This document was developed to familiarize participants with the general safety concepts and requirements necessary to work safely in USC machine shops.

2.0 APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

California: Title 8, General Industry Safety Orders

Federal: U.S. Federal OSHA 29 CFR, 1910, Subpart O: Machinery and Machine Guarding

3.0 TRAINING

Prior to working in any of the University Machine shops:

Be aware of the General Shop Safety Concepts and Requirements
Know how to report trouble items/maintenance needs to the maintenance department.
Understand the limitations and hazards of using compressed air in the shop environment.
Be aware of the proper selection of hand tools for machining operations.
Understand the safety precautions that must be observed when working with magnesium or other fire-hazardous or toxic materials.
Understand the process for selecting Personal Protective Equipment for machining operations.
Be aware of existing policies and procedures regarding energy lockout and use of lifting devices.
Be familiar with information about controlling hazards for specific equipment in your shop area.

4.0 GENERAL SHOP SAFETY CONCEPTS & REQUIREMENTS

4.1 General Requirements

Do not operate any machine unless qualified and authorized by the shop supervisor to use it.
No machine is to be started unless all guards are in place.
Safe work procedures must be developed, posted, and enforced. Safe shop practices do not permit taking chances.
Practical jokes, horseplay, wrestling, throwing objects, air hose games, loud unnecessary noises, or unusual commotion is positively forbidden.
Any slippery substance such as oil, grease, water, etc. spilled on the floor must be wiped up immediately.
Do not throw refuse into the machine coolant. Such actions might spread disease.

4.2 Setup/Preparations

Operators must not wear jewelry, loose-fitting clothing, neckties, or other apparel that may become caught in machinery.
Keep long hair that could be caught by moving parts covered.
Tool rests, tongue guards, and deflection shields should be properly adjusted before grinding wheels are operated. When chipping or using a portable grinder, utilize necessary portable shielding to protect other workers.
Equipment sent to the shop for repair containing other than known harmless chemicals should be thoroughly cleaned before repair work is started.
Before starting any machine, ensure the controls are set to run within safe specifications.
Machine guards shall be adjusted to expose the minimum amount of cutting head or blade to complete the work.

4.3 Operating Machine

Tools and equipment shall not be left unattended while parts are still in motion or machinery is in a "cocked" or midcycle status.
When operating a power-driven machine, stop the machine whenever it is necessary to divert attention away from the workpiece.
Do not manually adjust and gauge (caliper) work while the machine is running.
Keep fingers away from moving machine parts. Never reach over dangerous moving parts or lean over the work so that hair or clothing can become entangled in rotating parts.
Use brushes, vacuum equipment, or special tools to remove chips and shavings from near a cutting tool. Never use hands or rags that can be caught by moving parts.
Stop the machine when it is necessary to clean, oil, or adjust the equipment.
Never attempt to stop a machine by using the hand or any part of the body as a brake.
Only the proper hand tools should be used. Tools should be kept in their proper location (such as a tool rack or rest).
An exhaust system or other provisions on woodworking machinery shall ensure removal of sawdust and debris prior to the accumulation becoming a danger to employees.
Push sticks shall be used where appropriate (i.e. stripping, cutting small parts, etc.)

4.4 Machine Repair

All operators and/or employees may contact the product manufacturer or Customer Service at (213) 740-6833 of Facilities Management Services to report repair items/maintenance needs .

The equipment shall not be operated until the safety issue has been resolved. Note: Never attempt to make electrical repairs. Request assistance from an electrician.

Use of compressed air for cleaning purposes, referred to as “blow-down or blow-off”, is discouraged where alternate means are feasible. Specifically cleaning with compressed air entrains dust into the air where it can be inhaled and can propel projectiles that have the potential to penetrate the skin or eyes. For these reasons, cleaning with compressed air should only be conducted when other methods, such as vacuuming and brushing, are impractical or ineffective. Additionally, use of compressed air for cleaning is expressly prohibited for specific toxic substances. If in doubt as to the appropriateness or necessity for cleaning with compressed air, check with your supervisor or safety advocate.

Compressed air used for cleaning purposes shall be less than 30 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.) at the nozzle and effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment shall be employed.

Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning clothing while on personnel, nor for cleaning personnel.

4.6 Hand Tools

Use the approved tool for the job. Makeshift arrangements such as the use of a screwdriver as a chisel, a pair of pliers as a wrench, a wrench as a hammer, or overloading a wrench by using a pipe extension (cheater bar) on the handle are not to be employed.
Use only tools that are in good condition and free from broken or splintered parts. Ensure that hammer heads are attached securely to the handles. In addition, files and similarly constructed tools should be equipped with handles
Mushroomed heads on cold chisels, punches, hammers, etc. are to be ground down to avoid injury from flying particles.
Use suitable shields to cover the dangerous parts of sharp-edged or pointed tools. Standard tool belts, grunt bags, pouches, or boxes should be used for carrying tools. The use of pockets for this purpose is to be avoided.
When working with hand tools, always secure the work in a mechanical vise. Never use your hands in place of such equipment.

4.7 Personal Protective Equipment

All individuals in the machine shop areas must wear eye protection. Safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, are excellent for operations that may generate flying objects. Face shields are not adequate if there are flying objects but do help if there is dust. Face shields may be necessary in addition to goggles on some operations. Safety glasses with side shields may also be effective. Consult with your supervisor in order to determine the best eye protection for your particular job.

Safety shoes must be worn in designated areas and while performing specific tasks where injury potential to the top of the foot is high.

Gloves shall not be worn while operating machinery with rotating or reciprocating parts. Gloves may be worn while loading and unloading parts and tooling

4.8 Lifting

Do not attempt to lift heavy work. Obtain assistance or use hoists, shop lifts, or other lifting aids.

Use of overhead cranes is reserved only for employees trained and authorized to operate the specific crane being used. Among the necessary precautions, operators must check slings and other rigging equipment for defects. The loads need to be safely secured and affected personnel in the area must be warned and through traffic detained. (See Lifting Safety)

4.9 Lockout/Tagout

In addition to the manufacturer-installed electrical controls on machine tools, each machine must have a disconnect switch that can be locked in the Off position to isolate the machine from the power source. No maintenance or repair on any machine should be conducted until the “disconnect” switch serving the equipment has been shut off, padlocked in the “Off” position, and tagged. (See Lockout/Tagout Program.)

5.0 MACHINE SPECIFIC HAZARDS / SAFETY CONTROLS / INSPECTION

The following guides include information about machinery found in many of the USC shop areas. They will help you: Identify specific types of machines and their functions, understand the potential hazards associated with each machine, and learn to identify and eliminate hazards through periodic machinery inspection.

These guides describe minimum standards of regulatory agencies. Operations may require alternative methods of safeguarding, which must meet the minimum requirements of law. If you have any questions about alternative safeguarding methods, contact the Environmental, Health and Safety office for assistance at 213-740-6448.

Take the time to review the data sheets for the equipment that is present in your shop area, especially those which you may be asked to operate. Review operations not covered in this booklet with your immediate supervisor.

6.0 PROGRAM APPROVAL AND REVIEW

Last Reviewed: 03/07/2006

By: Alfred M. Bouziane, Ed Becker

University Park Campus - 837 Downey Way, Stonier Hall 102-B Los Angeles, California 90089-1143 Mail Code 1143 Tel: 213-740-6448 Fax: 213-740-0820

Health Sciences Campus - 1540 Alcazar Street, Center for Health Professions CHP-148 Los Angeles, California 90033-9005 Mail Code 9005 Tel: 323-442-2200 Fax: 323-442-2201

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