4302 PR.02 Student-Access Shop Safety Minimum Standards

Revision Date: July 1, 2025

Contents

1.      Overview

2.      Shop Safety Feature Requirements

3.      Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) Requirements

1. Overview

This procedure supports Policy 4302 Student-Access Shop and Tool Safety Policy and describes the minimum safety requirements that apply to all Yale Student-Access Shops.

2. Shop Safety Feature Requirements

The below sections outline the essential design and safety features required for Yale Student-Access Shops to promote a safe working environment and mitigate risks.

Working Alone:

• Instructors and Shop Supervisors may work alone, although it is discouraged.
• Graduate students may work alone in Shop Safety Level 2 (SSL-2) shops but may not work alone in SSL 3-4 Shops.
• Undergraduates may not work alone with Tools in SSL 2-4 Shops.
• A Shop Supervisor or Shop Monitor must be present when Undergraduates work in SSL 3-4 Shops.

Clothing and Appearance:

• Loose clothing, including but not limited to ties, scarves, or loose sleeves, are forbidden.
• Remove jewelry before working.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid shorts or skirts to protect bare skin.
• Tie back long hair or secure it with a hat or hairnet. Long beards also must be contained.

Shop Supervision:

• Shop Supervisors and Shop Monitors may impose stricter rules, as necessary.

Access and Entry Features

A. Restricted Entry

• Shop entry doors must be lockable with controlled access using keys, security punch codes, or ID card access systems.
• For Shops containing Risk Group 3 or higher (refer to Procedure 4302 PR.03 Project Safety Review for risk classification definitions) tools, ID card access control is mandatory.
• Power tools located in shared or unsecured areas must be protected from unauthorized use (e.g., main power lockout systems or individual tool lockouts).
• For Shops with card access systems, all individuals must use their personal card to enter. No tailgating or door holding is permitted.

B. Visual Access into Shop

Provide clear visibility into the shop using:

• Glass door view panels;
• Door sidelights;
• Windows or clear glass walls; and
• When applicable, continuous CCTV coverage with live monitoring at the entrance.

C. Signage and Egress Requirements

• Install a Shop safety poster with contact information, shop hours, general guidelines, any specific rules, and safety reminders. At a minimum, the poster should contain the information outlined in section 3 and 4, below.
• Clearly mark egress doors and keep exit routes unobstructed at all times.

D. Basic Safety Equipment

• At the entrance
  • Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) Station: Provide safety glasses or goggles (minimally compliant with the ANSI Z87+ standard for impact resistance), and other required protective equipment (e.g., gloves, aprons) as appropriate.
• Emergency Equipment
  • First aid kit readily accessible.
  • Emergency eyewash station (ANSI-compliant, plumbed to the sewer).
  • Landline phone (non-VOIP) with a 911 sticker and the shop’s local address clearly labeled.
  • Shop contact label posted with emergency contact names and numbers.
  • SDS station for quick access to safety data sheets. This may be a physical binder or access to a computer where SDSs may be accessed.
  • Portable fire extinguishers available and in a location specified by the Yale University Office of the Fire Marshal.
  • Deluge fire sprinkler system installed.
  • Fire/smoke alarms installed and integrated with building systems, when possible.

E. Additional Shop Features

• Lighting:
  • Provide adequate general lighting with protective covers or safety bulbs on fixtures below 8 feet.
  • Task lighting must be available for precision work areas
• Flooring:
  • Maintain clean, intact, non-slip flooring; use mats or friction strips near stationary tools where surfaces could become slippery.
• Storage and Organization:
  • Ensure sufficient storage space for materials, supplies, and tools.
  • Use flammable chemical storage cabinets when storing more than 5 gallons of flammable liquids in the Shop.
• Sink and Hygiene:
  • Provide a handwashing sink in or near the Shop area.
  • Designate a separate break or desk area for eating, drinking, and food storage.
  • No consumption of food or beverages allowed within the main Shop area where hazardous chemicals are present.
• Electrical Safety:
  • For Shop Safety Level-4 (SSL-4) student Shops, install a room-level energy shutoff to quickly disable all machine tools and outlets in emergencies. This feature is optional for SSL-3 shops.
• Tool Use:
  • Obtain initial authorization from a Shop Supervisor before starting work.
  • Get approval from a Shop Supervisor or Monitor before using Risk Group 3 or 4 Tools.
  • Ensure all guards and shields are in place before operating any Tool.
  • Do not use cell phones, music players, or personal electronic devices while operating Tools.
  • Do not use Tools while fatigued, otherwise impaired, or acting in any unsafe manner.

F. Special Ventilation and Exhaust Requirements

• Woodworking, Welding, 3-D Printing, and Laser Cutting Operations:
  • Shops performing woodworking, welding, 3-D printing, or laser cutting must have adequate exhaust ventilation systems.
  • EHS and Facilities approval is required before installing or modifying ventilation systems.

G. Additional Features to Consider (Based on Tools and Use)

• Welding: Install appropriate welding stations, including fire-resistant curtains and ventilation.
• Dust Collection: Provide a dust collection system to control airborne particulates from woodworking or similar activities. Dust collection must be sized and designed to meet relevant codes and standards by a qualified person.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) Requirements

NOTE: This is a non-exhaustive list. All tasks must be approved. Students must contact the Shop Supervisor before starting any work.

Required PPE at all Times:

Additional PPE Requirements Based on Specific Tasks:

Related Resources

4302 Student-Access Shop and Tool Safety Policy

4302 PR.03 Project Safety Review