Stanford University Product Realization Lab

SCHEDULE +
RESERVATIONS

Shop Safety

Safety is our number one priority in the shops. All the shop staff are Red Cross certified in First Aid and CPR. Our top priority is YOUR safety. No project, no matter how important, is worth a physical injury. All shop users must complete a 1-1/2 hour shop safety class taught by the shop staff before using the facilities. Safety classes are offered frequently the first week of each quarter, once a day the next week or two, and by demand thereafter.

Safety Classes Safety class is designed to give users a general idea of the types of hazards one might encounter in the shop and inform them of the proper procedures in the unlikely event of an accident. The class lasts about one hour and twenty minutes. Attendance is strictly limited to ten students. If you already have ANSI standard Z87.1-compliant safety glasses, please bring them; if not, glasses will be available for loan or purchase.

Protective Equipment and Clothing Certain protective equipment and clothing is required in the shop. At all times, you should wear:

ANSI Standard Z87.1-compliant safety glasses
All prescription eyeglasses sold in the U.S. meet this standard. If you do not wear glasses, you can buy suitable glasses at local hardware stores or here at PRL. Tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Leather-upper, Closed-toed Shoes
There is often danger of falling hot metal fragments, and closed leather shoes can help prevent injury.

At certain times, additional safety equipment may be necessary:

Face Shield
When there is specific danger of flying objects, such as when grinding metal, a clear face shield should be used.

Earplugs
Sustained exposure to high noise levels can cause sustained hearing damage. The Shop can get very loud; as a result, high-quality earplugs are available at no cost from the staff. Earmuff-style protection is also available.

Welding Mask
When welding, proper eye protection is required. Different types of welding require different masks; please consult the staff for assistance.

Long-sleeved, Natural-fiber Clothing
When welding or casting, long sleeves and pants increase your protection against hot metal sparks. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester will melt to your skin under high temperatures; natural fibers such as cotton, wool and linen will simply smolder, causing less harm.

No Contact Lenses
Contact lenses cannot be worn while welding; they focus unsafe amounts of light and radiation on the retina, which can cause long-term damage to your vision.

General Safety Rules

1) Never work alone.
2) Never work when you are impaired. This includes times when you are too tired, stressed, or otherwise inhibited from exercising appropriate caution in the shop.
3) Wear all necessary protective gear and clothing.
4) Long hair must be tied up securely.
5) Remove all personal accessories and loose clothing which might get caught in moving machinery. This includes rings, watches, jewelry, personal stereos, shop rags, ties, and open jackets.
6) Never leave a machine running unattended.
7) Never leave a chuck key in a chuck or a drawbar wrench on a drawbar.
8) Keep your hands well away from the point of contact between the workpiece and the cutter. If you must hand hold the work to keep it in place, your set-up is unsafe; improve it.
9) Support workpieces and cutting tools as securely as possible.
10) Have a shop staff member check you out the first time you use each machine or process in the shop. Do not operate any machinery with which you are unfamiliar.
For a complete copy of our safety handout, click here to download a pdf version.

Note: safety training signup sheets can be found on the courtyard doors to the Machine Shop at the start of each quarter.