Workshop rules and safety

considerations
Workshop safety is everyone's responsibility, the following rules have been put in place to ensure
the safety of all students and staff. Please read the safety rules carefully before entering the
workshop.

Workshop rules
 Student affected by drugs or alcohol are not permitted in the workshop
 Students with any health problems that may affect workplace safety (e.g. medication, epileptic fits)
must report these conditions to the workshop staff
 Notify the workshop staff of your arrival
 No food or drink in the workshop
 Wear the correct protective equipment for the tools you are using – ask if in doubt
 All chemicals (e.g. glues and paints) must be checked through Chemwatch and with workshop
staff before use
 Immediately notify the workshop supervisor of any faulty or broken equipment
 Ask how to use the tools safely
 Make sure your work piece is fixed securely before work commences
 Keep leads up off the floor
 Keep clear of any person operating tools and machinery (bumping an operator or get tangled in
the lead could cause serious injury to you or the operator)
 Do not talk to anyone operating electrical equipment and machinery
 Keep your work area tidy
 Clean up any spills immediately
 Wash hands after using equipment and materials
Ensure your safety in the workshop
When entering workshop
Pick up your hearing and eye protectors and immediately report to the workshop supervisor.

When exiting the workshop

Check that any tools you have been using have been put away in the appropriate spots, cleaned up
your work area and notify the workshop staff.

Clothing & footwear

 Safety glasses and hearing protection - every person entering the workshop must collect these
items from just inside the door. They must be worn at all times.
 Students that wear glasses should be aware these are not safety glasses, they are only impact
resistant and may shatter, safety glasses must be worn.
 All loose clothing (eg shirts hanging out) must be tucked in.
 Safety boots or enclosed shoes must be worn in the workshop. Do not enter under any
circumstances without this footwear, there are no exceptions to this rule.
 Long hair has to be tied up including fringes.
 Remove rings and loose jewellery before operating machinery they can be a hazard.
Behaviour
Fooling around and practical jokes in the workshop will not be tolerated. These students will be told
to leave.

First Aid
All accidents, cuts and abrasions must be reported before leaving the workshop. If an accident does
happen, no matter how small, it must be reported to the workshop staff and an Accident Report
Form filled out. Filling out this form is imperative for any future complications resulting from an
accident.

Fires or other emergencies

Think before reacting to any emergency in the workshop, ensure you are reacting safely before you
assist in an emergency. Do not attempt to fight any fire unless you have been trained to do so.

Machinery usage
When students are operating machinery all other students are to stay clear and not to talk to the
operator. If you feel uneasy or unsafe operating any tools or machinery in the workshop, inform the
workshop supervisor and help will be provided.

Machinery that students are not allowed to operate includes:

 Drop Saws
 Sac Panel Bench Saw
 Thicknesser
 Bench Rip Saw
 Lathes
 Pressure Testing Machine
 Milling Machine
 Plastic Moulder
 C.N. Router
 Circular Saws
 Laser
Tools to be used only under strict supervision include:

 Router and Trimmer.

 All other tools may be used by students as long as they have been inducted into the workshop,
and been tested in there capability to use them.
 Records are kept as to which tools each student can operate.
 Students are not permitted in the office of the workshop.
 If tools are required, ask the work supervisor.

What are some basic tips when using hand tools?

 Ensure that employees are properly trained in the safe use of hand tools.
 Always provide training on how to choose the right tool for the job, how to
correctly use each tool, and how to identify when tools need repair.
 Select the right tool for the job. Substitutes increase the chance of having an
accident.
 Use tools designed to allow wrist to stay straight. Avoid using hand tools with
your wrist bent.
 Use good quality tools.
 Keep tools in good condition at all times.
 Inspect tools for defects before use. Replace or repair defective tools.
 Keep cutting tools sharp and cover sharp edges with a suitable covering to
protect the tool and to prevent injuries from unintended contact.
 Replace cracked, splintered, or broken handles on files, hammers, screwdrivers,
or sledges.
 Ensure that the handles of tools like hammers and axes fit tightly into the head of
the tool.
 Replace worn jaws on wrenches, pipe tools and pliers.
 Redress burred or mushroomed heads of striking tools.
 Pull on a wrench or pliers. Never push unless you hold the tool with your palm
open.
 Point sharp tools (e.g., saws, chisels, knives) laying on benches away from aisles
and handles should not extend over the edge of the bench top.
 Maintain tools carefully. Keep them clean and dry, and store them properly after
each use.
 Carry tools in a sturdy tool box to and from the worksite.
 Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a faceshield (with safety glasses or goggles)
and well-fitting gloves appropriate for the hazards to which you may be exposed
when doing various tasks.
 Keep the work environment clean and tidy to avoid clutter which may cause
accidents.
 Use a heavy belt or apron and hang tools pointed down at your sides, not behind
your back.
 Keep the work space tidy. Store tools properly when not in use.
What should I avoid when using hand tools?
 Do not use tools for jobs they are not intended to do. For example, do not use a
slot screw driver as a chisel, pry bar, wedge or punch, or wrenches as hammers.
 Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools.
 Do not cut towards yourself when using cutting tools.
 Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a
screwdriver. Always lay it on a workbench or in a vice.
 Do not wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools.
 Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers.
 Do not carry tools in a way that interferes with using both hands on a ladder,
while climbing on a structure, or when doing any hazardous work. If working on a
ladder or scaffold, tools should be raised and lowered using a bucket and hand
line.
 Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket.
 Do not use tools during electrical work unless they are designed for electrical
work (e.g., properly insulated).
 Do not leave tools lying around on elevated structures such as a platform or
scaffold as they may be bumped and fall.