Electrical Workbench PPS Machine Safety Manual

The Fab Lab Safety Manual

Machine Name: Electrical Workbenches

Location: The Fab Lab

Version: v1.0

Last Updated: 2/19/2026

Responsible Student Workers: Michael Allen and Joshua Russell

Linked Operations Manual: Link Here

1. Purpose of This Safety Manual

This document outlines the minimum safety information required to operate the Electrical Workbenches in the Fab Lab. It focuses on:

• Hazards that can cause injury or damage
• Required protective measures
• Emergency response procedures

This document does not teach you how to operate the equipment. Refer to the linked Operations Manual for usage instructions.

The purpose of this manual is to reduce the risk of injury, equipment damage, and facility hazards while enabling safe experimentation, prototyping, and testing

2. Who May Use This Machine

This machine may be used by:

Prototyping Studio students, staff, faculty, and authorized visitors

Usage conditions:

• Required lab safety training completed
• Safety manual acknowledged
• Staff present when performing hazardous operations

Failure to follow safety procedures may result in loss of lab access.

3. Primary Hazards

Be aware of the following hazards when using this machine:

• Electrical – Shock, burns, or arc hazards from energized circuits or exposed conductors
• Thermal (hot surfaces) – Burns from soldering irons and heated components
• Chemical – Exposure to solder fumes, flux, and cleaning solvents
• Mechanical – Cuts from sharp leads, tools, and component edges

4. Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following PPE is required when operating these machines:

• Safety glasses (required at all times in lab)
• Closed-toed shoes

5. General Safety Rules

Always follow these rules when using this machine:

• Never bypass safety interlocks or protective devices
• Never leave energized circuits unattended
• Keep work area clean and organized
• Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing or jewelry
• Always power off circuits before modifying connections
• Verify voltage
• Use only approved power supplies and cables
• Do not operate equipment if unsure how to proceed

6. Emergency Stop & Safety Features

Know the location and function of the following before operating the machine:

• Emergency Stop: Bench power switch or emergency disconnect at workstation
• Power Disconnect: Main lab electrical disconnect panel / bench supply master switch
• Safety Interlocks / Covers: Current-limited power supplies, grounded equipment, protective instrument housings

7. Unsafe Conditions – Stop Immediately If:

Stop using the machine and notify Prototyping Studio staff immediately if any of the following occur:

• Unexpected noise, heat, or component failure
• Smoke, sparks, odors, or overheating wires/components
• Visible damage to cables, probes, or insulation
• Loss of control, incorrect readings, or instrument malfunction

Do not attempt to diagnose or repair major issues yourself.

8. Incident & Injury Response

If an incident occurs:

1. Stop the equipment using the emergency stop if safe
2. Shut off electrical power at the source via the indicated power switch
3. Move to a safe distance
4. Notify Prototyping Studio staff immediately

For injuries, staff will follow Prototyping Studio emergency procedures and seek medical assistance if needed.

9. Chemical & Material Safety

These machines involve limited hazardous tools and materials:

Materials Used:

• Solder[a]
• Flux

Safety Requirements:

• Use only in designated areas
• Use fume extraction when soldering
• Avoid inhaling fumes
• Wash hands after handling materials

10. Acknowledgement

By using this machine, you acknowledge that:

• You have reviewed this Safety Manual
• You understand the primary hazards and required precautions
• You will follow all Prototyping Studio safety rules
• You will ask staff for help if you are unsure or uncomfortable

End of Safety Manual

 Revision History

• Version 1.0 – Initial release

[a]lead free