Skip to main content

General Repair Shop Rules and Guidance

Repair Shop Safety

General Safety Rules

  • All users must meet the training requirements outlined in the Repair Shop Safety Training Matrix.
  • All users must know what to do in the event of an emergency and know who to contact.
  • All emergency contact information must be posted and easily located.
  • All shops must have contact info, hazard warnings, and hours of operation posted.
  • No loose clothing allowed.
  • No sandals or open-toed shoes allowed. Steel-toe safety shoes only.
  • No jewelry allowed. This includes but is not limited to rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches.
  • Long hair (and beards) shall be worn up and contained.
  • Wear PPE as indicated on the PPE chart.
  • Never work alone on high-hazard tasks.
  • Only work when you are mentally/physically fit to do so. Do not work if you are ill, overly tired, fatigued, emotionally distracted, or under the influence of drugs/alcohol.
  • Avoid Distractions. Do not use your cell phone or any other personal electronic device when working on or near machinery.
  • Do not become a distraction to other workers - absolutely no horseplay allowed in the shop.
  • Any damage to the machines, tools, fixtures, etc. must be reported to a supervisor immediately. Follow Lock/Tag/Verify procedures to ensure the machinery will not be used.
  • Machines shall be completely stopped and de-energized before attempting to clear jammed work or debris.
  • Machine guarding shall never be removed or bypassed at any time while the machine is in normal working conditions.
  • A First-Aid kit shall always be present and must always be fully stocked.
  • Portable fire extinguishers shall always be provided and regularly inspected and maintained.
  • Immediately report any injuries or near misses to your supervisor or manager.

Housekeeping

An unkempt work area can pose unnecessary hazards in the workplace. Follow these general guidelines to practice good housekeeping:

  • Keep all aisleways and walking-working surfaces clear of material and debris.
  • Keep all cords out of aisleways and walking-working surfaces. If this cannot be avoided, use floor cord covers or sturdy tape to secure cords so they do not pose a tripping hazard.

  • Keep all work areas and machinery clear and free of materials and debris. Never remove metal chips or shavings with bare hands.

  • Never block fire exits, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, eyewashes/safety showers, electrical panels, electrical disconnects, emergency stop devices, or any other critical safety devices.

  • Put away any tools or materials in their proper spot when finished with them.  

    *Note: Compressed air is to be used for cleaning tools and equipment only. Compressed air should never be used to clean/dust off shop users or their clothing. The use of compressed air for cleaning purposes at pressures greater than or equal to 30 psi is permissible if the outlet or source is fitted with a relief device that drops the pressure to less than 30 psi if the flow is dead-ended. Appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn as called for in the standard.

Training Requirements

Lead Mechanic or Supervisor:

All safety training must be provided by qualified instructors. Safety training information and requirements can be found on the Repair Shop Safety Training Matrix. Training topics include:

  • Crane and Hoist
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Hand and Power Tools
  • Hazard Communication
  • Hot Work
  • Incident Reporting
  • Lock/Tag/Verify
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs)
  • Scaffolding
  • Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures
  • Vehicle Lift

Other Shop Users:

Before other shop users are to use any tool/equipment, they shall:

  • Read, understand, and agree to follow the General Shop Rules.
  • Be trained on all applicable machinery before use by a qualified shop instructor or supervisor.
  • Be trained on all safety features and how to safely operate all applicable machinery by a qualified shop instructor or supervisor.
  • Be trained on all emergency response procedures, paths of egress for the shop, and how to contact the correct emergency services.

Contact Information

Call 911 for Emergencies
Cornell University Police Department Dispatch: 607-255-1111
Environmental Health and Safety: 607-255-8200