Safety

General workshop Safety rules

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. 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.
4. Always wear an apron as it will protect your clothes and hold loose clothing
such as ties in place.
5. Wear good strong shoes. Training shoes are not suitable.
6. When attempting practical work all stools should be put away.
7. Bags should not be brought into a workshop as people can trip over them.
8. 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.
9. Do not use a machine if you have not been shown how to operate it safely by the
teacher.
10. Always be patient, never rush in the workshop.
11. Always use a guard when working on a machine.
12. Keep hands away from moving/rotating machinery.
13. Use hand tools carefully, keeping both hands behind the cutting edge.
14. Report any damage to machines/equipment as this could cause an accident.
15. Student affected by drugs or alcohol are not permitted in the workshop
16. Students with any health problems that may affect workplace safety (e.g.
medication, epileptic fits) must report these conditions to the workshop staff
17. Notify the workshop staff of your arrival
18. No food or drink in the workshop
19. Wear the correct protective equipment for the tools you are using – ask if in
doubt
20. All chemicals (e.g. glues and paints) must be checked through Chemwatch and
with workshop staff before use
21. Ask how to use the tools safely
22. Make sure your work piece is fixed securely before work commences
23. Keep leads up off the floor
24. 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)
25. Do not talk to anyone operating electrical equipment and machinery
26. Keep your work area tidy
27. Clean up any spills immediately
28. Wash hands after using equipment and materials

Personal 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, and safety glasses must be worn.
All loose clothing (e.g. 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 jeweler before operating machinery they can be a hazard.
Behavior
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.

Classes of fire

Class A –caused by ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood, cloth, and some
types of plastic. They are extinguished by use of water or certain types of dry
chemicals to either absorb heat or coat the fire.
Class B - Fires caused by flammable liquids and gas such as gasoline, oils, grease
paints thinners and other flammable liquids.
Class C- are caused by electrical faults from live wires, panels, and circuit
breakers.
Class D – are caused by combustible metals. These include magnesium, sodium,
aluminum, and titanium.
Class K fire - caused by cooking fats, greases, and oils. They are extinguished
using a process called saponification by releasing an alkaline agent to create a
foam that traps vapors and puts the fire out.

Fire extinguishers
Flames need fuel, oxygen and heat in order to burn. Fire extinguishers are designed
to remove one of these elements by applying an agent that either cools the burning
fuel, or removes or displaces the surrounding oxygen. You can read more details
on fire extinguishing agents here.
Fire extinguishers contain either water or a smothering material, such as CO2. By
pulling out the safety pin and depressing the lever at the top of the cylinder, the fire
extinguishing material is released under high amounts of pressure.
How Fire Extinguishers Work
At the top of the cylinder, there is a smaller cylindrical container filled with
compressed gas. A release valve acts as a locking mechanism and prevents this gas
from escaping. When you pull the safety pin and squeeze the lever, the lever
pushes on an actuating rod that presses the valve down to open a passage to the
nozzle. The compressed gas is released, applying a downward pressure on the fire-
extinguishing material, and pushing it out the nozzle under tremendous force.
Although the temptation is to aim the extinguishing material at the flames, the
proper way is to aim it directly at the fuel.
Water Extinguishers/pressurized water
Water extinguishers are filled with regular tap water and typically pressurized with
air. The most common way to remove heat is to spray water on the fire; however,
depending on the type of fire, this approach is not always the best option.
It removes heat and thus suitable for class A fires.
Foam
Foam removes oxygen.it is suitable for fires which are caused by flammable
liquids and chemicals. Consequently it is used on class A and B fires.
Dry powder
Dry chemical extinguishers are filled with foam or powder, usually potassium
bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and pressurized with nitrogen.
Baking soda is effective because it decomposes at 158 degrees Fahrenheit and
releases carbon dioxide, which smothers oxygen once it decomposes. Dry chemical
extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire by coating the fuel with a
thin layer of powder or foam, thereby separating the fuel from the surrounding
oxygen.

The type of flammable metal you are dealing with determines which type B, C and
D fire extinguisher you will require.
Copper extinguishing medium should be used when you are dealing with lithium
and lithium alloy metals.
Sodium chloride extinguishers should be used when you are dealing with
magnesium, sodium, potassium, uranium and powdered aluminum.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas. They are so
highly pressurized that it is not uncommon for bits of dry ice to shoot out. Since
CO2 is heavier than oxygen and very cold, it displaces or removes oxygen from the
surrounding area and cools the fuel.
Suitable for fires caused by flammable liquids, electrical apparatus, gases and
vapors.
It is used on class B and class C fire
Soda Acid
It’s used on class A fires
NB. Do not forget that fire extinguishers require care and maintenance in order to
remain functional!
Before using your fire extinguisher, be sure to read the instructions before it's too
late. Although there are many different types of fire extinguishers, all of them
operate in a similar manner.
A typical fire extinguisher contains 10 seconds of extinguishing power. This could
be less if it has already been partially discharged. Always read the instructions that
come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and become familiarized with its parts.
It is highly recommended by fire prevention experts that you get hands-on training
before operating a fire extinguisher. Most local fire departments offer this service.
Once the fire is out, don't walk away! Watch the area for a few minutes in case it
re-ignites. Recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.
Use this acronym as a quick reference (it is a good idea to print this reference and
pin it next to your fire extinguisher):
P A S S
Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism
and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out
the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the
extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher
back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe
distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to
diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire
extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember:
Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!!!!

Fire prevention
When it comes to protecting your home, workplace, car or boat against fire, there
are certain measures you can take to prevent this type of disastrous event.
Choosing a fire extinguisher, smoke alarm and fire sprinkler system are three wise
investments that may save your life, or the life of someone you love!
In order to better guard yourself against a potential tragedy related to fire, be well-
informed; visit our section on fire prevention and preparation. There, you will find
practical tips on the proper procedure to follow in the case of fire, as well as
guidance in choosing where to place your fire extinguisher.
A large percentage of fires originate in the kitchen, making it vital to implement
certain safety measures when you are cooking. Fires started by cigarettes can be
avoided by using fire safe cigarettes (or by simply smoking outdoors)! There are
also particular precautions you should take against natural causes of fire, such as
wildfires!
FACTORIES AND WORK PLACE ACT
In exercise of the powers, conferred by section 55 of factories act, the minister of
labour after consulting the labour advisory board hereby makes the following rules.
1. In every factory there shall be provided, maintained and readily available
and accessible first aid box or cupboard required under section 50(1) of the
act items in accordance with the following-
-in every workshop/factory with employees 1-10 must have; a copy of first
aid leaflet issued by the labour department and a complete first aid box
should be provided containing –sterilized un medicated dressing for injured
fingers, hands or feet, bandages, adhesive wound dressing ,adhesive
plaster ,cotton wool, sterilized eye pads and safety pins.
2. All materials for drugs and dressings contained in first aid boxes should
be of high quality.
3. in a factory with many employees ,at least two persons trained in first aid
and at least one person shall always be available in every factory at all the time
during the working hours.
4. where offence is committed under these rules, the owner of the factory
concerned as the case may be or shall be guilty of an offence and if the provisions
of part (X1) of the act as to offences ,penalties and proceedings shall apply.