Safety in the Lab begins with the proper frame of mind. The expression: “Safety is no Accident,” is a good starting point.

When you enter the Lab, you always need to make sure that you mentally and physically adjust to the increased hazards around you. The things that you might do in a gym don’t belong in a classroom, and things that you might do in a classroom that don’t belong in a Lab!

Tools greatly reduce the time needed to perform an operation and usually improve your ability to do a job. Learn how to use tools properly and take pride in your ability to use a tool safely and effectively. Be careful to think through each operation before you do it. Use your common sense. Do not do things that seem unsafe.

People using the Lab must take responsibility for the safe use of the facility. If you are unsure of the proper method to do something, ask for help. Never perform an operation that you are uneasy about. Ask for help!

If you notice an unsafe condition in the Lab, fix it or bring it to the attention of the instructor. If you think someone is using the equipment unsafely, suggest a safer alternative or bring their actions to the attention of the instructor.

Frequently, when a person is injured, we hear the words: “I didn’t mean to, or I was just fooling around.” For that reason horseplay cannot be permitted! Yelling, screaming, pushing, jumping, running, throwing objects, using a tool improperly or as a pretend weapon cannot happen!

Your Eyes are not tools, but they are our most important sense, and it is very difficult to get by without them. Always use approved eye protection whenever cutting, hammering, using a power tool, in the vicinity or watching someone else doing these things! Eye protection is to be worn anytime we are working on a lab.

Before presenting yourself and your project to the instructor for permission to use a power tool, make sure you are READY! Have your safety glasses in place, hair, clothing and jewelry secured. Make sure your project is ready also. Have you made all the necessary layout marks in preparation for cutting? The instructor will not assume you know what you are doing – you must PROVE it by your presentation.

Always obtain permission from the instructor before using a power tool. This alerts the instructor to a machine in use and who is using it. This helps ensure the operation will be performed correctly. This provides an opportunity for the instructor to monitor your work to prevent errors (scrapping out a project).

Make sure that all guards are in place and that they work properly. Keep hands at least four inches away from cutting surfaces.

Report all injuries to the instructor immediately. Report missing, broken or damaged tools to the instructor. Keep the Lab clean and well organized. Return all materials and equipment to it’s proper storage area.

Use only with permission and only after your cleanup job is done. Typical use is for running air tools, blowing dust off projects. Never direct air near face, exposed skin, or at other people.

Flip the lever to remove the extinguisher from the wall. Pull pin break seal Aim at base of fire, not at the upper flames Squeeze Trigger Use a sweeping motion back and forth until extinguished

All injuries MUST be reported to the instructor. Regard all blood spills as infected and give proper care. This usually involves cleanup with bleach and protective wear.

Accidents are usually the result of a mistake, they can be avoided. But in case of an accident, even if it’s only slight you should report the accident to the teacher immediately.

Inform the instructor. Cover and apply pressure. If it is not serious, go to the sink and wash wound, cover with a clean towel.

Every lab should have a first aid kit. Our first aid kit, sink, and eye wash station is located by Mr. Twining’s office. If you get chemicals in your eyes wash you eyes with water.

The clothes that you wear are important to your safety. Loose clothes, shirts, blouses that are not tucked in, sleeves that are not buttoned or rolled up are dangerous because they could get caught in a machine.

The correct shoes are important. Your shoes should cover all of your feet. When working in a where electrical shock or falling objects are a hazard you should where hard toe shoes or boots with rubber soles.

Rings, watches, ID badges, dangling earrings, or body piercing are not to be worn around equipment. Remove all jewelry before working in the lab.

To avoid injury hair must be tied back, it can get caught in moving equipment. If your hair is long enough to reach your shoulders or long enough to be put in a pony tail you are required to tied it up before working with equipment.

Some of the equipment may look easy to use or you may have used it before at home. To ensure safety for yourself or others you must wait until the instructor has shown you how to use it. If you’re unsure do not rely on the instructions of your classmates.

The instructor must be in the room in order to use the equipment. Whether it is during class or after class. If there is a substitute for the day your project may be put on hold.

If someone is using power equipment that has a safety zone painted on the floor around it, or if there is no marked safety zone, you should stay clear of the machine and stay outside of the safety zone. One the person using the machine and the instructor is allowed in the safety zone.

Only one person should be operating the machine. Do not distract others from using equipment and stay out of their way. When you are finished using a machine you must turn it off and watch it come to a complete stop. Never leave a machine while it’s running.

If a piece of equipment does not work right, sound right, or if you can see that there is something wrong. Turn it off or stop use and tell the instructor immediately.

When lifting something heavy from the floor use the muscles in your legs. If you are carrying something and it starts to slip from your grip. Get out of the way and let if fall. Do everything you can to warn others around you.

When you are working on a work bench you should secure your work with a vise or clamps. Only use tools that are designed to strike harden surfaces. Brittle metal may chip and scatter pieces like shrapnel. Pull don’t push wrenches. Avoid punching your hand into something.

Be sure you are standing on a dry floor. A wet floor could cause you to get shocked. When pulling an electrical cord out pull from the plug connector not by the cord or wire. Keep electrical cords out of the way so that no one may trip on them.

Frayed wires, worn insulation, or loose electrical connections should never be used. They could cause electrical shock or a fire. Report defective or damaged wiring to the instructor immediately. Always disconnect the electrical connection of a machine or equipment before you make changes or adjustments.

When working with equipment that is loud hearing protection should be worn. If a machine is loud ask the instructor for hearing protection.

Safety is everyone’s business. If you notice someone doing something wrong bring it to their attention and report it to the instructor. Safety is the prime importance when working in the lab. Getting the project done is not your biggest concern. Do not rush your work.