General Mechanical Workshop Safety Rules

Mechanical Workshop Safety Rules

Most engineering colleges around the world include workshop training in the first year, which is common to all engineering disciplines.

General Mechanical Workshop Safety Rules

Be it mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. The basic objective of such courses is to introduce the students to industry practices and help them understand the basics of working in the workshop. When new employees start working in a workshop they will notice that certain guidelines are often posted on the walls. These guidelines may not suit a young engineer or a new employee, but it is very important to follow, understand and apply them in the daily work schedule. Improvement in efficiency, reduction of safety hazards, and symmetrical handling of work are some of the advantages of following workshop practices.

Also Read:- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Base metal Qualification Thickness limit.

Common Mechanical Workshop Safety Rules

Different workshops have different working methods and machines; however, there are some rules that apply to any mechanical workshop in the world.

* Always wear a safety PPE Kit while working in the workshops. Hand gloves, safety shoes, helmets, and goggles are essential for workshop jobs such as plumbing, machine fitting, welding, or carpentry. For example, some people do not wear welding glasses when doing welding work. This can result in temporary or permanent blindness as the welding spark can destroy human eye tissue.

* Machines can fail at any time. This can happen during the process of tightening the screw or replacing the machine's motor. Regardless of the type of breakdown, never attempt to operate the machine while it is up and running. There is always room for error in electrical components, regardless of their design, make, or technology. Even if the breakdown is normal and only screw tightening is required, it is always advisable to shut down the machine and then repair it. Electric shocks can be fatal or at least capable of harming human cells because workshop machines have high power ratings.

Also Read:- Thickness Limit Of Welder Qualification Test (WQT).

* When dealing with vehicles, always ensure that general safety guidelines are followed. Pull the hand brake, chock the rear wheels, and fit the fender cover. Always jack the vehicle on a hard surface otherwise use a spreading block to spread the load.

* Where necessary, non-slip mats should be used in front of machines, and machines should be sensibly placed and anchored suitably to vibration to avoid overcrowding.

* Maintain all machines and equipment service records for any interruptions. This will not only save time but will also help you deal with frequent breakdowns.

* All equipment and accessories must be put back in their respective places. Placing them anywhere will result in chaos and inefficient work.

* Smoking and alcohol drinking should be prohibited in the workshops.

* The gangway through the workshop should be kept clear. Any grease or oil leaks should be cleaned up regularly.

Safety and Fire Precautions

Also Read:- Basic Electrical Safety

* Accidents normally happen in workshops but fire can be the deadliest. Injury drills are an integral part of workshops and they help employees avoid them, which in the case where having a prepared employee is the best way to minimize damage. These are some of the rules and guidelines that help in tracking injuries and accidents.

* Always attend mock security drills. Workshops are enclosed structures, in case of emergency, you may find yourself trapped. Whenever simulated security drills are conducted, participate in them as it is the best way to prepare you for an emergency.

* Before beginning any welding operation, ensure that a suitable fire extinguisher is readily available. All employees should know how to use fire extinguishers, although they always have clear instructions on them. Flammable materials should always be accompanied by a fire extinguisher.

* One should also know the difference between water extinguishers and carbon dioxide extinguishers and when to use them. For electrical fire, water fire extinguishers should not be used and proper training is advised so that no confusion is created in the time of emergency.

Also Read:- Accident Prevention, OSHA Safety Manuals

* Dealing with chemicals requires extra protection because chemicals have infectious effects and can spread from person to person. Washing hands, wearing gloves and masks, and using barrier creams are all recommended. At the first glimpse of any skin or respiratory disorder, consult a doctor.

* Working with toxic substances such as lead, manganese, and nickel, etc. also requires special attention as these materials have long-term adverse effects on human health. Metallic liquids can also cause health problems such as occupational asthma. Make sure all exhaust fans and respirators are working properly before you begin working with chemically hazardous substances.

* Most importantly, everyone inside the workshop should know the contact numbers of the ambulance and fire services.

Also Read:- Lean Manufacturing Principles.

Above all, safety is the primary concern. Secondly, improving work efficiency with minimal hassles is what workshop managers want to achieve. If the above-mentioned safety guidelines and work rules are carefully followed and followed, one can achieve both goals. It's important to always be prepared for a medical or emergency because trouble is never announced and that's what mechanical workshop safety rules do.

Also Read:- General Safety Precautions.