Workshop Rules

These rules are intended as a template for operations within the workshop and are required to develop, maintain and enhance good practice so that members can use and enjoy the facilities in a safe working environment.

The workshop will be managed by the workshop managers, Steve Lowe and Peter Newby. Additional competent mentors/ supervisors will be appointed as necessary to assist with this process to ensure safe working is maintained.

Members will not be allowed to use the workshop for commercial purposes.

Lone working is not permitted in the workshop as per society operating instructions, i.e. more than one member must be on the premises at all times.

Members wishing to use the workshop will undergo an initial, one-off workshop safety induction and are required to sign the relevant documentation to acknowledge that they have understood the basic elements of what is required.

Members are encouraged to use the workshop for the advancement of their projects and this will be managed on a first come first served basis for use of the equipment. members should ensure that the workshop managers are aware of your machining time requirements so that everyone has fair use of the facilities.

Members must not carry out any operations in the workshop or operate any machinery if they are not competent to do so. These criteria are determined by the competence process.

Members wishing to use the workshop will be initially competence assessed before carrying out any operations, and more specifically before using any of the machine tools.

This information will be filed for reference and updated as necessary for members who are deemed to be working towards competence in relevant areas.

Members who are deemed competent to operate specific machines will be allowed to carry out machining operations unsupervised. Members who are working towards competence will require the appropriate level of supervision whilst carrying out machining operations.

Junior members in the workshop must be supervised one to one by a competent person at all times whilst using any tools or machinery.

Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn by members using the workshop. Any loose items of clothing and the wearing of jewellery must be fully considered before operating any machinery.

Any members wearing inappropriate clothing/ footwear will not be allowed to use the workshop.

Operating logs will be provided for each of the major machine tools. This will be endorsed by the member or workshop manager after using the machine with date and times on and off the machine recorded.

Any defects with the machine should be reported to the workshop manager and the machine log endorsed as applicable PPE will be available for members use, eye protection should be considered essential for all machining operations and is regarded as mandatory for grinding operations within the workshop.

Members are expected to engage with this process to promote safe working. Guarding of machines where practicable is a requirement for personal safety and should be used where available and additionally to prevent flying swarf.

Operators should also ensure where practicable that this does not interfere with others using the workshop Machinery and equipment will be maintained in a safe operating condition for members use and must not be altered or modified in any way without the permission of the workshop managers.

Any malfunctions or breakages must be reported immediately. Tools and consumables which are the property of TSMEE and are available for members’ use should be returned to their respective cupboards/ drawers etc. at the end of each session.

Any breakages or malfunction should be advised to the workshop managers. Members must not remove any tools or materials from the premises without the express permission of the workshop managers or a committee member.

Members are expected to clean down machines at the end of each session to leave in a good condition for the next operator.

Consumable fluids e.g. cutting oils, tapping compounds etc. for use in the workshop should be retained within their original containers and not decanted into unrecognisable bottles, jars etc. Acids and other caustic substances for cleaning/ pickling etc. should not be brought into the workshop without prior arrangement. Basic elements of COSHH safety requirements will be embraced as best practice.

Hot work, e.g. welding/ soldering etc. may be carried out under controlled conditions and only where this will not impact on others using the workshop.

Shielding of welding arc and the safety of fellow members should always be considered before carrying out any welding operations. Members carrying out soldering / welding operations should ensure that sufficient time is allowed for the work area to be thoroughly inspected before leaving the workshop to ensure no hot spots or potential fire hazards are left undetected.

Workshop rules will be updated or amended as necessary to maintain safe working practices. Amendments or changes to workshop rules will be posted on the clubhouse notice board for reference. It is expected that members will respect the due processes that are in place for the benefit of all concerned and engage with the safety first culture.