Embedded Files
Over the summer we have updated a number of documents, and produced a few new guides:
We also added a few new MRATs, following requests from schools:
If you have a piece of equipment that doesn’t seem to have an associated MRAT, please let us know, so that we can discuss how best to provide information to help you develop your risk assessment.
Composite Casting – this guide explains how to successfully cast objects using three different polymer-based resins. This guide has a number of associated videos.
Managing a kiln – this is a combination of a guide and an editable policy, designed to support schools in developing their structures for managing a ceramics kiln.
Portable Power Supplies – we have two portable power supplies in our D&T space, which enable users to have access to mains power at any point in the room, or even outside. This guide explains the benefits of these devices.
Vacuum Cleaners – we have had a lot of helplines about vacuum cleaners and dust management in D&T, this guide explains what to look for when purchasing such a device.
Immersive Technologies – the use of headsets to access augmented or virtual reality, is discussed in this guide.
Lithium Ion Batteries – there are many rechargeable tools in D&T, this guide explains the systems that need to be in place for managing the batteries found in these devices.
Managing H&S in D&T, Food and Art – this guide is written to support departments in putting in place the essential H&S systems for managing these practical areas.
Managing Waste
The previous government published a policy paper entitled, the Resources and Waste Strategy
This identifies how different sectors are responsible for using resources and managing waste ,and how the present issues can be addressed through changes in guidance and regulation. One of the first aspects to impact schools directly is the Food Waste Regulations, which come into force at the end of March 2025. Although aimed at the food producing sector rather than schools, we recommend that schools follow the same guidance.
These changes will affect the school kitchens, as they are inspected by the Environmental Health Office.
All businesses that produce more than 5 kg of food waste per week will be required to separate food waste from general waste. This food waste must be collected separately to ensure it is recycled or processed rather than taken for landfill.
One of the key aims of the regulations is to eliminate food waste being sent to landfills by 2030. Licensed waste collectors will be required to take food waste to sites with anaerobic digestion, but if such a facility is not available then to an authorised composting facility.
Businesses producing food waste will be required to report on the amount of food waste generated and what disposal method is used.
The new regulations are linked to the broader Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, meaning that businesses will be held accountable for the waste generated by the products they produce. This will motivate companies to reduce food waste at the source and adopt more sustainable packaging options. This will also affect other industries, including product design and packaging.
Although this is predominately aimed at dealing with food waste, there are learning points that could be useful in all aspects of D&T, as the changes are related to sustainability and environmental concerns, both topics close to the heart of many D&T teachers.
Laser cutter/engraver
Over the past year or so a number of low-priced laser cutters and engravers have appeared on the market. These are often ‘open’ machines, with no cabinet to protect the user from the unguarded laser.
30W CO2 Laser
Can cut or engrave plastics, metals and timbers, can engrave stone and ceramics
Table top device
Cost - around £2500
450nm Blue Diode Laser
Can engrave on most materials, can cut metals, timber and some plastics
Table top and handheld device
Cost - around £1000
5W Diode engraving machine
Can engrave on most materials, can cut metals, timber and some plastics
Operates in a frame
Cost - around £300
This presents a number of concerns:
Users can get their body parts in the path of the laser, which will cause severe and instant burns.
The laser can be reflected which can then hit eyes or other body parts, again causing instant burns, and permanent/severe eye damage. A laser above Class 2 needs a suitable enclosure and interlock to prevent accidental exposure to the beam. Note that infrared laser beams are invisible, despite the pictures you may see, and you may be unaware of reflections from unenclosed beams.
There is no effective fume control, many of the materials that will be used on these machines will emit harmful and toxic fumes when heated by the laser.
Sometimes the machines can be CE or UKCA marked. This does not guarantee that they are safe to use in schools. Cheap imports can find their way onto the UK market that are non-compliant with EN/UK standards.
Some of the companies providing these machines also supply fume extraction, but there is no evidence that this is effective.
When compared to the cost of a ‘traditional’ school laser cutter/engraver, these are much cheaper. The enclosed, interlocked and extracted units found in schools range from £5000 - £25,000.
The British Standard, BS4163 (Health and Safety for Design and Technology in Educational and Similar Establishments) states:
Only laser cutter or engraving machines classified as Class 1 lasers should be used in school. The laser may be Class 4, but when enclosed in an interlocked unit, it would be a Class 1 machine.
CLEAPSS advises against the use of laser devices of this type in schools.
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