REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE INJECTION MOLDER

A) SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING WITH THE INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE! Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the lab. Injection molding involves moving molten material and hydraulic fluids at high pressure and temperatures. Component failure could result

in immediate damage to unprotected eyes.

B) The injection molder is not to be operated without the T.A. or an AML supervisor in the immediate area.

C) Know where the emergency shut off and the hydraulic stop switch are before you attempt to start the machines.

D) AT NO TIME IS THE INJECTION MOLDER TO BE LEFT CYCLING ON FULL AUTOMATIC WITHOUT AN ATTENDANT AT THE CONTROL PANEL!

E) WARNING!! Although there are safety devices to prevent clamp lock up on the injection molder, it takes time for those devices to operate. Because of the speed of operation and the extreme forces exerted by the clamping devices, severe bodily injury may result if safety devices are overridden and reasonable care is not exercised when working around the molder.

F) WARNING!! The barrel heater elements operate at extremely high temperatures. Contacting those surfaces may result in severe burns. DO NOT REACH OVER THE INJECTION MOLDER WHILE THE BARREL IS AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES! If you slip while doing so, the results may be quite painful.

G) WARNING!! The fumes given off by molten polymers are toxic in high concentrations. Although the AML molder is safe under normal operation, it is advised that you DO NOT OPERATE THE INJECTION MOLDER WITHOUT THE EXHAUST HOOD IN PLACE AND OPERATING. Also, purge plastic should be disposed of in the sealed scrap barrels provided.

H) Adjustments to the operating parameters of the molding machine are to be done with the approval of the T.A. or AML supervisor only.

I) Changing of mold frame inserts is to be done only by the T.A. or an AML supervisor. If not done with proper care, fingers may become pinched in doing this operation.

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K) If it is necessary to reach into the mold opening for any reason, such as removing a jammed part, THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM MUST BE SHUT DOWN BEFORE REACHING INTO THE MACHINE.

L) Make certain that the operating temperature of the heater bands is the proper temperature for the polymer in use. If the recommended temperature is exceeded, the polymer will burn and the time lost from lab due to repairs will have to be made up on YOUR OWN TIME!

M) SPILLED POLYMER PELLETS ARE A SLIP HAZARD! They must be swept up immediately. A shop vacuum is kept at the machine for this purpose.

N) REPORT ALL OIL AND GREASE SPILLS IMMEDIATELY! These are an extreme slip hazard!!

If you do not know how to operate a machine or do not fully understand the instructions you have been given, ask a supervisor until you are certain about what is required. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK!

In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand the serious nature of working with injection molding machines. I also realize that other, undefined hazards will always exist in the machine shop environment therefore, MY OWN SAFETY IS ULTIMATELY MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY.

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: ___________________

Student I.D. #: ___________________________

Print Name: _______________________________________