Updated standards for the Tamarack Building
Grant Ewing, chair of the Electrical & Mechanical Trades department, announced a series of updated safety protocols for the spring term that will apply to all students using the shops in the Tamarack Building. The changes affect welding, fabrication, and general carpentry students across all programs.
What is changing
Starting in the spring term, every student entering the welding bays must complete a new equipment orientation module before accessing any machinery. The module covers the updated lock-out/tag-out procedures and the new requirements for personal protective equipment.
"We have listened to feedback from our trades students and industry partners," Ewing said. "The Tamarack Building is a busy place with a lot of movement, and we want to make sure that every student, whether they are in their first week or their final term, knows exactly how to work safely in a shared industrial space."
The new protocols include mandatory high-visibility vests for all shop traffic and designated walkways that separate pedestrians from forklift and crane operations. Students will also need to wear safety glasses with side shields at all times in the fabrication zones, not just when operating machinery.
Support for students
The trades department has worked with IT to add the orientation module to the student portal. Students can complete the module at their own pace before their first lab session. Demonstrations will also be held during the first week of the spring term in the Tamarack Building lobby, where senior students and faculty will walk through the new procedures.
If you have questions about the new safety protocols or need help with the orientation module, contact the trades department at 519-555-0170, ext. 3300.
Learn more about our welding programs at Welding & Fabrication Technician.