Safety Rules for VIB

The information contained below has been developed in accordance with the following regulations and standards and adapted from the Baylor University Shop Safety Manual (Jan 6, 2016):

  • 29 CFR 1910 Subpart J, “General Environmental Controls”
  •  29 CFR 1910 Subpart O, “Machinery and Machine Guarding”
  •  29 CFR 1910 Subpart P, “Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment”
  •  “Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations” – OSHA publication 3170-02R
  •  “A Guide for Protecting Workers from Woodworking Hazards” – OSHA publication 3157
  •  “Hand and Power Tools” – OSHA publication 3080
  •  A variety of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards

Summary of General Safety Rules

  1. The attending faculty or staff member in the shop will ensure that all appropriate safety rules are followed. Faculty or staff will assist in providing guidelines and recommendations as warranted. Faculty or staff will also perform periodic audits of the shop to ensure compliance with established Guidelines.
  1. Only trained and approved persons will be permitted to use any piece of powered equipment.
    1. Training is to be done and documented by the designated faculty or staff member. Training should consist of both theory and hands-on competency training.
    2. Training will be documented and record retention will be the responsibility of the school.
  1. Shops are to be kept clean and orderly.
    1. Each student is responsible for cleaning their work space at the end of the school day.
    2. Each student is responsible for keeping the floor clear of any obstacles including but not limited to; cords, tools, metal stock, and personal belongings.
  1. Shop safety rules are to be posted.
  1. Horseplay is forbidden.
  1. Machines are to be inspected by the user prior to use.
    1. Machines should NEVER be used if all guards are not in place.
    2.  Machines should be placed out of service if:
      1. Guards are missing or damaged
      2. Machine is damaged or not operating properly
      3. Power cords are damaged or plug is not properly grounded
  1. Use the right tool for the job. Do not force a tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not designed.
  1. WEAR PROPER ATTIRE. Do not wear loose fitting garments, gloves, jewelry, watches, ties, ID badges or anything else dangling that might get caught in a piece of moving equipment. Long hair should be secured for student safety.
    1. Never wear open toe shoes – Use closed-toe shoes in the shop.
    2. Always wear natural fiber clothing.
  1. No student shall operate a powered piece of equipment in a shop alone. Use a buddy system in the shop.
  1. Never enter the shop under any impairment.
    1. This includes when you are sick, too tired, stressed or hurried to work carefully or on medication that could make you drowsy.
  1. Never be shy about seeking help. Always ask if you’re unsure about the safe operation of a tool or any aspect of a job. Have faculty or staff check the tool or work with which you are unfamiliar.
    1. Exercise common sense and clarify proper use before starting work.
  1. All injuries should be reported to faculty or staff and appropriate medical treatment or first aid sought immediately.
    1. Never hesitate to activate emergency medical response as time may be critical depending on the injury.
    2. All incidents are to be reported to staff and on the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing incident report form.
    3. Each student is responsible for their own medical well-being.