Team:Safety

In the spirit of Rule Zero: Do_Not_Be_On_Fire.

Safety Objectives, Setting and monitoring

Safety-Zeroth

The safety team shall schedule regular (frequency to be discussed) walk-arounds of the space to identify new safety risks and monitor existing issues. The team shall record any findings and present the details to the membership.

Any policy shall be reviewed annually or due to a relevant change in circumstances.

The Workshop

There's no denying that the workshop can be a dangerous place if the appropriate precautions are not taken.

We intend to implement a simple workshop induction that highlights the expectations we have of our members where it comes to safety. This is to instil a baseline of understanding in the membership - let's call it "gumption". The exact wording and process is yet to be decided but it will be designed to cascade down from a simple statement that makes it clear how the member would be able to educate themselves on the safe use of each of the major tools (education where appropriate - i.e. yes for bandsaw, no for a hammer). The inductor should be able to gauge the level of gumption in the inductee and advise accordingly. --Michael Erskine (talk) 09:24, 28 February 2013 (EST)

To quote the great Norm Abram: "Before we use any power tools, let's take a moment to talk about shop safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how to use your power tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these — safety glasses."

Safety Audit

I can give informal advice --Michael Erskine (talk) 05:42, 25 February 2013 (EST)

Fire Prevention and Procedure

We shall operate a policy of implementing measures that both: -

1. prevent fires from starting
2. have emergency procedures should a fire occur

(BizSpace own fire audits?)

Fire alarm - BizSpace testing -

• in the event of an alarm...
• evacuation procedure
• fire exits and escape routes
• assembly points
• alarm call points
• fire marshals (? not guaranteed to be at the space in event of emergency)
• occupancy (? we don't hold records - not popular with membership difficult to manage)

Fire extinguishers - types and locations - testing and renewal

Fire blankets

Sources of fire ignition: -

• electrical malfunction
• heating elements - glue guns, soldering stations, heat gun, sparks
• kitchen cooking appliances
• etc. - continue list

When to tackle a fire - when not to tackle a fire.

The dangers of smoke inhalation

educate and inform - empower our membership - feel confident

Tools Review

We shall carry out inspections of equipment and machinery and the results of our findings will be presented to the membership along with any recommended actions for remedy. The findings shall be reviewed! (by who and when is going to be dependent on the involvement of a committed membership!)

• New tools will be assessed - an inspection process established and documented
• tool calibration (not just H&S but good operation and avoiding damage)
• damaged tools will be withdrawn from use (inspection failure)
  • nice idea: http://gdkonstantine.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/project-lockout/
  • labels required: inspected OK (date and who), inspected failed, inspected use with caution

Training - big subject! (but completely doable!)

• manual vs powered tools
• abrasive wheels
• cutting tools
• drills and presses
  • http://blog.makezine.com/2013/02/13/ten-tips-for-drilling-better-holes/
• electrical connections
• table saw specifics
• band saw specifics
• chop saw specifics
• dust extraction
• pressurised systems
• gas powered systems
• welders

Safety of non-members

• members' guests
• members of the public - open days, open nights, etc.
• safety of minors

Stress, Violence, appropriate behaviour, drug and alcohol use

• smoking is not permitted in the building
• BizSpace policies review