may operate any of the machinery until they have been assessed for competence and duly authorised by the workshop manager.
2. Familiarise yourself with the overhead emergency stop wires, and the stop switches which are mounted on the electrical trunking. The emergency stop system will disconnect the power supply to the whole workshop and can therefore be used to remotely disable any machine which is involved with an incident with another operator. Be prepared to use this system if you are made aware of someone else in trouble with a machine tool. You will not be criticised for a genuine reaction.
   
3. Workshop staff and other who use workshop machinery must wear safety shoes/boots. Occasional visitors must wear sturdy shoes, the uppers must be enclosed and made of leather. On no account should flip flops or sandals be worn in the work area.
4. All visitors, regardless of footwear, must enter the workshop at the visitors door adjacent to the stores and report to the office.
5. Eye protection must be worn whenever there is the slightest risk of eye injury, and always when operating a machine tool.
6. Long hair must be tied back when operating machine tools.
7. No loose bracelets, necklaces or neckties shall be worn when operating machine tools. Rings will be considered on an individual basis. Plain bands are acceptable, but not advised.
8. ANY item which is too heavy to be lifted by one hand, must be lifted by a technician(s) wearing safety shoes.
   Note: Manual lifting regulations are in force for operations of this nature. Refer any lifting task involving substantial (i.e. > 10 kg) load to the workshop technical staff for assessment.
9. Metal swarf must not be handled without gloves. Swarf must not be pulled by hand from a moving machine e.g. a lathe, even with gloves on. A suitable tool must be used.
10. Compressed air can be extremely dangerous and must be treated with respect. Make sure that debris and swarf is not blown around the workshop, especially at other personnel. Compressed air must not be used as a brush for general cleaning of machines - this only transfers dirt from one place to another, and can damage machine tool moving parts.
11. Contact with lubricants and fluids can present a health risk. Minimise exposure by using creams and/or gloves (i.e. personal protective equipment). Visitors should advise the workshop staff if they have skin problems or dermatitis. Cover all cuts and wounds promptly with a plaster, and always inform a first-aider of the accident.
12. Moving parts on machine tools (chucks, cutters etc.) should be guarded at all times. The only exception to this rule is when an individual job or operation cannot be completed with the guard in position. A workshop technician of grade '5' or above, or another suitably qualified member of staff must assess the situation. If the risk of removing the guard in question is judged to be acceptable, then a skilled technician taking extreme care following risk assessed procedure can carry out the work.
13. The workshop floor must be kept as clean as practical especially the walkway. Machines must be cleaned thoroughly after use. Keep the workshop clean, tidy and safe.
14. Only authorised personnel are allowed to use welding equipment.
15. Fume extraction must be used when welding or brazing/soldering.
16. During welding appropriate eye protection must be worn together with gloves and suitable clothing to protect from UV burns and hot objects.
17. Personnel must not enter the welding bay while welding is in progress, unless suitable eye protection is worn.
18. Drinks may be consumed in the workshop but no food should be eaten. The drink preparation area including the fridge and microwave must be kept clean.

Form