It's important to establish good general shop safety rules for everyone who enters or uses the area. Implementing general shop safety rules will keep everyone safe and provide the most productive environment for working or learning. Post the rules where they can clearly be viewed at all times. Additionally, provide shop users with a written copy of the rules and discuss them to answer any questions or confusion that shop users might have.

Personal Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is important for general shop safety rules. The specific type of personal safety equipment to be used will be greatly determined by the actual type of equipment in the shop. The most common personal safety equipment will be safety eye goggles, safety masks, dust masks, gloves, hard hats and closed-toed shoes. Make a list of the required personal safety equipment to be in the shop area. If you have different stations that require additional protection, be certain to post a clear sign stating the requirements for that section.

Clean Work Areas

One of the biggest problems in a general shop area is the potential for accidents. Students and workers must be taught the importance of cleaning their work stations on a regular basis. All equipment and items must be put back in their proper storage areas after each use. It's imperative that you do not let a general shop become cluttered and disorganized in order to prevent accidents.

Appropriate Clothing

Another issue to address with general shop safety rules is appropriate clothing. Loose clothing, jewelry and even shoe laces can get caught in power equipment and cause extreme injury. Make a list of the types of clothing that are not allowed in the shop area. Go over the list with students and workers. Make certain everyone understands how something as simple as a bracelet can get caught in equipment.

Safety Partners

No one should be allowed in any general shop alone. It should be a general shop safety rule for there to be a minimum of two people in the shop at all times. A person alone in the shop might not be able to get emergency help in the event of a general shop accident. Location of phones to use in the event of an emergency should be well-marked and highly visible.

Chemicals

Does your shop have chemicals? Chemical safety must be covered with anyone that might use them. Additionally, workers should be taught how to use the eyewash station in accidental case of chemicals splashing in the eyes. Extra personal safety equipment, such as aprons to protect from chemical splashes or spills, will be required.