Embedded Files
In the introduction we mentioned that we have published some new guides, there have also been updates made to some guides we share with science:
Suppliers who are associate members of CLEAPSS (GL253) This has had some updates to contact details. Suppliers who are associate members of CLEAPSS (GL253)
School visits to farms (GL465) This is a primary and science resource, but may have some relevance in secondary D&T. School visits to farms (GL465)
Pregnant, new and breastfeeding mothers and school science (PS013). This guide is self-explanatory, and we reference it in guidance from D&T, food and Art and Design. Pregnant, new & breastfeeding mothers and school science (PS013)
There have been a couple of incidents that have been brought to our attention over the past term:
A technician suffered a serious cut to their fingers when using a table saw. This incident highlighted the importance of using push sticks.
Remember, everyone who uses a table saw, must use push sticks to keep their hands at least 30 cm away from the moving blade.
A Year 7 pupil suffered an injury to their finger when using a belt sander. The material they were sanding was snatched by the abrasive, drawing their fingers into the machine.
We remind teachers and technicians that inexperienced pupils must not use equipment without being shown how to use it safely, and using it under adequate supervision. In the case of a sander, we recommend that the teacher, or a competent technician, stands beside the machine when the pupil uses the sander for the first time, so that they can step in and help the pupil, or re-demonstrate how to use the machine safely.
In the case of the incident on the sander, the investigation also questioned how the school would be able to 'prove' that the teacher had shown the pupil how to use the machine in a safe manner. There are many ways of doing this, some schools have ‘passports’. An example of one can be found on the CLEAPSS website: DT Passport (DL270). However, these can become very difficult to manage and can fall out of use.
A potentially better system is built into the spreadsheet we have developed for recording risk assessments, Using Model Risk Assessments in D&T (Spreadsheet) (E171) There is an explanation of how to use this in the guide Using Model Risk Assessments in D&T (GL171), and in the tool tip video (Tool tip Introduction). We explain how to set this up to manage planning and recording in our training.
If you want to set up such a system, please take a look at our version, and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
Of course, any of these systems only work if the teacher is trained and competent, and is able to instruct the pupils in how to use equipment safely. For advice on training take a look at the guide, training plan (GL388) and the guide, Managing safety in D&T, food and art, Managing safety in DT (GL466)
Metal Working Fluids (MWF)
Metal Working Fluids (MWF)
Back in 2022 we ran an article in Futureminds FM 20; Spring 2022 on the updated guidance from the HSE. Following further new guidance from the HSE, our guidance has also recently been updated.
In most schools MWF is rarely, if ever, used, and then is usually in CNC machine operations.
If you think you need to use MWF for anything other than a fully enclosed CNC machine operation, please contact us for advice.
Safety Signage
If you need to download and print safety signage GL254 Pictograms for safety signs in D&T has been updated with new images and there is a GL254A that has A4 sized ilages so that they can be printed without loss of quality.
GL254- Pictograms for safety signs in D&T
PPE updates
PPE updates
You may be aware that the national standards for eye protection have changed. The familiar EN166 standard has been updated to EN ISO 16321-1. Our guide explains how the change in the standard will affect those purchasing or using eye protection. Eye and face protection in D&T, Food and Art (GL342).
Eye and Face protection in DT Food and Art (GL342) September 2024
We still get a few Helpline queries about the use of masks as PPE. Our guide is pretty clear, where dust or fumes are a potential problem, you should consider how to deal with this, without resorting to masks. It is rare to find a mask that will adequately fit a pupil, and where face fitted masks are to be used, the employer is legally required to provide face fit testing for all employees who are expected to wear tight fitting respirators. For information see A guide to the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in school D&T and science (GL310)
GL310 Guide to Respiratory Protective Equipment RPE in D-T and science
We will be further updating our PPE/RPE guidance over the summer, so please remember to check in September.
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