Workshop Safety

Before you are allowed to perform any tasks in the metalwork room, you will be expected to understand how to be safe in the workshop. Throughout your time in school you will have picked up knowledge and demonstrated to your teachers that you can work safely. As we move on to use more advanced metalworking machines and processes, safety becomes even more important.

You will need to demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of the elements below as well as being able to talk about them in the exam:

• Good practices and safe systems for general workshop and individual activities as appropriate
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Always listen carefully to the teacher and follow instructions.
2. Do not run in the workshop, you could ‘bump’ into another pupil and cause an accident.
3. Always wear an apron as it will protect your clothes and hold loose clothing in place.
4. Wear good strong shoes. training shoes are not suitable.
5. Bags should not be brought into a workshop as people can trip over them.
6. When learning how to use a machine, listen very carefully to all the instructions given by the teacher. Ask questions, especially if you do not fully understand.
7. Understand and follow all safety signs when using machines.
8. Identify and wear appropriate PPE for the task you are performing, this will be displayed on or near the machine
9. Know where the emergency stop buttons are positioned in the workshop. If you see an accident at the other side of the workshop you can use the emergency stop button to turn off all electrical power to machines.
10. Do not use a machine if you have not been shown how to operate it safely by the teacher.
11. Always be patient, never rush in the workshop.
12. Always use a guard when working on a machine.
13. Keep hands away from moving/rotating machinery.
14. Use hand tools carefully, keeping both hands behind the cutting edge.
15. Report any damage to tools/machines/equipment as this could cause an accident

Keeping your working area tidy is a key part of being safe in the workshop.

Tools must always be placed safely on the workbench while being used and returned to the correct place when they are finished with

Cables should not be left trailing as this will cause a trip hazard

Any waste material should be placed in the correct bin