Machine Shop Safety

The purpose of the Machine Shop Safety Guideline is to provide a University Standard for safety and administrative controls for individuals who work in shop areas that have fixed or permanently stationed or stored powered equipment. Our University goal is to eliminate, substitute, or install engineering controls to reduce/eliminate risk, but where administrative controls & PPE are required, this guideline will assist you with providing a SAFE Machine shop.

Safety Service Request

sTep 1

Start up Complete the machine shop registration form if you have a work area that meets the definition of a machine shop as listed in the introduction or are opening a new machine shop. This form will include an inventory of equipment in the machine shop. After EHS receives the registration form, a representative will reach out and schedule a time to conduct job hazard analysis to systematically identify and control hazards associated with a specific job or task to prevent injuries and illnesses. This visit will also include a thorough assessment to help consider equipment placement, floor markings, PPE storage requirements. You will then receive a template to assist in completing steps 2 through step 4.

Step 2

Safe Operation Guidelines – The Shop Manager shall establish shop specific information such as hours of operation, fire safety requirements, hand and power tools guidance, hazard warning signage, waste disposal requirements, controls over who can access the space and post this information near the shop entrance. Shop guidelines and rules must be clearly posted. Additionally, follow the Machine Shop Safe Operation Guidelines listed below:

  • Housekeeping – Keep floors, machines, and other surfaces free of dirt, oil, and debris. Properly store materials to prevent falls, maintain clear and marked walkways. Wood and metal chips, sawdust, and other debris must be routinely cleaned if collection systems are not in place and operating.
  • Material Storage and Handling – Stock materials must be stored in such a manner as to prevent falling, slipping, or rolling. Material should not be stored on the floor, and may not be stored where they will impede egress from the area. Use shelves or cabinets, as appropriate, to store materials.
  • Chemicals – Chemicals must be stored in cabinets approved for that use, as appropriate. Do not store incompatible chemicals together. Each Machine Shop where chemicals are present shall have chemical inventory. Utilize the EHS Resource Chemical Inventory Form to complete this task.
  • PPE – Follow shop safety guidelines regarding required PPE. Each Manager should complete the PPE Hazard Assessment to assist employees with PPE requirements.
  • Access Control to Shop – Machine Shops should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • Working Alone – As a recommended safety practice, no person should work in a shop area alone. Please refer to the Working Alone Guidelines for specific requirements.
  • Conduct self-monitoring using the Machine Shop Safety Checklist.

Step 3

Safe Operating Procedures – The Shop Manager will then utilize the inventory of shop equipment created in the Machine Shop Registration Form and the below OSHA Standards to create equipment specific Standard Operating Procedures.

Step 4

Training – Each person who uses shop equipment must receive training  prior to use. Machine shop supervisors (or designee) should provide machine and shop specific training, such as:

  • Shop Safe Operating Guidelines such as housekeeping and access.
  • Shop Specific hazards and methods of controlling exposure.
  • Machine-specific operating procedures and safety features.
  • Training Rosters shall be completed and documented by the supervisor.

step 5

EHS Support & Professional services

  • Inspections – Once your Machine Shop has been identified, there will be scheduled routine inspections conducted by the EHS office for all UNC Charlotte machine shops. Inspections will consist of a review of required documentation, and a walkthrough of the shops which focuses on but not limited to machine safety, PPE, electrical safety, fire safety, and chemical  storage and handling to minimize risk within each work area.
  • Safety Consultations – EHS professionals providing expert advice and guidance on environmental health and safety regulations, hazards, programs, plans, policies, procedures, etc.
  • Hazard Assessments – a process of locating and identifying specific hazards, hazard evaluation, and managing the risks of the hazards by implementing the most effective control.
  • Hazardous Warning Signage – assistance towards complying with regulations like OSHA and ANSI standards by providing sign recommendations for everything from high voltage warnings to chemical hazards, and can offer solutions like custom designs, installation, and multilingual options
  • Hazardous Materials Exposure Sampling – assistance identifying any potential hazardous materials within your work area and identifying options for handling and disposal.
  • Machine shop safety checklist: EHS has created this tool to be used by the shop supervisors to help ensure compliance with your work areas.
  • Safety Consultations

step 6

Closure – If your building is closing or you are moving your shop to another location, please enter a Safety Service Request and an EHS Professional will assist evaluating hazards and provide recommendations including but not limited to:

  • Safety checks of all equipment to identify non-routine safe work practices such as Lockout/Tagout, Respiratory protection, Manual Material Handling, or Ergonomics focused on lifting or moving heavy equipment.
  • Guidance on manufacturers instructions for safe shutdowns of equipment where applicable.
  • Check and secure Hazardous Materials such as Haz Waste, Used Oil, Universal Waste (any waste or leftover chemicals), etc.
  • Housekeeping & clean work stations.

Resources

Machine Shop Registration Form

Machine Shop Safety Checklist

OSHA Machine Guarding Information