Safety and Standards in Engineering Design

These flashcards cover key concepts related to safety and standards in engineering design, focusing on responsibilities, hazards, and methodologies.

What tragic incident occurred at Yale University involving a student in a laboratory?

A Yale University student named Michele Dufault was killed when her hair was pulled into a fast-spinning lathe in a chemistry lab.

What was the goal of engineers in the design process?

To maximize user or operator control and safety.

What are common causes of unreliability in engineering design?

Design mistakes, manufacturing defects, maintenance issues, exceeding design limits, and environmental factors.

Name two design methods for ensuring safety.

Factor of Safety and Reliability.

What critical flaw was identified in the I-35 W Bridge collapse?

Serious errors in the design and sizing of the gusset plates.

What does Murphy's Law state in relation to engineering?

If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.

What are mechanical hazards the designer should address?

Squeeze points, pinch points, shear points, run-in points, catch points, sharp points, flying objects, and falling objects.

What is a key responsibility of the design engineer regarding foreseeable dangers?

To design out foreseeable dangers without interfering with the intended function.

What is the purpose of using guards in engineering design?

To remove dangers that cannot be designed out from the proximity of the user.

What are standards in engineering?

Documents created by professional or governmental organizations that contain technical definitions, specifications, and guidelines to ensure consistency, safety, and quality.