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General Requirements

Self-inspections

Machine shop coordinators should perform periodic shop inspections and document results. This checklist may be used to help identify hazardous conditions. Hazardous conditions must be corrected immediately or machinery tagged "out of service" until properly repaired or replaced. 

Environmental Health & Safety inspections/audits

Environmental Health & Safety will audit shops on a one or two-year frequency (depending on size and risk) to ensure training, documentation, and the physical space is compliant. A written report will be issued to the machine shop coordinator with recommendations for correction. 

VOSH inspections

Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) may inspect shops on campus without prior notification. Their focus will be on the physical space and machinery present, as well as proof of first aid/CPR training. A representative from Environmental Health & Safety should accompany the compliance officer, and a representative from the shop should be present during the walk-through.

  • Violations identified should be corrected at the time of their visit, if at all possible. A citation may still be issued. Before and after photos will be taken.
  • Violations that cannot be corrected at the time of the inspection must be corrected within 15 days of the visit, regardless of when the citation(s) is received.
  • Citations are typically received within one to two months after the onsite visit and are mailed directly to Environmental Health & Safety for response coordination.
  • Environmental Health & Safety will forward a copy of the citation to the machine shop supervisor.  It must be posted in the shop area for three business days, or until the violation has been abated, whichever is greater.
  • Environmental Health & Safety will coordinate proof of abatement (photographs, training records, etc.) with the machine shop coordinator, and officially respond to VOSH. A copy of the response will be sent to the machine shop coordinator.
  • Floors, machines, and other surfaces must be kept free of dirt and debris. If floor surfaces are wet or slippery or become wet during work activities, they should be protected with a non-slip coating or covering.
  • Wood and metal chips, sawdust, and other debris must be routinely cleaned if dust collection systems are not in place and operating.
  • Where machinery is hard-wired into the electrical system, an accessible and labeled disconnect (if not  obvious) shall be provided.
    • Clearances in front of electrical panels and disconnects must be maintained. It is recommended that the floor below the disconnects be marked as a reminder.
  • Where machinery is cord-and-plug connected to the power supply, proper grounding shall be maintained.
  • Exposed energized electrical hazards, such as missing knockouts, covers, damaged cords, etc., shall be corrected immediately. 
  • Proper lockout/tagout procedures shall be followed for all servicing and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
  • 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, or where they block electrical disconnects. 
  • Use shelves or cabinets, as appropriate, to store materials.
  • Mezzanines used to store materials shall be load rated and marked accordingly. Mezzanines shall not be overloaded.
  • Chemicals must be stored in cabinets approved for that use, as appropriate. 
  • Do not store incompatible chemicals together. 
  • Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used must be maintained in the shop area.
  • Compressed gas cylinders must be stored, used, and handled in accordance with safe work practices.
  • A Hazard Communication Plan must be available upon request.
  • Chemicals must be registered (see tab in the Safety Management System).  For additional information, please contact Zack Adams, 540-231-5985.

Flammable and combustible liquids include, but are not limited to, materials such as gasoline, oils, some paints, lacquers, thinners, cleaners, and solvents. To determine if a material or product is flammable or combustible, review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or read the manufacturer's label on the product.

  • Information regarding proper storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids can be found in the Fire and Life Safety Program, or by contacting Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-9068.
  • Store any cloth or paper rags or material that has been saturated with flammable or combustible liquids, in an approved metal can with a tight-fitting lid. These materials should be removed on a daily basis and placed into a 55-gallon metal drum with a tight-fitting lid located in an approved storage location. Contact Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-2982 for approval of the storage location and to arrange disposal of the drum when full.
  • Always remove/replace clothing that has become saturated with a flammable or combustible liquid-even if it is just a little. Saturated clothing can easily ignite if exposed to an ignition source, such as radiant heat, flame, sparks or slag from hot work, or an electrical arc.

Access to shop areas should be restricted to authorized personnel (users) only. Personal protective equipment required for access should be posted at the entrance.  

  • Aisles and walkways must be kept free of debris and obstructions and a clear path must be maintained to the exit.
  • All exits shall be properly identified with signage. 
  • Machinery should be placed so that a clear and safe operating area is maintained for each machine.
  • The shop area must have adequate lighting to perform the work safely. Task lighting on machinery should be provided, where necessary.
  • Sufficient ventilation is required for welding and cutting areas.
  • Noise control or hearing protection may be necessary.
  • Harmful dusts, mists, and fumes shall be properly controlled or employees shall be protected.

Machine shops accessed by students or other departments should establish a policy for safe and proper use of the area. The policy should include expectations, guidelines, and rules to be followed by personnel.

The machine shop coordinator should establish shop-specific information, such as:   

  • No person should work in a shop area alone (i.e. buddy system);
  • Hours of operation where appropriate oversight is provided should be established;
  • Housekeeping rules should be established;
  • Required training should be defined;
  • Emergency contact numbers, and a means for summoning help, must be readily available; and
  • Shop guidelines and rules must be clearly posted. 

Machinery hazards include rotating parts, which can catch loose hair, clothing, or jewelry in a matter of seconds pulling you into the machine causing serious injury (scalping, choking, cuts, amputations, crushing, etc.) or death. Look for belts, pulleys, shafts, blades, bits that rotate and ensure they are properly guarded. In addition, the following guidelines should be specified on the Hazard Assessment Form for the shop:

  • No long sleeve shirts;
  • No loose shirttails (tuck into pants); 
  • No neckties, scarves, or hood strings;
  • No loose jewelry (i.e. necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings, etc.); 
  • No gloves (recommended for material handling only; not during machinery use);
  • No open-toed shoes (i.e. sandals, flip flops); 
  • Long pants recommended; 
  • Hearing protection is highly recommended and may be required in some instances; 
  • Hair below the collar of your shirt must be secured (tied back and tucked in shirt or covered by a hat);
  • Long beards must be covered; 
  • Safety glasses must be worn at all times; 
  • Face shields (required when using grinders); and
  • Other machine-specific clothing/equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.