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Safety and Hazards

Whenever something is created, used, disposed of, or destroyed, the activities that take place or the subsequent result have the potential to cause injury. Although the possible results that are immediately obvious must be considered, the inclusion of the long term effects upon people and the environment must be made.

Hazards arise from circumstances or situations that have the potential to cause or do harm. It is important to anticipate and measure hazards by means of Risk Assessment. The table shown below provides an example of risk assessment. Its content is specifically related to teaching, but the same individual considerations should be made and ideally recorded by all who participate in practical activities.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Hazard Identification	Haz_x	Risk_=	RA	Action
Are the test pieces firmly secure and safe?	2	1	3	OK
Have all cutters been checked for safe use?	2	1	3	OK
Are Test areas clear of any unnecessary hazards?	3	3	9	action taken
Is there a procedure for checking out and checking in tools and equipment?	2	1	3	OK
Are pupils made aware of safety requirements and behaviour during the lesson?	3	1	3	OK
Are pupils made aware of safety requirements and behaviour when machines are used?	3	1	3	OK
Are strategies in place for communications when pupils are wearing ear defenders	3	3	9	action taken
Has safety equipment been checked and issued for the protection of hearing	2	2	4	action taken
Are pupils made aware of safety requirements and behaviour when using heat process equipment	3	1	3	OK

© EEC copyright. Health and Safety School Management Systems www.schoolshealthandsafety.co.uk

Reproduced by the kind permission and under the terms of Flamefast (UK) Ltd. Further detail from www.flamefast.co.uk

Safety is the responsibility of us all

No matter where we are or what we are doing each of us must take great care in our actions and those of others.

When you enter a practical-based specialist room, it is even more important because of the many different activities that you and others may be involved in.

Accidents are caused by people who do not plan, take proper care or who try to do something without thinking or knowing how dangerous it may be.

To make you and others as safe as possible we have listed below some of the rules that you must always follow.

If you see someone behaving unsafely report them straight away to a member of Staff.

Equipment and machinery are not play things so do not touch them without permission.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear during practical activities.

Use the guards on machines to protect you always. Check to make sure that loose clothing or long hair is covered, tucked in or tied back.

Earrings, bangles, bracelets, rings and jewellery must not be worn.

Protective goggles or face shields must be worn at all times when using machines and at times when instructed.

Never run, shout or try to distract others.

No machine should be on, altered or used unless permission has been given by a member of Staff.

Only one person will operate any machine at one time. Do not try to talk to someone using a machine and stay clear of that area around it.

If you have to carry things around, keep sharp or pointed objects facing towards the ground. If it is something big or hot then warn others and get assistance.

Treat equipment with respect. The correct tools must be used for the task and always returned to a correct and safe place after use.

When using knives or any cutting tool, never put your hand in front of the blade.

If you see an accident, or have one yourself, no matter how small, report it immediately to a member of Staff.

Never try to use tools and equipment in a way that has not been demonstrated to you.

Make sure you are familiar with fire and building evacuations.

If you are not sure then ask. Although we may be concentrating on what we are doing, each of us must take great care in our actions and those of others.