General Safety

Requirements (part 1):

1. Always wear eye protection. Wear safety glasses, goggles or a face shield.
2. Get the mentor’s permission before you use the equipment.
3. Use the equipment only when the mentor is in the laboratory.
4. Report all accidents, near accidents, or injuries to the mentor immediately.
5. Don’t use tools or equipment that are in any way defective. Tell the mentor if a tool is dull or broken or isn’t working properly.
6. Don’t use any equipment until you have been shown how to use it correctly and safely. Don’t use it unless you understand the instructions.
7. Keep clothes tucked in and sleeves neatly rolled up. Loose clothing can get caught in a machine and cause an injury.
8. If your hair is long, tie it back or wear a cap over it. Long hair can be caught in a moving machine.
9. Remove rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces before you do any work in the laboratory. Watches and jewelry should not be worn in the laboratory.
10. Wear close-toed shoes.  Don’t wear sandals in the laboratory.
11. Wear approved ear protection around loud, noisy equipment.
12. Wear a dust mask or an air filter when working around a lot of wood or metal dust. Wood or metal dust can be harmful if inhaled.
13. Use finishing materials, thinners, or other oily or flammable liquids only in well-ventilated areas.
14. Clean up spills. Don’t leave anything on the floor that someone could slip on.
15. Know where the fire extinguishers are located and know how to use them before there is an emergency
16. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed
17. Aisles have to be kept clear and free of litter, scraps, and materials. Don’t leave anything on the floor that could be tripped over or slipped on.
18. Vises should be kept closed when they’re not in use.

Requirements (Part 2):

1. Proper eye protection must be worn—operate only with instructor’s permission and after proper instructions have been received.
2. Keep workbenches clear and organized. Don’t pile up tools and don’t lay tools down so they hang over the edge of the bench.
3. Always use a brush or a rag to clear away sawdust and scraps. Never use your hands to wipe off a surface.
4. Use the right tool for the job. Use the tool only for what its designed to do. Use the right size tool.
5. Carry pointed or sharp tools with the point or edge held down toward the floor. This will help avoid injuries if you bump into something or if someone bumps into you.
6. When you hold a tool, hold it by the handle. When you hand someone a tool, hold it so they can take it by the handle.
7. When you’re finished with a tool, return it to its proper storage area. Return it to the tool room, tool rack, or cabinet where it belongs.
8. If you’re handling large or heavy materials, get someone to help you. Also, ask someone to help or “tail-off” for you when you cut a large piece of material on a machine.
9. Lift with your legs, not with your back. Lifting improperly or carelessly can cause severe back injuries.
10. Be sure your hands are dry and that you’re standing on a dry floor when you use electrical devices.
11. Check the condition of the power cord. Don’t use the equipment if the insulation on the cord is damaged, cut, or frayed. Tell the instructor.
12. When you disconnect a power cord, pull the plug; don’t yank on the cord. Hold the plug and pull it out of the outlet.
13. Use all the recommended guards and safety devices on the power equipment. Never remove a guard without the instructor’s permission.
14. Disconnect the power equipment any time you need to make major changes or adjustments. Unplug the tool or machine or disconnect it at the circuit breaker panel. If you disconnect the circuit breaker, put up a sign: “Don’t Connect.”
15. Turn off the machine any time you make minor changes or adjustments. Never adjust equipment while it’s running. Wait for it to come to a complete stop before you make the adjustment.
16. Do not at any time leave a machine. Turn it off and stay with it until it comes to a complete stop.
17. When you approach a machine to use it, make sure the person who used it before you turned it off. Make sure it’s completely stopped.
18. Respect the safety zones. Stay away from anyone operating the power equipment. Don’t talk to them or distract them in any way. Don’t let anyone distract you when you’re using the equipment.
19. Concentrate on what you’re doing; give it your full attention. If you don’t feel well or if there’s some reason you can’t concentrate, tell your instructor.
20. Work at a safe speed. Don’t rush or hurry through a project. Working too fast is dangerous and it will result in poor craftsmanship.
21. Stay aware of your surroundings