Laboratory Safety

The objectives of the MME laboratories are:

• To provide students a hands-on experience with materials, equipment and experimental procedures.
• To develop the students' ability to work safely in a laboratory environment without risk to themselves or others.

General Safety

• No food or drink in the laboratories
• Avoid irresponsible behavior. Plan ahead. When working in teams, do not assume that the other people know what you are planning on doing.
• Learn the location and proper use of all laboratory emergency equipment. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area. Every student is responsible for cleanup. When you finish, please put away everything you used.

In addition to general safety, some laboratory activities require the use of machine tools, chemicals, electricity, hydraulics, compressed gases and related equipment and tools. During these activities, additional safety precautions are necessary:

• Work in the presence of another person.
• Use the correct equipment for the job. Find and use the proper manuals, specifications and other instructional aids. Tag, isolate, and report defective devices/tools to lab staff immediately.
• Wear clothing that affords protection but will not cause a safety problem.
• Remove jewelry near electricity and machinery.
• Locate the emergency stop before starting a machine.
• Follow the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements in each lab.
  • Types of PPE in the MME labs may include
    • Eye protection: safety glasses, goggles, etc.
    • closed toe shoes
    • gloves
    • face shield
    • welding jacket
    • Hearing protection: ear plugs or noise-cancelling ear muffs.

The essence of safety is thinking ahead about the possible consequences of your actions. If you are unsure about instructions, procedures or unfamiliar equipment, stop and ask for assistance. For the sake of everyone involved, do not ignore any potentially-unsafe condition or behavior.

High Bay & Machine Shop

• Operating hours for lab use are posted at the entrance of 057 Garland Hall.
• Classes held in the labs have the highest priority, followed by those who have reserved times for machines.
• MME 231 is a co-requisite for using the Machine Shop.
• All Grad Students wishing to use saws, lathes, mills, welders, or the drill press must first obtain authorization from Bradley Martin.

After Hours Access to the High Bay

Students are expected to make every effort to use the lab during operating hours before requesting After Hours access. In addition to all previous rules,

• Submit a request detailing what equipment is needed and what you are going to be doing in the lab.
• Only students who are authorized to enter the lab after hours may enter the lab. Opening the door to let unauthorized students into the lab is prohibited.
• Students accompanying faculty are permitted to enter the lab after hours. They must leave when their faculty contact leaves.