Safety is a #1 priority in our lab. For this reason, before being allowed to use any of the machinery in the Coordinated Robotics Lab (2114 ebu1), everyone must:
1) complete (yearly) the 2-hour UCSD safety training (enroll here - after logging in, enter 06_LABPRINS in search box, and sign up for LABORATORY SAFETY PRINCIPLES/IIPP), and
2) complete the MAE machine shop safety training, and
3) complete the supplemental Coordinated Robotics Lab safety training with the designated Safety Czar in the lab (currently, Andrew Cavender).
In addition, you must file two forms with Andrew:
i) a certificate from Justin Turner confirming completion of item (1) above, and
ii) a signed form (available here) confirming completion of items (2) and (3) above.
Only once all three levels of training are completed and the two necessary forms are filed with Andrew will you be allowed to use the machinery in the lab. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
[Note that, if you already took the UCSD safety training in the present academic year for a lab course
that you are TAing/tutoring, you do not have to take it again (until next year).]
A few extra points worth noting:
a) In case of emergency, call 858-534-HELP (x44357 from the lab phone); this ensures the fastest response.
b) The ventillation of the fume hood in 2114 is currently broken (we are actively working with the department to fix it). Please contact Kim Wright to gain access to the fume hood in Prof. Hyonny Kim's lab in Serf 291 for all fiberglass, carbon fiber, tread rubberization, and other activities that require a fume hood until further notice.
c) Never leave charging batteries unattended. Uso the LiPo chargers for LiPo batteries and the NiMH chargers for NiMH batteries; they are not interchangeable.
d) Know where the fire extinguisher, eye wash / dowse shower, and first aid kit are, and how to use them.
e) Read and understand the manufacturers' operating manuals (mounted on the door to the lab) and
warning labels (mounted on the equipment) before using any of the machinery in the lab.
f) Only use the machinery in the lab when there is someone else in the lab at the same time, to help you in case of emergency.
NEVER WORK ALONE.
g) Always wear safety glasses/goggles and closed-toed shoes when operating machinery.
h) Always remove all loose clothes, long sleeves, and loose jewelry when operating machinery.
i) Turn off all power supplies, oscilloscopes, etc., when not in use.
j) Turn off and unplug anything that might get hot (soldering irons, glue guns, etc.) when not in use.
k) Dispose of all hazardous waste properly. If you have any questions whatsoever, feel absolutely free to call
UCSD Environmental Health & Safety to double check, they are quite friendly and welcome your call.
l) The only lasers allows in the lab are those of Class 1 and Class 2 (i.e., common laser pointers);
follow all recommended safety precautions associated with such lasers.
m) In the interest of safety, no lab tours will be performed for groups of minors. Our apologies, but the robotics lab is a very busy place these days, and there is now simply too much potentially dangerous machinery in the lab to make this viable. If you coach a team of potentially interested middle school or high school students, I encourage you to visit us at the annual Jacobs School Research Expo, which is a once-a-year extravaganza at which we bring out our latest robotic vehicles, and the students who built them, for a presentation open to the public.
Finally, seek advice from senior lab members when you have any questions whatsoever regarding the safe and correct operation of the machinery and the lab in general, and speak up and be helpful if you see anything potentially unsafe being done! Lab safety starts and ends with us.
