Using the DLC

Please follow these steps to obtain authorization to use the DLC.

1. Project is assigned as part of classwork
2. Contact DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor for an appointment to discuss the project, funding, and tooling requirements
3. Read complete DLC Operation and Use Policy found below
4. Obtain project approval signature from Professor or Advisor
5. Submit project request to DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor
6. Sign DLC use contract
7. Obtain machine tooling training for any machine tools that a project requires. Safety training will be required of all who expect to use the DLC. The safety training consists of common sense reminders of what not to do in an operating machine shop. Lathes and mills may be operated with some basic training. MASTERING the lathe or mill takes years of training and practice. Students rarely have the time to devote to extensive training, DLC staff will assist the student in selecting the proper tooling to safely and accurately complete a job
8. Prepare a realistic timeline for your project. The DLC is used by other students, faculty, and staff so it is crucial to allow sufficient time in your timeline to complete your project by the due date.

DLC Operation and Use Policy

1. PURPOSE

This policy provides guidelines for the safe operation and use of the Discovery Learning Center while serving the needs of the Marquette University engineering faculty members and students.

The purpose of this policy is to inform faculty members and students of what is required for proper utilization of the Discovery Learning Center (DLC).

Students should schedule their project work carefully in order that they have the time and opportunity to receive the required training in order to complete projects during the times of DLC availability. Students shall be made aware that their use of the DLC is contingent upon strict compliance with the rules and procedures found in this policy.

2. BACKGROUND

The Discovery Learning Center is different from University laboratories in the level of hazard presented by the shop equipment. The fact that the DLC it is not under direct control of a professor teaching a class in the Center, and the need for all engineering students to have access to the Center to complete projects assigned in many engineering classes presents a challenge.

The MU engineering program is design-focused and laboratory intensive. Many laboratory and design assignments across the curriculum are project-based requiring the construction of prototypes and/or apparatus such as test fixtures. In some cases the students are allowed to design on paper and with adequate sketches/drawings request fabrications by staff employed by the College of Engineering. In other assignments, the hands-on effort of fabrication is part of the learning experience desired by the professor. The student may require resources other than what is found in a dormitory room in order to complete an assigned project.

3. SUPERVISION

The DLC is under the general oversight of the DLC Director assisted by the DLC Advisory Committee consisting of a representative from each department. The purpose of this oversight committee is to coordinate the operation of the Center in a way that meets the needs of the MU College of Engineering.

It is recommended that the advisory committee meet at the end and beginning of a semester. The purpose of a beginning of semester meeting is to provide details of upcoming projects. The purpose of an ending semester meeting is to provide for an after action report so that operational deficiencies may be addressed prior to starting a new semester. It is recommended that the end of semester meeting be scheduled the first Monday after finals week for a period not to exceed 1 hour. It is recommended that the beginning of semester meeting be held the Friday before classes begin. The DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor should be present to address any concerns.

The direct supervision of day-to-day operations is the responsibility of the DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor. The supervisor will be assisted by the Master Machinists and Shop Qualified personnel in ensuring shop safety.

The shop personnel will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine tools, cleanliness of the Center, and shall make reasonable inspections to discover non-obvious dangerous conditions and take appropriate steps to make them safe. The DLC Director, DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor, Master Machinists and Shop Qualified personnel will be identified on a placard placed in the Center.

4. OPERATION

The hours of operation of the DLC will be displayed prominently. These hours will be determined by the needs of the students and faculty, and the ability of the College of Engineering to staff the DLC with Shop Qualified personnel. In no case will the DLC be open for students use without proper supervision.

The following general rules apply to operation of the DLC and must be observed at all times.

1. Users of the DLC will wear appropriate hearing and eye protection.
2. Students will follow the two person rule. No shop operations are allowed unless a buddy is present as an observer.
3. Users will operate only that equipment for which they have been trained and have approval from a supervisor to use. Tool selection will be made with guidance by the Master Machinist.
4. No tools, material, or equipment are to be removed from the DLC without a supervisor's approval. Tools will be returned in good condition.
5. No personal use of the DLC (cars, bike, etc.) is allowed.
6. ALL Users are expected to clean up.
7. Users are expected to remove their work (in progress or otherwise) from the bench tops and machines at the end of any DLC usage period.
8. Secure storage arrangements for projects will be made prior to any work commencement.
9. Users are expected to use caution around other work in progress to avoid injury to themselves or others and to avoid damage or loss of component parts.
10. Users will immediately report any injuries, safety violations, or dangerous conditions to a supervisor. An injury accident requires the person to notify Public Safety and to fill out an accident form.

5. SHOP SAFETY GUIDLINES

Every student shall strictly adhere to the safety training procedures and use the utmost care in handling the equipment in the DLC.

1. No student shall use any tool or equipment without having completed the required training for that equipment.
2. Each user will wear all the appropriate protective safety apparel and devices such as eye protection and hearing protection while using the DLC.
3. No student shall be authorized to use the DLC outside of the posted hours unless a Center supervisor is present.
4. Safety of the students is the primary concern and is never to be compromised by project deadlines, scheduling conflicts, or other extenuating circumstances.
5. The student should be aware that working in the DLC could be harsh to one's clothing. Appropriate clothing must be worn: No shorts, no 100% synthetic clothing (it melts), no open-toed shoes or sandals; shoes should have leather tops, especially in the welding area. Cotton denim jeans or cotton work clothing are preferred. Short-sleeved shirts are preferred, but if long sleeves are worn, they must be turned up toward the inside.
6. Eye protection must be worn at all times, whether using any of the machines in the Center or not. Eye protection may vary. For most work in the DLC the eye protection can be the same eye protection that is required in the Chemistry lab. However, when welding, one must wear the appropriate eye protection whether using the gas or electric welders. When operating machinery of any kind, long hair should be netted or bound and loose clothing and neckties shall not be worn.
7. All welding in the Center area must be done either in a specified area, or if the pieces are too large to fit into the specified area, then the welding curtains must be moved to protect others in the Center from the blinding light emissions. Alternatively, DLC staff may deem that welding is to performed in an alternative location that will be specified. Welding will be performed in two person teams. The second person will act as a firewatch and will ensure that a fire extinguisher is available during all hotwork.

6. TRAINING

The purpose of training is to familiarize students with the safe working of machinery and to provide adequate warnings of the potential hazards associated with each machine. The training program consists of two sequential levels.

Basic safety - This concerns safety around machines and expected behavior around personnel operating those machines. Basic safety training is provided by a Center supervisor and lasts approximately one hour. A review of shop safety may be periodically imposed on anyone within the shop. Periodic testing may also be required.

Hands On Training - This training is tool specific. Before students are permitted to use any tool, they must be trained on that equipment. This training includes safe operation and basic operating instructions. Students needing this training will make individual appointments to schedule training with the DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor or Master Machinist.

Students shall complete appropriate training early in the semester. On the job training will not be tolerated.

EQUIPMENT QUALIFICATIONS

1. Basic Handtools
2. Lathe
3. Mill
4. Drill Press
5. Vertical Bandsaw
6. Horizontal Bandsaw
7. Grinder
8. Disk Sander
9. Miter Saw
10. Joiner
11. Wood Planer
12. Table Saw
13. PXI National Instruments Computer

It should be noted that we will have students who are already competent with various tools. They will still need verification of their skills regardless.

Faculty members are required to plan projects carefully to allow students to receive the appropriate training before projects are due and to assist students in planning the manufacturing process so they know which power tool training they need.

7. DOCUMENTATION

A certification card will be issued to each student completing basic qualification training. This card will be signed by the DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor and must be carried by each student/person using the laboratory. Students are required to show any supervisor their card and obtain permission prior to using any machine in the DLC. Any tool qualification may be revoked at any time due to misuse or bad judgment.

Each student being trained will be required to sign an agreement certifying that they have read and understand the DLC safety policy and policy for the operation and use of the College of Engineering Discovery Learning Center.

A master record of the training will also be kept on the student agreement form. The record will also be posted on the DLC website in order that shop personnel may verify certifications.

The certification is to be considered a GUIDE only. If in the opinion of the operating shop supervisor that a student is not capable of safely operating a machine, they may be denied the use of that machine. They may appeal to the DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor for relief if they feel the decision is unwarranted.

8. IMPLEMENTATION

This policy is part of the College of Engineering operation procedures. It will be revised as needed to meet curricular objectives and in order to maintain the highest degree of safety for our students.

A copy of this policy shall be available in the DLC offices and posted on the website. All incoming engineering freshmen shall be directed to the DLC website.

Faculty members shall include a statement of the requirement for safety training in the syllabus for any course that requires students to use the DLC.

The DLC Director shall recommend to the engineering faculty operating hours for the Center and shall be responsible for posting the hours outside and inside the DLC.

All accidents shall be reported to a DLC Supervisor or Machinist and the appropriate aid rendered. Common sense shall dictate the level of aid response.

9. ENFORCEMENT

This policy is necessary because of the risk of potential serious injury to students and shop personnel. Therefore- Students who fail to abide by the rules in this policy will be subject to academic discipline in the associated course, may loose the privileges of using the DLC, and may be subject to discipline through the College of Engineering.

Initiation of an Enforcement Actions will be the responsibility of the DLC Mechanical Services Supervisor, Master Machinists, and Qualified Personnel. It is anticipated that there will be few if any required actions. Most people using the shop are aware of the inherent dangers involved in operating heavy machinery.

Should an Enforcement Action be questioned by a student, they may appeal the action up the chain of command. The DLC Director will be the final arbiter of any disputed disciplinary actions.

10. STUDENT CONTRACT

The purpose of the Discovery Learning Center (DLC) is for the development and manufacturing of materials and devices as needed for student projects and design. The Center exists to support the education of the engineering student body and must always be used in a safe and orderly manner. You are not authorized to use the Center or any equipment in it unless there is a DLC supervisor present. The DLC hours will be posted each semester and you must plan your time accordingly. You are to comply with all directions given by any supervisor.

Strict Safety Rules
For the safety of others and myself in the Discovery Learning Center, I agree to strictly adhere to the following safety rules:

1. Safety Glasses: I will wear OSHA-approved safety glasses at all times while in the DLC. If I wear regular prescription glasses, I will wear safety goggles over them.
2. Jewelry: I will remove all rings, necklaces, bracelets and dangling earrings before operating any machinery or tools.
3. Loose Hair or Clothing: I understand that loose hair and clothing are extremely dangerous in the Center environment. While in the DLC, I will tuck in my shirt, roll up long sleeves and tie back my hair.
4. No Open-Toe Shoes: I will not wear open-toe shoes (such as sandals) or shoes that do not entirely cover my feet while I am in the DLC. Steel toe shoes are the most protective, but closed-toe leather shoes and tennis shoes are acceptable.
5. Clean Up: I will clean the machine and my mess (sawdust, metal chips, spills, etc.) that I produced before leaving the DLC. Clean means the next machine user is unable to determine the material(s) I was using.
6. Return of Tools and Parts: I will promptly return any tools, parts, bits, etc. to their proper place in the DLC.

Guidelines for Shop Safety
I will obtain written permission from a Center supervisor before entering the Discovery Learning Center and operating any machines or tools.

1. I will wear safety glasses at all times when in the DLC.
2. I will read the operation manual for any machine I intend to operate.
3. I will follow proper operating procedure when using any tools or machinery.
4. I will become familiar with each machines capabilities and controls.
5. I will follow the Discovery Learning Center safety rules.
6. I will not enter the DLC while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
7. I will never remove the guards or safety equipment from machinery.
8. I will not touch, clean, oil or place my body in contact with a running machine.
9. I will conform with lockout-tagout and make sure that a machine is completely de-energized before making any adjustments or performing maintenance.
10. If a machine makes an unusual noise or acts in a suspicious manner, I will shut it down and notify the person in charge.
11. I will immediately report an injury no matter how minor it may seem.

Commitment

I certify that I have read and agree to comply with all safety rules and guidelines for using the Discovery Learning Center and I have been furnished copies for my files.

I agree to comply with all DLC policies and understand that failure to do so may result in the privilege of using the Center being withdrawn as well as other discipline as outlined in the policies.

I acknowledge that I have an obligation to keep the Center and its tools in good condition. I am financially responsible for tools I damage or lose.

I will clean up after myself.