+ basement shop
David Celento + Rebecca Henn
11/11/05
+ review
The shop and CAD/CAM labs were briefly evaluated via a general survey. Also student concerns were requested via Student Announce. George Doyle was delighted to see that we were investigating this aspect of Gund and provided a material summary that was produced by a student in the Fall of 2002. This represents an extensive survey of materials used throughout Gund which may have environmental concerns. This list was presented to the Environmental Safety department at Harvard for investigation. George does not recall any report being received from them.
+ analysis
In general, attention was paid to ventilation for some obvious pieces of equipment like the laser cutters, welder, CNC router, and many dust producing pieces of woodworking equipment. However, there are a few possible omissions and some processes which have eluded ventilation efforts - especially with regard to handling plastic based products.
+ health concerns
1. lasercutting plastics
The item of greatest concern is, without doubt, the use of lasercutters to cut plastic materials (Acyrlic, Plexiglass, Lucite, Lexan, etc). While ventilation seems relatively adequate while cutting (through the machines), the real problem is that off-gassing is VERY strong once the material is removed. These fumes, considered possible carcinogens, have a half-life of approximately 7.5 hours and affect those in L40 immediately, as well as others throughout the building, as the materials are carried into the Trays. Of concern also is that people in the upstairs level of the library can smell fumes when plastic is being cut. This suggests a possible ventilation leak, or inadequate ventilation. MSDS sheets are included for review.
Remediation may be possible through soaking the cut materials in a high PH bath for some some time. Additionally, all cut pieces may require a ventilation hood during this period. Certainly outside expertise is recommended for these items. We recommend consideration that laser plastic cutting be discontinued until this matter is better addressed. General ventilation in L40 could also use improvement.
2.polystyrene hot wire cutting
Similar concerns to above, but cutter is used less frequently in a better ventilated space. MSDS does not identify carcinogens, but recommends self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting. Due to uncertainty about carcinogenic exposure, would recommend using with a fume hood.
3. vacuum-forming equipment
Similar fumes produced as the Lasercutter due to similar products being used.. Used infrequently, but no exhaust equipment appears evident. Would recommend installation of exhaust equipment near machine.
+ other possible improvements
One of the greatest challenges to the shop is that students provide their own materials. There is no review process for that which is being used, nor is there a list of acceptable or unacceptable materials evident to shop users.
This creates several problems:
A) Hazardous materials may be used unwittingly.
B) Recycling efforts are limited solely to re-use.
C) Students over-purchase materials (or under-purchase) and need to store the scraps in Studio.
D) Most students do not have a vehicle, so material acquisition is piecemeal, with numerous under-utilized trips to various suppliers made in a disorganized fashion.
We recommend that the shop consider supplying and storing of commonly used materials for purchase by the students. This would require lockable storage and sale by TA’s to students. The benefits of this would be:
A) Energy would be saved by receiving bulk shipments.
B) Products used would be better controlled to prevent hazardous materials.
C) Items could be sold on an “as needed” basis, thus reducing waste tremendously.
D) Small items could be recycled or reused instead of being stored throughout the Trays where circulation is already constricted for fire access.
E) Student convenience would increase dramatically.
Additionally, the shop should consider creating and posting several signs which outline permissible and non-permissible materials and appropriate safety procedures.
