ODU Motorsports Lab

Home of ODU FSAE & Mini Baja

  • All machinery and equipment, including that for drilling, grinding, and cutting, may only be utilized by those persons certified by the ODU Director of the Machine Shop and Safety. Instructions for proper use must be followed thoroughly when in use.
  • Safety glasses must be worn at all times during the operation of any grinding and cutting machinery. If you are wearing glasses, you must use safety goggles.
  • Inexperienced students are prohibited from working alone at any time.
  • All tools must be properly put away right after their use. Trash such as metal shavings must be thrown away immediately. Scrap metal such as aluminum and steel can be placed inside a box on the shelf.
  • Do not leave machinery unattended while in use.
  • All chemicals and aerosols in use must be placed back into the flammables cabinet located in the Student Machine Shop and locked.
  • All measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, etc.) should be handled with a high degree of care to ensure they are not dropped.
  • ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINKS. All food is to be consumed in the foyer of ESB.
  • No open-toed shoes, jewelry, or loose clothing may be worn inside the lab. Long hair must be tied into a bun and covered with a hair net if any machinery is operated.
  • If at any time you're not sure what you're doing, please stop and ask someone for help.
  • ODU Lab Safety Rules, MSDS forms, and Accident Report forms can be found in the laboratory documents binder. https://www.odu.edu/facultystaff/university-business/safety/lab-safety
  • A First Aid Kit is located inside the lab. When needed, please utilize the kit and immediately contact lab supervisor Michael Polanco at 757-775-9970 or email at mpola002@odu.edu.
  • To contact the mechanical engineering department call 757-683-6363
  • For serious injuries and emergencies, please call ODU Campus Police at 757-683-4000.
  • For questions on safety and training certifications, please contract Kelvin Colvin at 757-683-4592 or email at kcolvin@odu.edu

  • Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the shop.
  • Safety glasses must be worn when instructed to prevent injury.
  • No open-toed shoes, jewelry, or loose clothing may be worn inside the lab. Long hair
    must be tied into a bun and covered with a hair net if any machinery is operated.
  • Maintain a tidy workspace and clean the machines after use.
  • Students are prohibited from working alone at any time.
  • Wearing gloves when working on moving machinery is prohibited. Handheld grinders and sanders excepted.
  • If at any time you are unsure of what you are doing, stop immediately and ask for help.
  • Put all tools back in their proper location when not in use.
  • Report any damaged equipment, leaks, or malfunctions to the lab manager.
  • Do not leave machinery unattended while in operation.
  • ODU Lab Safety Rules, MSDS forms, and Accident Report forms can be found in the
    laboratory documents binder. https://www.odu.edu/facultystaff/university-business/
    safety/lab-safety
  • A First Aid Kit is located inside the lab. When needed, please utilize the kit and
    immediately contact lab supervisor Michael Polanco at 757-775-9970 or email at
    mpola002@odu.edu.
  • To contact the mechanical engineering department call 757-683-6363
  • For serious injuries and emergencies, please call ODU Campus Police at 757-683-4000.
    For questions on safety and training certifications, please contact Kelvin Colvin at
    757-683-4592 or email at kcolvin@odu.edu

Milling Machines Rules & Guidelines

  • Safety glasses must be worn at all times before and during the milling operation.
  • None of the following is allowed near the mill: open-toed shoes, jewelry, loose clothing, and long hair; long hair must be contained
  • Ensure that no slip/trip hazards or obstructions are present in any walkways and workspaces
  • Check that machine guards are in the proper position
  • Ensure that milling bits are in good operating condition and in the proper position
  • Check the coolant delivery system to allow sufficient flow of coolant
  • The machine must be clear of all metal shavings before the operation
  • Faulty equipment must not be used. Immediately report suspect machinery.
  • Place a wooden pad or suitable cover over the table surface to protect it from possible damage.
  • Ask for assistance when moving heavy attachments.
  • Do not attempt to tighten arbor nuts using machine power, or overtighten bolts
  • When installing or removing milling cutters, always hold them with a rag to prevent cutting your hands.
  • Clear the mill entirely of any metal shavings present

  • Do not make contact with the revolving cutter
  • Do not leave a running mill unattended
  • While setting up work, install the cutter last to avoid being cut.
  • Never adjust the workpiece or work mounting devices when the machine is operating
  • Chips should be removed from the workpiece with an appropriate rake and a brush.
  • Shut the machine off before making any adjustments or measurements.
  • When using cutting oil, prevent splashing by using appropriate splash guards. Cutting oil on the floor can cause a slippery condition that could result in operator injury.

  • Shut the machine off.
  • Clean the machine.

Lathe Safety Rules & Guidelines

  • Safety glasses must be worn at all times before and during lathe operation
  • None of the following is allowed near the lathe: open-toed shoes, jewelry, loose clothing, and long hair; long hair must be contained
  • Ensure that no slip/trip hazards or obstructions are present in any walkways and workspaces
  • Ask for assistance when lifting heavy parts
  • Never leave the chuck key in the chuck.
  • Remove all tools/shavings from the bed and slides of the machine
  • Do not use compressed air when cleaning the machine

  • Do not make contact with the revolving cutter
  • Do not leave a running mill unattended
  • While setting up work, install the cutter last to avoid being cut.
  • Never adjust the workpiece or work mounting devices when the machine is operating.
  • Chips should be removed from the workpiece with an appropriate rake and a brush.
  • Shut the machine off before making any adjustments or measurements.
  • When using cutting oil, prevent splashing by using appropriate splash guards. Cutting oil on the floor can cause a slippery condition that could result in operator injury.

  • Shut the machine off.
  • Clean the lathe.

Welding

  • Welding must only be performed by those persons who have been properly trained and
    certified by the Lab coordinator.
  • The Ace fume extractor must be operating at all times for proper ventilation
    of weld fumes.
  • Hot work permits, located in a white binder labeled "hot work permits", must be filled out
    at least once for each day welding takes place and hung on the lab door. At the end of
    the day, they can be placed inside the white binder. A log of each work permit that has
    been filled out must be recorded with pertinent information inside said binder.
  • Welding masks must also be worn during the welding process. They can be located on the
    shelf to the side of the welding equipment.
  • Welder may only be turned on during weld operations.
  • A First Aid Kit is located inside the lab. When needed, please utilize the
    kit and immediately contact lab coordinator Michael Polanco at 757-775-9970
    or email at mpola002@odu.edu.
  • For serious injuries and emergencies, please call ODU Campus Police
    757-683-4000.
  • For questions on safety and training certifications, please contact Kelvin Colvin
    at 757-683-4592 or email at kcolvin@odu.edu