September 23, 2013
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
For using Charpy Impact Tester
#1 General Process Description
This piece of equipment is used to measure the impact strength of metals. The anvil
(pendulum arm) is brought up to the lock position and then released using the release
lever. The anvil swings in a pendulum motion fracturing the metal sample and the impact
strength is recorded. All work described in this SOP will have to be conducted in JHE
134. You MUST have WHMIS training prior to working in the lab; users must be
properly trained on this piece of equipment. Contact Person is Ed McCaffery Laboratory
Manager (Room JHE 248 ext 24985). This SOP is from 03/06/2008.
#2 Hazards of Charpy Impact Tester/ Class of Hazard
The major risk of this equipment is pinch (mechanical hazard).
#3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before using the Charpy Impact Tester, ensure that you will at least meet the following
protective requirements:
1. Safety Glasses
2. Closed-toe shoes with socks
3. Long pants (no shorts!)
4. Lab coat (optional)
5. Sample Mounting Tongs
Before proceeding you must have read and are familiar with the safe operations of the
Charpy Impact Tester.
#4 Engineering / Ventilation Controls
There is no engineering or ventilation controls required for this piece of equipment.
#5 Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements
ONLY ONE PERSON SHOULD BE IN THE PINCH AREA WHEN THE ANVIL IS IN
THE UP POSITION! NEVER BE IN THE WAY OF THE MOTION OF THE SWING
WHEN THE ANVIL IS IN THE UP POSITION! Before using the Charpy Impact Tester
make sure the brake cord is plugged in and that the wire is not fray. Inspect the locking
mechanism that it is in good working order (no chips and no wear). Be careful raising
the Anvil (the weight is approximately 60lbs), if you can’t lift the Anvil by yourself, have
someone who can lift this weight, do it for you. Once the Anvil is in the locked position
load the sample in the specimen holder using the sample mounting tongs; DO NOT hold
the sample in your hand to mount it. When the Anvil is being released ensure that your
body is out of the way of the pendulum swinging motion.
September 23, 2013
SOP –Charpy Impact Tester.
#6 Accident Procedures
If you are injured using this piece of equipment; depending on the severity of the
injury either go to the First Aid station (JHE 140) for first aid and fill out an
incident report or if the injury is severe call 88 and receive medical attention
immediately.
If an injury does occurs, make sure the area is quarantined off, do not clean the area if an
accident occurs, the emergency response team must assess the accident scene to assess
what occurred, leave the room and call 88 immediately, then EOHSS Ext 23314 and Ed
McCaffery Ext 24895.
#7 Waste Disposal
Not Applicable
#8 Training requirements
Prior to entering and working in the laboratory, you must have completed the EOHSS
WHMIS training. You will have to retain training documentation for at least one year.
Any person conducting work in JHE 134 using this SOP must receive training on the
contents of this SOP.
#9 Approval Required
All research staff, students, and Graduate students must be trained prior to starting work
with the Charpy Impact Tester. If working after hours you have to ask for approval from
your Supervisor and the Person In-charge, Laboratory Manager Ed McCaffery.
#10 Decontamination
Clean the area of any fractured samples and make sure the Anvil is not moving or is in
the lock position before leaving the area.
#11 Designated Area
Upon leaving a designated work area, remove any personal protective equipment worn
and wash hands. After each use (or day), wipe down the immediate work area. At the end
of each project, thoroughly decontaminate the designated area before resuming normal
laboratory work in the area.
September 23, 2013
SOP – Charpy Impact Tester
#12 Precise Process Description
1. Unlatch the safety chain to gain access to the charpy Tester.
2. Inspect the latch on the locking mechanism; ensure that it has no chips or that
it is worn.
3. Unlock the Lockout chain (you must see a MSE Technician for the key).
4. Test the electric brake is working (nudge the pendulum “move it a few
inches” and press the brake button to ensure that the magnetic brake is
working.
5. Inspect the electrical cord for the magnetic brake; make sure it is plugged in
and that it is not frayed.
6. Practice handling the specimen with the Sample mounting Tongs.
It is essential that you wear safety glasses. You must wear closed toe
shoes and long pants.
7. Lift the Anvil (remember lift with your legs NOT your back) until it is locked
into position. If you are not strong enough to lift the Anvil, find someone who
can, remember ONLY ONE PERSON MAY BE IN THE PINCH AREA
WHEN THE ANVIL IS IN THE UP POSITION.
8. Load the sample into the sample holder (Notch facing the Wall) using the
Sample Mounting Tongs (Do Not hold sample in your Hand to place it
into the fracture zone). Slide the load indicator to the maximum load (far
left of the scale).
9. Once the sample is in the holder Exit from the pinch area and re-secure the
safety chain, stand outside the gated area (Make sure no one including
yourself is in the area of the pendulum), and release the Anvil by quickly
lifting the release bar. If your arm cannot reach the release bar when standing
outside the gated area use the extension bar.
10. Once the specimen is fractured; press the brake button and hold it until the
pendulum stops moving.
11. It is now safe to enter the pinch area, collect the fractured specimen, and
record the force required to fracture the specimen (again remove the safety
chain and enter the pinch area).
12. When work is completed secure the Charpy tester with the “Lockout Chain”,
place the safety chain back across the opening, and bring the lock out key
back to the MSE Technician.
September 23, 2013
SOP – Charpy Impact Tester
Laboratory Accident Response Procedures
Health Threatening Situation - In the event of an imminent or actual health-threatening
emergency (threatening local or public health, safety, or welfare; or the environment
outside the immediate area):
1) CALL 88 FOR THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
REMAIN IN THE AREA TO ADVISE RESPONDERS IF YOU CAN.
2) ACTIVATE LOCAL ALARM SYSTEMS IF REQUIRED) Once personal safety
is established, call EOHSS at Ext 24352 and proceed with local notifications,
below.
Health Threatening Situation – In the event of a major injury:
1) Notify McMaster Responders: Call 88 (24 hours/day, 7 days/week), then
2) Provide local notifications:
Name
Phone Number
Ed McCaffery
Ext 24985
Lisa Morine
Ext 23314
Title
Lab Manager/ Principal Investigator
EOHSS
Local Response Situation – In the event of a minor injury:
1) Notify personnel in the area and restrict access.
2) Make sure the Anvil is not moving or in a position which could pose more
harm, make a record in your lab inspection report, and notify your
supervisor.
Disclaimer: The SOP as written contains our best understanding at this time on how to
work safely with this piece of equipment. When new information is found that would
improve the safe use of this equipment it will be added in a timely manner. As it stands
we cannot be held liable for misuse or abuse of these instructions through negligence on
the user’s part or based on the content of these notes.