Shop Safety

In order to use the shops you MUST follow all safety guidelines and procedures. Failure to do so will result in either a warning or termination of shop privilege at the discretion of the shop supervisor or manager. 

Shop safety rules are in line with institute-wide EHS shop safety rules. The Physics-specific rules are an extension of the EHS rules, which are always in effect. A good (and fun) video summary of the EHS shop safety regulations can be found here and they are listed in slightly more detail below. Additional information on shop and makerspace safety can be found in MIT's Standard Operating Guidelines.

Physics Shop Rules

  • Dress appropriately for shop work and wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when in the shop.
  • Conduct yourself calmly and keep your wits about you. Working in an agitated or hurried state is never a good idea. Work slowly enough to double check your actions. Not only does haste make waste, it can be extremely dangerous in the shop.
  • Only use tools that you are trained on and familiar with. Be aware of the hazards associated with a given tool, as well as potential failure modes. Assess the machines before and during your work.
  • Do your part to keep the shop clean and organized, for the safety and sanity of all shop members. Nothing should be brought into or taken out of the shop without explicit permission from the shop manager.
  • If you have questions or are uncertain, ASK!
  • The shops may be used between 8am and 10pm, with appropriate supervision. They are not to be open or used outside of those times.
  • If there is any problem with a tool, or with anything else in the shop, notify the shop manager as soon as possible (within 12 hours).
  • No one may use powered or cutting tools alone, under any circumstances: always have a buddy!
    • Supervised work policy:
      • Novice users, or those not familiar with a particular piece of equipment, must work directly with the shop manager or supervisor. If the manager or supervisor does not feel comfortable working with that user, they can request that the user acquire more training.
      • If a shop manager or supervisor is present, a trained and experienced user can work without direct oversight
      • Shop managers or supervisors may use machine tools if another person is present, as long as that person is aware of basic shop safety procedures
      • Shop managers may work alone when powered or cutting tools are not in use 

 

MIT SHOP SAFETY RULES

Personal Safety:

  • Always dress appropriately:
    • No loose clothing- Ties, scarves, loose sleeves, jewelry etc. are prohibited.
    • Wear appropriate shoes- No sandals, open shoes, or heels
    • Always tie back long hair, including long beards, such that it is not able to hang in front of face/neck.
  • Use the required personal protective equipment (PPE):
    • Everyone must wear safety glasses while in the shop.
    • No gloves while machining.
    • Wear disposable gloves when working with adhesives.

Shop Environment: Housekeeping Best Practices:

  • Prevent slip/trip hazards: wipe up any spills immediately.
  • Clean up work area: leave the shop cleaner than you found it
  • Maintain clear aisles and orderly storage of stock and supplies.

Shop Environment: Don’ts:

  • DO NOT WORK ALONE! Always use the buddy system.
  • Do not remove, displace or damage a machine guard
  • Do not leave machines running unattended.
  • Do not prop open doors to the studio or shop or do anything to defeat the locks.
  • Do not throw hazardous materials in the regular trash. Ask how to dispose of something if you are unsure.

Self Awareness: Machine Operation

  • Safety is our top priority in the shop, if you have questions, please ASK!
  • Never use a machine or power tool until you have been trained and are knowledgeable on its safe use.
  • Use brushes, hooks, shop vacuums, or other tools to remove chips and shavings. Never use hands, fingers or compressed air.
  • Always keep fingers and hands clear of the point of operation by using push sticks, hooks, and pliers, as appropriate.
  • Assess and appreciate the machines:
    • Know which parts move, which are stationary, and which are sharp.
    • Double check that your workpiece is securely held.
    • Always remember to remove chuck keys and wrenches.
    • Be familiar with the e-stop location and function

Self Awareness: Safe Conduct in the Shop:

  • Do not become distracted or distract someone else while operating shop tools.
  • If you are fatigued, take a break.
  • Know your resources: Who is in charge of the shop? Shop specific rules? Operator’s manuals?
  • Listen to the machine. If something doesn’t sound right, turn it off and tag it, “Out of Service”
    • Make a note of what happened and contact the shop supervisor or manager to inform them of the issue

Universal:

  • It is a privilege to work in MIT shops, violations of these rules may result in the loss of privilege to work in MIT shops.
  • Always remember, the best safety device is between our ears!