Applicable Laboratories

All of Mechanical Engineering Laboratories at the University of Saskatchewan

  • General SOPs can be found in the yellow SOP binders for each area that they might be applicable to, and should be signed in the area of use.
  • Hard copies of all SOPs must be signed in the provided yellow binders, digital copies are provided for reference only.
  • For more specific SOPs see the appropriate research area on the menu.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

With power tools there is  common usage of eyes, face, hearing, feet, (hands when gloves do not pose  an unsafe situation) and body. Ideal  dress - long pants and closed footwear (CSA, Green Triangle safety shoes), no  loose lab coats, long hair tied or tucked under hat, no dangling  jewelry/watches or rings. All appropriate PPE must be readily accessible.

An effective lockout/tag out  procedure must be utilized when changing cutting blades or where a job task  could put operator at risk of an injury due to accidental startup or energy  release.

Emergency stop buttons should  be large and not broken. The best would be large mushroom head type when  possible.

All tool and machine end power  cord connection must be hardwired and in good condition – not frayed or any  internal wiring showing

Any tool(s) deemed unsafe or  unfit for use must be immediately tagged as such and repaired or immediately  removed from service.  When unsafe tools  are left unidentified on site, all personnel are exposed to great risk of being  injured.  If it is there they could still  use it. 

Step #1: Conduct Risk  Assessment to Determine if Guards Are Required       You first need to determine if any machinery in your workplace  requires guards. The OHS laws generally require guards if workers using or  working near that machinery could be exposed to the following hazards:

  • Moving  parts includes robotics
  • Pinch  points;
  • Points  of machinery at which material is cut, shaped, bored or formed;
  • Surfaces  with temperatures that may cause skin to freeze, burn or blister;
  • Open  flames;
  • Energized  electrical cables or components;
  • Power  transmission parts; couplers, keyways, set screws, shafts
  • Debris,  material or objects thrown from machinery;
  • Material  being fed into or removed from process machinery;
  • Machinery  or equipment that may be hazardous due to its operation; or
  • Any other hazard posed by the machinery.