Introduction
The hazards associated with shop work require special safety considerations. Whether you work in a metal shop, wood shop, automotive shop, glass shop, or electrical shop, the potential hazards for personal injury are numerous. This chapter highlights essential safety information for working in a TAMUS-HSC shop. Refer to other chapters in this manual, including General Safety, Electrical Safety, and Fire/Life Safety, for more information on handling many shop situations.
The following table highlights common shop hazards: It is not possible to detail all the risks involved with shop work. However, it is possible to foresee many hazards by carefully planning each job. To prevent accidents, utilize your knowledge, training, and common sense. Evaluate potential sources of injury, and attempt to eliminate any hazards.
| POTENTIAL HAZARDS | HAZARD SOURCES |
| Physical | |
| Compressed air/gases | Oxygen, acetylene, air |
| Flying debris | Grinders, saws, welders |
| Noise | Any power tool |
| Pinching, cutting, amputation | Vises, power tools, hand tools |
| Slipping, tripping | Wood/metal chips, electrical cords, oil, etc. |
| UV radiation | Welding |
| Electrical | |
| Overload | Too many cords per outlet |
| Fire | Frayed, damaged cords |
| Shock | Ungrounded tools, equipment |
| Fire | |
| Flammable chemicals | Gasoline, degreasers, paint thinners, etc. |
| Sparks | Welders, grinders |
| Static sparks | Ungrounded tools or solvent containers |
| Uncontrolled fire | Lack of appropriate fire extinguishers |
| Chemical | |
| Toxic Liquids | Cleaning solvents, degreasers, etc. |
| Toxic fumes, gases, dusts | Welding, motor exhaust, etc. |
It is not possible to detail all the risks involved with shop work. However, it is possible to foresee many hazards by carefully planning each job. To prevent accidents, utilize your knowledge, training, and common sense. Evaluate potential sources of injury, and attempt to eliminate any hazards.
