Penn State University

Learning Factory - Facilities - Safety Policy

Safety is of utmost importance in The Learning Factory. Every student must complete a 20-30min Safety Tour & Training before being allowed to use the Bernard M. Gordon Learning Factory facility.

For everyone's protection, the following rules must be observed while working in the manufacturing shop of the Learning Factory:

  1. OSHA approved safety glasses or goggles must be worn in all areas of the Learning Factory. Safety glasses must have wrap around side shields. Students must provide their own glasses.
  2. Only students who have completed the Safety/Power Tool training class are permitted to be in shop area from 4 -10 pm.
  3. Long pants, short sleeve shirts and socks are required while operating machines. Shorts, dresses, dangling or loose clothing will not be tolerated for safety reasons. Neckties must be removed.
  4. Shoes must have closed toes, and cover the entire foot. Protective spats should be worn in the welding areas. Over the ankle work shoes with steel toes are strongly recommended.
  5. Long hair must be tied back so that it will not fall into a machine or your work area.
  6. All jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.) must be removed while operating any machinery.
  7. Instruction manuals for all machines are available upon request. If you have any doubts or questions - ask for assistance before operating machines.
  8. Please respect others in the lab. If a class is in session, do not use any loud machinery.
  9. Working alone is prohibited. There must be at least 2 individuals present in the shop area who have completed the safety and power tool training courses before machinery may be operated.
  10. Do not attempt to repair or alter machines at any time. If there is a problem, notify shop personnel immediately and do not operate the machine.
  11. Anyone working in an unsafe manner will be asked to leave immediately and their working privileges will be revoked.
  12. It is strictly prohibited to be in the Learning Factory while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone found in the facility under the influence will have their access privileges permanently revoked.
  13. Please respect and preserve the facility. Clean up your own mess and return all tools to their proper place.

Safety tours can be arranged for your class as a whole by a faculty member or you can sign up directly with the Teaching Assistants in the Learning Factory.

If you are using your department's facilities instead of the Learning Factory, please check with your instructor and/or your department's facilities manager for safety guidelines and training.


Learning Factory - Facilities - Training Classes

After completing the Safety Tour & Training, additional training is available at no cost for:

  • Machining: 4 hour session, offered in Weeks 1-5 each semester (M-Th, 6-10 pm; Sun 1 & 3pm)
  • Welding: 2-3 hour sessions offered after the Machining classes have finished (by appointment)

Sign up sheets for training classes can be found in the Learning Factory - ask the Teaching Assistants if you can not locate the sign up sheets.

In addition to these hands-on training classes, Penn State' Small Business Development Center also provides seminars and training on starting and running a small business. Students with entrepreneurial interests may wish to attend some of these as they are often free.