REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF PLASTIC JOINING EQUIPMENT

A) SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING WITH THE PLASTIC JOINING EQUIPMENT! Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the lab. The plastic joining equipment use high pressures and the tooling or plastic parts can fail catastrophically. Component failure could result in immediate damage to unprotected eyes.

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

C) Know where the Emergency stop switches are before you attempt to start the machines.

D) Pinch hazards exist on both pieces of plastic joining equipment. Safety features exist to prevent injuries to the operator, but it is the operator's responsibility to make certain that other persons present are not in danger.

E) If no fixture exists for the parts, DO NOT HOLD PARTS IN PLACE WITH YOUR HANDS! High pressures, high temperatures, and pinch points make this very dangerous. Parts should be clamped down to the work table of the equipment, or a fixture manufactured to ensure parts are located properly.

F) When changing tooling on the heat staker, the heaters should be turned off. Always wear gloves and assume all tooling is hot when handling tooling in machine.

G) Always test for overload conditions on the ultrasonic welder when changing tooling or booster. Tune power supply to generate lowest loading when testing ultrasonics.

H) Keep hands away from all tooling while the machine is on. High pressure and ultrasonic vibrations can cause injury to hands and fingers. Heated thermal press tooling can cause burns.

I) WARNING!! The slide table operates automatically as the joining cycle is initated. Loose clothing, long hair, personal stereo wires and jewelry may become caught in slide table leading to serious injury! Make certain that such articles are removed or securely fastened to avoid entanglement.

J) It is recommended that gloves be worn when removing joined parts or tooling.

K) Persons caught intentionally disabling any of the safeties attached to any plastic joining equipment or any of the auxiliary equipment will face possible dismissal from the lab.

L) Adjustments to the stroke length of the plastic joining equipment are to be done with the approval of the T.A. or AML supervisor only.

M) Changing of fixtures and tooling is to be done with the T.A. or an AML supervisor present. If not done with proper care, fingers may become pinched in doing this operation.

N) Do not allow the ultrasonically activated horn to touch the metal base or a metal fixture.

O) Use extra caution when handling ultrasonic tooling!! Horns are precision machined and tuned to transmit ultrasonic energy. Inspect tooling for cracks, dents, deep scratches, etc.. before mounting as these may interfere with proper operation.

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 hydraulic presses. 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: ____________________________________