The following are requirements set forth by the Engineering Department in partnership with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Any questions should be directed to the Engineering Lab Supervisor or EH&S:

Penn State Altoona Engineering Lab Supervisor
Thomas E. Hatch

Environmental Health and Safety
Peter Muldoon
[email protected]

1. Lab Policies

All lab users must be aware of all engineering lab policies. The Basic Hand Tool Training assessment (section 5) requires knowledge of this information.

View Lab Policies

2. Safety Data Sheet Information

All lab users must be aware of how to search for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and how to interpret the information contained therein. The Basic Hand Tool Training assessment (section 5) requires knowledge of this information. See the Engineering Lab Supervisor, research principle investigator, or course instructor for directions.

View the Safety Data Sheet Information

3. EHS Basic Lab Safety (Penn State Employees Only)

*requires annual refresher

For any Penn State employee working in an academic or research lab environment (faculty, lab workers, researchers, and research assistants), you must complete the online training and follow up with the Engineering Lab Supervisor.

4. Unit Specific Plan (Penn State Employees Only)

*should be reviewed each semester

For any Penn State employee working in an academic or research lab environment (faculty, lab workers, researchers, and research assistants), you must read the Unit Specific Plan (USP) for the area in which you are working and sign the acknowledgment page. If you are a researcher or principle investigator, you must create and maintain the USP for your area. For academic labs, the USP is located in a white binder inside the door of each lab. For more information, contact the Engineering Lab Supervisor or principal investigator for the area in which you work.

5. Basic Hand Tool Training (students only)

*covered in EDSGN 100

As an introduction to hand tools and lab safety, this is required for all students to work in the engineering labs. The quiz must be passed with a grade of 95% or greater. Unlimited attempts can be made. The assessment covers Lab Policies, Safety Data Sheets, and the two videos linked below. See your instructor for EDSGN 100 or the Engineering Lab Supervisor for the assessment.

Videos:

To complete the Hand Tool Safety Training Quiz, see you EDSGN 100 instructor or the Engineering Lab Supervisor

6. Specific Training: Machine Shop or Power Equipment

Anyone who would like to use medium or high-risk power tools, as defined in the EH&S Machine Shop Safety Program, Appendix A, must complete training for each specific piece of equipment. Many pieces of equipment are covered in courses such as IET 215 and IET 216, but training can also be provided by a shop supervisor if necessary. Equipment not covered by courses must be covered by a shop supervisor. See a shop supervisor or the link below for more information.

View the Machine Shop or Power Equipment Information

7. Laser Engraver Training

*covered in IET 216

Anyone who would like to use the 2 laser engravers located in 104 Force must complete the EH&S laser safety training, provide a copy of your completion certificate to the Engineering Lab Supervisor, EH&S laser program coordinator, and IET 216 instructor (if applicable). Additionally, you must be aware of additional equipment-specific information. See your course instructor or a shop supervisor for more information.

8. Hot Work Information

Any faculty, staff, or student who must perform hot work outside of a designated hot work area (such as the designated welding area in 107 Force), must-see a shop supervisor to complete a hot work permit prior to beginning hot work.

9. Additional Training

EH&S and the lab staff can provide additional safety training for various topics. These topics range from Lock Out, Tag Out to asbestos awareness and are required depending on associated hazards of assigned work. A hazard assessment should be conducted for any specific task or piece of equipment. Contact the Engineering Lab Supervisor or the EHS campus representative for more information.