Maldon Men's Shed Health and Safety Statement and Workshop Rules

Maldon Men's Shed Health and Safety Statement and Workshop Rules

Maldon Men's Shed is committed to a SAFETY FIRST policy and as such requires that all members and visitors abide by the rules and guidelines provided. Supervisors will, when on duty be mindful of the health and wellbeing of any members or visitors on the premises. Members are asked to be aware of their own safety and the safety of their colleagues in the shed. It is important for the management and members of the Maldon Men's Shed project to foster and promote a positive Health and Safety culture and to work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Members.

WORKSHOP RULES

PLEASE

• Before you start work, please think about the safest way to do the job. Consider any hazard that you might be creating for yourself and others. Remember that fellow shedders may have hearing or sight problems and they may be vulnerable to trips, falls and other injuries.
• Do not use any piece of equipment that you have not received induction and been signed off on.
• Always turn OFF at the machine, NOT the wall switch, to prevent unexpected starts if someone else inadvertently operates the wall switch.
• Make sure any loose hair, clothing or jewellery is tied back/removed before starting work.
• Always wear PPE masks, gloves, eye-protectors, ear-protectors and proper footwear when there is a hazard. If you are not sure about how to carry out a job safely, just ask.
• Always concentrate on what you are doing. Don’t be distracted by other activities taking place around you.
• Never distract someone who is working with tools, it could cause an accident. Always wait until they have finished what they are doing before you talk to them.
• Give people plenty of room when they are working. Don’t stand too close or jog them.
• Please respect all the tools and use the correct tool for the task in hand. Incorrect use of tools can damage them or your piece of work and cause accidents.
• Report any damaged tool to the shed supervisor for that day. If you have damaged it don’t worry, these things happen but make sure you report it. Please remember using broken tools can cause accidents particularly if the user is unaware.
• Replace any tool that you have used where it belongs. If you don’t know where it belongs please ask.
• Keep the areas around the fixed machinery clear of obstruction at all times.
• All wood must be stored in the correct storage area. Work in progress should be marked up. Any wood left lying around may be recycled or thrown out.
• Store all wood and equipment safely where it won’t fall or trip people up.
• Waste wood must be binned. Don’t leave it on benches, machines, the floor etc. Hard and soft woods should be bagged up for use as firewood. (Other materials such as MDF, hardboard and chipboard are not suitable for burning.)
• Take particular care when using wood that has been treated with preservative. The dust produced from machining/working such wood is particularly hazardous and dust masks must be worn. If possible, such work should be undertaken outside.
• At the end of each day clean and replace all tools/equipment. Clean your bench, the floor and sweep/vacuum the work area. Leave it as you would wish to find it. This is standard workshop practise. Be especially careful to gather up tacks, nails, screws and other sharp items.
• No Smoking is allowed anywhere in the shed building

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION