Shop Safety Inspection Explanations

Is the location required to have a shop safety plan? 
Every organizational unit at the UW is required to have a health and safety plan, or accident prevention plan. Refer to the Shop Safety Plan template.

Shop and maker space safety is a critical part of an accident prevention program. A Shop Safety Plan is required for locations where fabrication and repair activities occur, using tools and machinery that present hazards to occupants. If these activities are covered in another addendum to the accident prevention plan, the Shop Safety Plan may not be required.

(Sub-question) Does the shop have a safety plan?

EH&S provides shop binder with templates. Customize templates from the Shop and Maker Space Safety page on the EH&S website.

(Sub-question) Is the shop safety plan up to date? 

Review the shop safety plan annually. 

- WAC 296-800-14005

- WAC 296-800-12005

(Sub-question) Is the shop safety plan accessible to all shop personnel? 

Provide all shop personnel access to the shop safety plan either with the Shop Safety Binder or in an online format.

Is the location required to report near misses and accidents?

Any accident, injury, or work-related illness, or on-the-job incident which could have caused an injury or illness, must be reported to the employee's supervisor and EH&S. 

The University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) and Harborview Medical Center (HMC) units should use the Patient Safety Network (PSN) to report employee accidents and incidents. The medical centers are responsible for transferring the data from PSN into the UW’s Online Accident Reporting System (OARS).

- APS 10.8

- WAC 296-800-320

(Sub-question) Were all shop near-misses or accidents since previous Shop Safety Inspection reported?

Submit a report of the incident within 24 hours to EH&S via the UW’s Online Accident Reporting System (OARS).

- APS 10.8

- WAC 296-800-320

(Sub-question) Are all Shop near-misses and accidents reported using the Online Accident Reporting System (OARS)

Report any work-related near-miss, injury or illness to your supervisor as soon as possible. Explore follow up actions for the incident including creating a SOP/JHA, re-training, changing PPE, and reaching out to EH&S. Review any previous work-related injuries that have taken place since previous safety inspection.

- APS 10.8

- WAC 296-800-320

Was a safety self-audit performed within the last 12 months?

To determine whether work areas meet the general safety and health requirements, departments/organizational units must conduct regular, thorough inspections to evaluate work conditions and work practices. These inspections should be held at regular intervals to insure continuing compliance with standards.

- APS 10.3

- WAC 296-800-11035

Is the Shop kept secure when unoccupied and effectively managed to prevent access by unauthorized personnel?

Only trained, authorized or escorted personnel should enter shops. Shop space should be secured when unattended.  When the space is attended, the shop safety coordinator or their designee should greet any and all visitors and escort them through the shop, providing help as necessary. If a shop is open to other areas, signs and floor demarcation must be provided to help prevent unauthorized access and use of the shop.

- APS 10.9

- WAC 296-800-11015

While work is being completed in the Shop, is food and drink prohibited in Shop areas?

Food and drink should not be stored or consumed in areas where toxic substances are in use. Generally, break areas should be separated by walls and doors unless a designated area has been established in cooperation with EH&S. It is permissible for personnel to carry food and drink through a shop space to a supporting office that is only accessible through the shop.

- WAC 296-800-23040

- WAC 296-800-23060

Does the shop require safety training? 

EH&S offers instructor lead and online safety training to all UW employees. Utilize EH&S safety training to all UW employees unless an equivalent training is offered.

- APS 10.1

- WAC 296-800-14020

(Sub-question) Has an EH&S safety training assessment been completed and address hazards of shop staff and users? 

Complete a safety training assessment to determine required and recommended safety training classes for staff and shop users. Use the Safety Training Matrix to assist in determining training requirements and/or follow departmental safety training requirements.

- APS 10.1

- WAC 296-800-14020

(Sub-question) Has safety training (EH&S or equivalent) been completed and documented for shop staff and users? 

All shop staff and users must complete online or in-person general safety training provided by EH&S or it's equivalent. Shop staff and users' training requirements are based on their role in the Shop and hazards identified in the safety training assessment.

- APS 10.3

- APS 10.9

- WAC 296-800-14020

Is PPE required in the Shop?

The purpose of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work environment. However, eliminating hazards through engineering or administrative controls provides better and more consistent protection than relying on PPE alone. If PPE is necessary, it is best used with engineering and/or administrative controls along with good work practices.

- APS 10.4

- WAC 296-800-16005

- WAC 296-800-16010

(Sub-question) Has a PPE hazard assessment been completed and documented? 

A Shop Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) hazard assessment covering all Shop operations must be completed and kept on file for all activities. An alternate, equivalent hazard assessment may be completed such as in a SOP or JHA on a task by task basis.

- APS 10.4

- WAC 296-800-16005

- WAC 296-800-16010

(Sub-question) Have all shop users been trained on the PPE hazard assessment and how to select, use, impact, and maintain PPE?

All shop staff and users must complete training on their Personal Protective Equipment. This includes baseline PPE for working in a shop and specific PPE based on tasks. If PPE is reflected in SOP or JHA, document training accordingly.

- APS 10.4

- WAC 296-800-160

- WAC 296-800-16025

- WAC 296-800-16030

- WAC 296-800-16035

(Sub-question) Is PPE in good condition, properly stored, and easily accessible?

Provide PPE for shop users and visitors. Be sure that PPE is clean, in good condition, and stored so it does not get damaged.

- APS 10.4

- WAC 296-800-160

- WAC 296-800-16020

- WAC 296-800-16045

Is the shop adequately, orderly and clean to provide sufficient work space and are hazards zones clearly marked?

Shops should be arranged to allow adequate room for shop users to move around, avoid distraction, perform work with manual tools and fixed machinery, and to provide enough separation to prevent people or the material they are working with from coming into contact with one another. If the shop is arranged so that personnel must travel through the shop to gain access to other areas or rooms, a safe walkway must be indicated by marking the floor using paint or other durable and permanent indicator. All corridors must remain free equipment, storage, and other materials.

- APS 16.1

- WAC 296-806-20006

Are the Shop floors free of slip/trip/fall hazards, clutter, or obstructions to safe movement?

Remove objects on the floor and keep it clean to eliminate tripping hazards. Debris should be collected and floors swept daily where systems do not capture materials during cutting, grinding, and other shop activities. Dust collection systems should be maintained and emptied regularly. Unnecessary equipment, stock and supplies should be discarded if there is not adequate room to store them.

- APS 16.1

- WAC 296-806-20005 through 22040

- WAC 296-24-73505

Are dust collection systems present where needed and regularly emptied and maintained?

Dust collection systems are an engineering control that limit dust exposure and can assist with continual dust housekeeping. Dust collectors can remove dust from the initial source it was produced, or from the overall workspace, regulating the amount of dust exposure for everyone in the shop.

- IFC Chapter 22

- Combustible dust producing operations

- NFPA 652

- WAC 296-841-20010

Are processes that emit vapors, gases, or fumes adequately captured at the source by local ventilation (hoods, snorkel)?

All processes or reactions that emit vapors, gases, or fumes need to be provided with local ventilation (e.g., snorkel, dedicated local exhaust system) so that emissions are captured at the source, discharged to the exterior of the building and not pulled in by other fans or through building openings. Some examples of processes include: hot work, soldering, laser cutters, 3D printers, wood or metal work, and specific chemicals like silica or lead.

- IMC Chapter 5

- WAC 296-841-20010

Is soldering conducted in a well ventilated area or with portable exhaust ventilation (i.e. a fume extractor)

Soldering presents potential exposures to the materials and by-products via inhalation, skin contact, and hand to mouth routes. The use of lead-containing solder presents the potential for exposure to lead, which can cause neurological toxicity and other health effects. The use of rosin core solder or flux presents the potential for exposure to rosin fume, which can cause irritation and sensitization of the eyes and respiratory tract. The high temperatures of the solder gun and melted solder create the potential for burns or an ignition source for combustible materials.

APS 16.1

- WAC 296-62-07521

- OSHA Technical manual Section V, Subpart 3, Part R

Are high noise areas clearly labeled?

You must make sure warning signs are posted at the entrances or boundaries of all well-defined work areas where employees may be exposed to noise that equals or exceeds 115 dBA (measured using a sound level meter with slow response).

Warning signs must clearly indicate that the area is a high noise area and that hearing protection is required.

- APS 10.3

- WAC 296-817-20025

Does all machinery, equipment, power tools, and/or hazardous activities have shop specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) or job hazard analysis (JHAs) completed?

All shops must have written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) that document safe procedures to follow when working with specific machinery or hazardous chemicals. The SOP can describe a step by step process or the JHA can outline an activity or task while pointing out the hazards and controls at each step.

Have all users that operate shop machinery or equipment had hands on training with shop specific equipment and been trained on the SOPs or JHAs?

All shops must train on their shop specific processes which often revolve around operating equipment, heavy machinery, physical or electrical equipment.  

Do all machines have proper engineering controls (manufacturer-supplied, fixed or self adjusting) machine guards on all pinch points, crush points, rotating parts, blades, tooling, and chucks? 

A guard is defined as a device that is intended to help prevent an operator from being injured by coming into contact with moving machinery. Guards are typically available from the equipment manufacturer and must remain in place and be maintained. Older equipment that does not have a guard and equipment that is not supported by the manufacturer should be retrofitted with a guard by a qualified person. 

- WAC 296-806-20028 through 20040

- WAC 296-807

Does the shop have a process to change out and / or sharpen tooling and drill bits when they become dull or damaged?

Sharp tooling allows powered equipment to perform safely and predictably, run without excessive heat buildup and machine workable materials more quickly. Shops should have a process to change out dull or broken tooling routinely. 

Are there pressure systems, tanks or vessels?

A pressure vessel is a container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. Pressure vessels can be dangerous, and fatal accidents have occurred in the history of their development and operation.

- WAC 296-104

- ASME BPVC

(Sub Question) Have ASME vessels been registered?

The ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard that regulates the design and construction of boilers and pressure vessels. 

- WAC 296-104

- ASME BPVC

(Sub Question) Do they have a pressure relief device?

As the pressure vessel is designed to a pressure, there must be a safety valve or relief valve to ensure that this pressure is not exceeded in operation. Pressure might otherwise build up and create a process upset, instrument or equipment failure, or fire, The pressure relief valve is designed or set to open at a predetermined set pressure to protect pressure vessels and either equipment from being subjected to pressure that exceed their designed limits.

- WAC 296-104-316

- ASME BPVC

(Sub Question) Does it discharge to a safe place?

When the set pressure of a pressure relief valve is exceeded, the relief valve is forced open and a portion of the fluid is diverted to stop the pressure from rising. The valve may relieve to open air or be connected to a piping system downstream.

- WAC 296-104-320

- ASME BPVC

(Sub Question) Are compressor air nozzles outfitted with pressure reducing devices?

Pressure reducing devices should restricted pressure to less than 30 psi when compressed air is being used for cleaning purposes. The line may also be pressured at less than 30 psi and would still be compliant. Shop users should never use compressed air to clean off clothing or any part of their body.

- APS 16.1

- WAC 296-20002

Do employees engage in service, repair or maintenance operations on machines that are capable of being locked out (cord & plug exempt) and that expose them to hazardous energy from unexpected energization, startup, release of stored energy?

During machine repair, service or maintenance, equipment that cannot be unplugged or that has the potential to release stored energy, lockout/tagout must be used.

(Sub Question) Do all employees that conduct repairs, service, or maintenance on equipment and machines have lockout/tag out equipment? (Locks, tags, group lockbox, lockout devices, etc.)

Specific LOTO practices for your shop should be documented and include details on lockout device information, tagout device information, group lockout equipment, checking in and out locks, etc.)

- APS 12.6

- WAC 296-803-400

- WAC 296-803-500

(Sub Question) Does all equipment and machines requiring repair, service, or maintenance have equipment specific lockout/tag out (LOTO) procedures in place, if applicable?

During machine repair, service or maintenance, equipment is required to have equipment specific LOTO procedures outlining scope of work, shut down method, magnitude of energy, EID location, Authorized Persons. Written equipment specific LOTO procedures are not required if ALL apply:
1. There is one energy source powering the machine
2. There is no potential for stored/residual energy, or reaccumulation of stored energy
3. Equipment is able to be isolated from energy source and has to be locked out
4. Isolation and locking out completely deenergizes/deactivates equipment
5. One locked energy control device achieves a locked-out condition
6. The one lockout device is in view and under the exclusive control of the one
authorized person performing the servicing, repair or maintenance
7. The servicing task does not create hazards for Affected/Other employees
8. There have been no previous accidents/injuries due to unexpected activation/reenergization
of this machine during servicing, repair or maintenance activities

- APS 12.6

- WAC 803-20005

- WAC 296-803-500

(Sub Question) Has the equipment specific lockout/tag out procedure and authorized person been reviewed in the last 1 year?  

Equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures must be annually reviewed. Equipment specific periodic review must be conducted by an Authorized Person not involved in the lockout. Authorized persons that conduct lockout/tagout must be annually reviewed. The Authorized person review can likely be performed in a group setting, if tagout only is not used.

- APS 12.6

- WAC 296-803-700

Do all batteries have safe storage, charging and handling guidelines in place?

All batteries must have safe procurement, storage, charging, handling, and disposal practices. Plan for a battery incident involving an electrolyte spill or fire. Battery storage and ventilation requirements for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium change at 50 gallons and lithium ion or lithium polymer at 1,000 lbs.

- WAC 296-863-30035

- WAC 296-24 Part L

- IFC Chapter 12

Are electrical panels and breakers, and equipment shut off switches accessible and labeled?

Provide at least three (3) feet clearance in front of electrical panel(s) and breaker boxes so there is unrestricted access in case of emergency shut down is necessary.

- WAC 296-24-95703

- IFC Chapter 6

Are extension cords used only as temporary wiring, with no daisy chaining involved, and not running under carpets, doors, or through walls and ceilings?

Extension cords may not be used as permanent wiring for fixed equipment. Where possible, install new electrical outlets to eliminate the use of extension cords. Extension cords are acceptable for portable handheld equipment that is stored when not being used. Extension cords, when used, must be plugged directly into building outlets, not into other extension cords.

- WAC 296-24-95707

- IFC Chapter 6

Is equipment with motors, heaters, and other high amperage needs plugged directly into wall receptacles?

Any equipment with a motor or heating feature such as drills, lathes, presses, saws should be plugged directly into a wall or floor receptacle because the amperage drawn often exceeds that of an extension cord.

- WAC 296-24-95705

- IFC Chapter 6

Are controls in place for work on or near exposed energized parts of 50 volts or more AC or DC?

The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock, fire and arc flash. Any individual working  on or near exposed energized parts must be qualified. Qualified persons use precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.

Are there chemicals present in the shop?

Any chemical products including compressed gases must be inventoried, stored appropriately, and maintained regularly.

(Sub-question) Are chemicals inventoried in MyChem?

Any chemical products including compressed gases must be inventoried, stored appropriately, and maintained regularly.

- APS 12.5

- WAC 296-901-14010

- IFC Chapter 50

(Sub-question) Is the chemical inventory up to date in MyChem and reviewed annually?  

Chemical inventories need to be entered in MyChem with safety data sheets readily available (paper or electronic) as a condition of the Seattle Fire Department operating permit. All rooms with chemicals and compressed gases must be included. Enter chemicals into the MyChem system indicating the specific room where they will be stored. All employees must have access to safety data sheets (paper or electronic).

(Sub-question) Do all shop users have access to chemical SDS information?

All shop users must have the opportunity to review and have readily access to safety data sheets (paper or electronic).

- APS 12.5

- WAC 296-901-14014

(Sub-question) Are flammable chemicals properly stored?  

Quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in excess of 10 gallons (38 liters) must be stored in a flammable liquid storage cabinet. Quantities less than 10 gallons are allowed to be stored outside of a cabinet when in approved containers.

- WAC 296-24-33009

- IFC Chapter 50

- IFC Chapter 57

(Sub-question) Is hazardous waste (such as oily rags/contaminated shop towels) properly stored and disposed of?

Contaminated shop towels should be kept in a closed metal container to prevent combustion. Hazardous waste containers need to segregated and stored by hazard class (e.g. flammables, acids, bases, etc.) so that incompatible materials cannot react with each other.

- APS 11.2

- WAC 173-303

- IFC Chapter 3

(Sub-question) Are all chemical waste containers, including batteries or recycling, properly tagged/dated//labeled with an original labeled with an original label or a UW Hazardous Waste label?

Chemical waste containers compatible with contents and in good condition, and chemical waste containers closed except when in use.

- APS 11.2

- WAC 173-303

- IFC Chapter 3

(Sub-question) Does the shop have a chemical spill kit?

If working with hazardous chemicals, a spill kit must be available to clean up small spills. Chemical spill kits are available for purchase through e-procurement or on campus at Biochemistry Stores or Chemistry Stockroom. Other kits must contain at least the same spill kit contents.

- APS 10.9

- WAC 296-800-11015

- WAC 296-910

- IFC Chapter 50

Does the shop use and store compressed gas cylinders?

A compressed gas container is a pressure vessel designed to hold a compressed gas at pressures greater than one atmosphere at 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) and includes cylinders, containers, and tanks (reference IFC Chapter 2).

- WAC 296-24-920

- IFC Chapter 53

(Sub-question) Are incompatible compressed gas cylinders segregated when they are in storage and stored properly?

Incompatible compressed cylinders must be separated in accordance with the local fire department code requirements. Store compressed gas cylinders in well ventilated rooms or areas designed for compressed storage and use. Do not store in egress/exit pathways or next to hazardous conditions (e.g., temperature extremes, physical hazards, heating, or ignition sources, etc.).

- WAC 296-24-68203

- WAC 296-24-920

- IFC Chapter 53

(Sub-question) Are gas cylinders labeled, secured and have valve protection caps in place or gas cylinders not in active use?

Ensure all compressed gas cylinders are labeled and secured. Compressed gas cylinders must be restrained by chains/straps at 1/3 and 2/3 height of the cylinder. Exception: Small cylinders where one chain/strap can restrain the cylinder from falling. All compressed gas cylinder valve caps should be in place when not in active use.

- WAC 296-24-68203

- WAC 296-24-920

- IFC Chapter 53

Is hot work performed in the shop?

Hot work operations include cutting, welding, brazing soldering, grinding, and similar activities using an open flame or generating sparks. Hot work in shops should generally be limited to designated locations away from combustible and hazardous materials.

- APS 16.1

- WAC 296-24-680 through 715

(Sub-question) Is there a current fire permit for Hot Work, if required, and kept on file?

Hot work must be permitted by the local fire department and operations must conform to permit conditions.

- APS 16.1

- IFC Chapter 1

- IFC Chapter 35

(Sub-question) Are all combustibles (including paper, wood, textiles, etc.) and dust/debris on floors kept at least a 35 foot radius away from the hot work permissible area?

One of the requirements of a hot work permit is to keep all combustible at a minimum of 35 feet away or having proper controls in place. The shop coordinator should have an established permissible area designated for hot work. Shop floors should be swept and kept clean within the permissible area. If relocation is impractical, combustibles shall be shielded by a barrier constructed of noncombustible materials or otherwise protected by a listed welding curtain, welding blanked, or welding pad. Barrier should be made of noncombustible materials and provide adequate protection from the hot work and the combustibles.

- APS 16.1

- IFC Chapter 35

- NFPA 51

(Sub-question) If required, is a fire watch present during and after hot work?  

A fire watch is required during the following conditions:

1. Combustible building materials (CBM) closer than 35 feet

2. CBM more than 35 feet but easily ignitable by sparks

3. Wall or floor openings within 35 feet exposed to CBM

4. CBM is adjacent to the opposite sides of partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs, and likely to be ignited

- APS 16.1

- IFC Chapter 1

- IFC Chapter 35

(Sub-question) Since the last inspection, has the facility, room use, or hot work designated area remained the same and meets the conditions that impact the hot work permit?   

The conditions of the Hot Work Permit must be maintained for the permit to be valid. In the event of a renovation or relocation of a shop, the Hot Work Permit conditions must be re-verified.

- APS 16.1

- IFC Chapter 35

- NFPA 51

Does the shop have a properly stocked first aid kit?

First aid kits are required and need to be stocked and accessible. Do not lock, but a seal is acceptable.

Are safety signs (MyChem, PPE, Shop Rules, etc.) posted and conspicuous?

Post signs to communicate hazards that may be present in the shop. At minimum the following signs must be posted:

-Shop Entry Caution Sign: a MyChem caution sign posted at the shop entrance, outside the door.

-PPE Sign: A general sign indicating PPE must be used should be posted

-Shop Rules Sign: an EH&S poster with safety rules.

- WAC 296-800

- IFC Chapter 50

Is an emergency washing device required?  

All shops working with materials that are corrosive, strong irritants, toxic substances need to have an emergency washing facilities (e.g. eyewash, safety shower).

- WAC 296-800-15030

- DOSH Directive 13.00 Emergency Washing Facilities

(Sub Question) Are emergency washing devices accessible within 10 seconds travel (approximately 50 feet) from work areas that present exposure hazards?

Emergency washing facilities (e.g. eyewash, safety shower) must be located within ten seconds of the injured person (a travel distance of 50 ft. is deemed to satisfy the ten second requirement). Travel through one door that is not lockable in the direction of travel is permissible.

- WAC 296-800-15030

(Sub Question) Are eyewashes and showers maintained and routinely tested?

Eyewashes must be flushed weekly to assure the water is clear and does not have microorganism or foreign particles. Eye washes will be noted as deficient for any of the following:

-Unit is in disrepair

-Unit is dirty or contaminated

Are fire extinguishers available, easily accessible, and free of obstructions?

Fire extinguishers must be conspicuously located along normal paths of travel and may not be obstructed or obscured from view. The fire extinguisher must be on a hanger, on a bracket, or in a cabinet/wall recess. Fire extinguishers should be the appropriate type for the hazard and within 50 feet of travel from operations involving electrical hazards and chemicals, and 75 feet for ordinary combustibles. If your shop works with flammable metals such as magnesium, titanium, uranium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and lithium you must have a Class D fire extinguisher. Alternately, dry talc, sand or a similar material may be acceptable depending upon the shop activity.

- APS 16.1

- WAC 296-800-300

- IFC Chapter 9

- NFPA 10

Have fire extinguishers been inspected in the last year and been fully charged?

Contact UW Facilities if it has been over 1 year since fire extinguishers have been inspected. Also contact UW Facilities in the event of discharging a fire extinguisher.
 

- APS 16.1

- WAC 296-800-30015

- IFC Chapter 9

- NFPA 10

Are the fire sprinklers unobstructed?

Maintain a minimum of 18 inches between materials stored on shelves and sprinkler heads. Shelves on the perimeter of the room are not subject to this height limitation. If a building lacks sprinklers, maintain 24 inches clearance.

- APS 16.1

- IFC Chapter 3