Technology Activity Skill and Process Management Strategies

Leathercraft

Leathercraft refers to the various aspects of leatherwork, dealing with the stamping, cutting, stitching, dyeing, moulding, burning and punching of leather

Identified Risks and Hazards

Hazards that may be encountered in leathercraft include:

wounds to hands from blades, awls, needles and punches
inhalation of acid, dye and solvent fumes
absorption, ingestion and burns from dyes and acids spills
burns from hot objects, flammable solvents, dyes and acids

Many of the hazards that may arise in this activity area can be minimised by adopting a regular set of ‘good housekeeping’ procedures.

These procedures could include:

At the end of each lesson the floors are to be swept and the rubbish placed in an appropriate container.
Rubbish bins are to be emptied regularly.
All scrap and offcut materials are to be placed in appropriately labeled containers at the end of each lesson.
All materials and projects are to be stored up off the floor and in suitable storage cupboards or other facilities.
All machines are switched to the ‘off’ position at the lesson’s end.
All tools and items of equipment are returned to their storage position at the end of each lesson.
Students are to seek teacher permission to start any activity or use any machine.

Activity Location Considerations

The location should be appropriate to the activity and be considered in regard to the type of equipment being used.
The workplace should be well ventilated.
The work area should have adequate lighting to ensure comfortable working conditions.
Adequate space should be available for students to work safely with hammers and mallets and other relevant equipment.
The work area should be appropriate for leathercraft activities. Bench tops should be made of a suitable material. Seat and bench heights need to be considered in relation to the type of equipment being used.
Adequate supervision of students in the work area should be maintained at all times.
Solvent-based dyes and lacquers may be flammable, they should not be used in areas where there are naked flames or hot objects.
First aid equipment and supplies should be available and easily accessible. A clearly sign-posted First Aid Station in the work area is recommended.

Resource and Equipment Guidelines

The equipment should be appropriate for the activity and conform to Australian Standards specifications.

Electrical equipment should be inspected regularly and where possible It is advised that electrical equipment have current electrical test certification. (AS/NZS 3760::2000)

Equipment should be in good condition and be regularly maintained.
All cutting tools should be sharp and well maintained.
All chemicals and dyes should be labelled and stored in appropriate unbreakable sealed containers.
Before commencing a leathercraft course, students should be given comprehensive instruction in leathercraft, so that they are aware of the range of hazards associated with leathercraft equipment and processes.
Students should be instructed in the necessity to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others around them.
Safety zones should be established so that students involved in potentially hazardous processes (such as mechanically stitching, cutting and dyeing leather) have an adequate work area that other students not involved in the process will enter.
Protective equipment (e.g. gloves and safety glasses), should be worn when they are working with dye solutions. Heat-protection gloves should be worn when working with heating equipment. This equipment should conform with Australian Standards.

Where signs are displayed to identify known hazards, safety signs in accordance with

AS 1319-1994 are recommended.

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