Texas Christian University

Department of Engineering

ENGR 30861/40861 Solid Mechanics Labs

P.Walter 1/04
Solid Mechanics Laboratory Safety

These courses will provide the majority of students with an initial experience with most of the
equipment in the lab, therefore it is very important that we think safety at all times. Please
keep in mind that the laboratory is a place to learn. We do not have an expected level of
machinery and tool expertise for students taking this course. If you should have a question
regarding safe operation of tools and equipment, stop and ask. You safety is of prime importance
both to me and to the TCU Engineering Department.
Safety points:
1. Know the location of emergency equipment

fire extinguisher

fire alarms

eye wash

first aid kit

phone (dial 7777 for emergency)

emergency shut-off switches

2. When working with hand tools and power tools and soldering, always wear safety glasses.
Also, watch contact cement around your hands and eyes.
3. Hearing protection will be available in the lab to use when necessary.
4. Be careful when working with electricity at all times.
5. We will be working with high currents around the shaker system as well as various other
energy sources. Be careful when these experiments are in progress.
6. Be aware of the materials that are being used in the lab and their Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS). These documents report health hazards, emergency and first aid procedures,
environmental information, and any special handling and storage information.
7. When around rotating equipment, avoid possible entanglement and injury please do not wear:

rings

necklaces

neckties

loose jewelry

long hair should also be tied back.

8. No food or drinks in the lab.

9. Ask any question that you may have at any time concerning the equipment, tools and their
proper use.
If any student should encounter a potentially unsafe operation, halt the operation and question
the instructor. A safe operating procedure should then be established. If the issue is not resolved,
the student can appeal beyond the instructor to the Director of Safety at TCU at x6363, or contact
the EH&S (Environmental Health and Safety) Coordinator, at x7220.