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As always, we are constantly reviewing and updating our advice to schools.
This last term has seen a number of minor updates to MRATs, and a new one – We have added MRAT 210 Abrasive Blasting. When carry out audits, we sometimes come across blasting units, but they are rarely used, however, we recently received a helpline query that made us think that we needed to put together a new Model Risk Assessment.
To see what edits are made to the MRATs, we advise that schools regularly check the MRAT index.
We have also updated our drone flying advice, following the recent changes to the regulations, which may have an impact on the use of drones in school. The updated guide is GL262 Drone Flying in Schools
As readers will be aware, we spend a lot of time working with new pieces of equipment, and developing safe methods of using equipment with pupils. One such piece is the injection moulding machine that was kindly lent to us from the Sustainable Design Studio. The first time we used it, we noticed the fumes were very strong and potentially harmful, so we designed and made a fume control device that sits on the back of the machine. This utilises the same technology as our solder fume extractor and 3D printer enclosure; a housing, a PC fan and a set of filters purchased online. A guide to manufacturing this is available on the website; GL495 Fume control unit for injection moulding
We have produced a second update to GL342 eye and face protection guidance, this latest version includes Appendix 2 which explains our thinking on the potential impact velocities from different pieces of equipment.
We regularly receive helplines about staff training requirements, and have produced a number of guides in the past, but the latest document explains why the training is important, not just for the safety of pupils and staff, but also to fulfil the requirements of various pieces of legislation: GL494 Training for D&T staff
Another area that regularly appears in helplines is cleaning. We get lots of questions about vacuum cleaners, which we addressed in a previous Futureminds, but we have now produced a new guide specifically aimed at food rooms, GL492 Guide to cleaning in Food rooms brings together a number of other pieces of guidance and provides a clear form that can be used to record the cleaning of the rooms.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a really useful video explaining why it is important to effectively extract when welding. It focuses on the use of on-torch extraction, but clearly demonstrates good practice in managing fumes. On-torch extraction practical guidance, tips and advice
There is also a video from HSE on how to use a dust lamp, which is a light that focuses a beam through air that could be carrying dust particles. The example in the video is an operator using a chopsaw, showing how to set up the lamp and what to watch for. Teachers and technicians can carry out this sort of test in schools to se if the LEV is working as effectively as it should be: How to use a Dustlamp
We have produced a second update to GL342 eye and face protection guidance, this latest version includes Appendix 2 which explains our thinking on the potential impact velocities from different pieces of equipment.
If you have any suggestions for further guidance, or for articles we could feature in Futureminds, please get in touch, using the helpline, or by email dt@cleapss.org.uk
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