Mechanical Hazards

See also Part 4 of the University Health and Safety Policy - Mechanical Equipment.

Within the Mechanical Workshop, Room 1407, there are various hazards from rotating machinery, grindwheels, hand-held drilling machines, saws and cutting tools, guillotine, bending and punching tools etc.

As with all engineering equipment the prime rule of safety within a mechanical workshop is that of good housekeeping and general tidiness.

Students are not permitted entrance to the mechanical workshop,Room 1407, unless approval has been obtained from the Head of Division or his authorised representative.

The Health and Safety Act requires certain standards of safety for all mechanical equipment and the following notes are aimed at providing the correct safe working procedure:

1.

Do not operate a machine if you are wearing loose clothing - button up shirt sleeves or overalls. If you have long hair you must wear the protective cap which is provided and which should be left in the workshop. Members of staff who have long hair and expect to use the mechanical workshop can acquire a personal cap from the Safety Representative.

2.

Always ensure that machine guards are fitted and in position when operating machinery. It is illegal to remove guards from a machine without a very good reason. Belt guards and motor guards must always be replaced if they have been removed for servicing.

3.

Always use clamps to hold a workpiece in the drilling machine table. Do not attempt to hold the workpiece by hand. Brass is particularly liable to seize on the drillbit unless the correct type of bit is used and the bit kept sharp. Get advice from trained technical staff if you are at anytime unsure. Do not take risks. Return all drillbits to their proper holder.

4.

Do not use handtools of the wrong size and ensure that the handtool (whether spanner or screwdriver etc.) fits the work correctly.

5.

Never use handfiles unless they have a proper handle fitted. The pointed tang of a file can slip and pierce the palm of the hand.

6.

Ensure that hand cutting tools are sharp - a blunt handtool will slip easily and can cause injury. When using a handtool remember to apply the force for cutting or filing in a direction away from the body.

7.

Keep machine tools, workbenches and surrounding areas clean of loose metal swarf and chippings.

8.

If the machining operation requires you to do so, ( e.g. drilling, grinding a tool) always use safety glasses to the appropriate British Standard (BS2092) specification as well as the machine guard.

9.

Abrasive grindwheels can cause serious eye injuries due to grit being thrown from the grindwheel - wear appropriate eye protection. Grinding wheels are subject to additional legislation and must only be mounted and adjusted by a trained workshop technician who has attended the university instruction course for such an operation.

10.

Use hoisting and lifting equipment held in Physics stores when moving heavy weights around. Make sure that slings are correctly placed. If you are unsure, ask and do not take risks.

11.

The circular saw in the Physics stores is available to certain approved technical staff in this Division. This saw must be used in accordance with the Woodworking Machines Regulations 1974, to be found on the wall in the area of the saw.

12.

Always ensure that when you leave a machine or piece of equipment that it is in a safe condition for the next person to approach and use.

Finally, if you are in doubt about the operating procedures of any piece of mechanical equipment, find out before you switch it on, or attempt to use it, otherwise damage may be caused to the equipment or injury to yourself or some other person who may happen to be in the vicinity at that time.