Health and Safety in the Workshop

Safe Practice for all Trainees

All trainees must learn practice the safe methods of your chosen skill. Using common sense, initiative and you what you have learnt you can make sure YOU, YOUR WORKSHOP AND YOUR WORKMATES remove the risk of injury, disablement or death.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The law states that:-

  1. “You shall take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.”
  2. “You shall not intentionally or recklessly interfere or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety or welfare.”

Real safety comes from following the example set by your instructors and becoming “safety conscious” which is the same as “road sense” when driving.

Basic Safety Points

The basic safety points are very easy to learn and understand:

  1. Learn the safe way to carry out each job
  2. If you do not understand – ask for an explanation
  3. If you are not taught – ask for instruction
  4. Always use safe methods in practice
  5. Always be on your guard against careless actions by yourself or others
  6. Practice good housekeeping at all times
  7. Co-operate quickly if an accident or fire does happen
  8. Always report all accidents to an instructor
  9. Draw your instructors attention to any possible hazard

THINK

Most accidents happen from causes that are very easy to understand:-

  1. Sharp edges cut
  2. Heat and flames burn
  3. Acid destroys
  4. Gears, power driven equipment can trap fingers and clothing
  5. Anything moving can be dangerous
  6. Anything heavy can be dangerous

Other Dangers

The dangers from loose, untidy clothing and hair have been explained. However there are other parts of the body that form a risk:-

Part of the body at risk / Protective equipment
Eyes
Ears
Hands
Feet
Arms
Legs
Head
Back

All must be protected

IF YOU NOTICE SOMETHING THAT MAY CAUSE ANACCIDENT TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY

Safety in the workplace is based upon the rule “a place for everything and everything in its place”. This is not simply so that a workshop looks good but is sound common sense.

This means:-

This practice also allows everyone to find particular tools or equipment with as little delay as possible, especially in an emergency – when saving time might be vital.

Clean up split liquids, especially grease, when they are split. If anyone falls because of a split liquid, not only can they injure themselves but they also delay others evacuating the workplace.

General Behaviour

Be careful when moving around the workplace.

NEVER RUN

Keep all gangways and corridors clear.

Never mess about, fiddle with or try out machinery.

NEVER WALK UNDER SUSPENDED LOADS

Practical jokes often lead to serious accidents and are forbidden.

General Housekeeping

Keep benches and workstations clean and tidy. Only the tools needed for a job should be on a bench. Keep all tools in their proper places. The floor and benches must be kept clear and clean. Use separate bins for rags and general dirt. Wipe up split liquids at once.

SHARP TOOLS MUST ALWAYS BE CARRIED POINT DOWN AND WHERE POSSIBLE GUARDED.

SHARP TOOLS MUST NEVER BE CARRIED IN POCKETS

NEVER USED DEFECTIVE TOOLS

Machines, Manual and Powered Tools

Any machine when in motion is a hazard and a trap for the unwary. They are all very powerful compared to human beings and NO risks must be taken with them.

ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT THE PROPER GUARD IS POSITIONED AND CORRECTLY ADJUSTED

An instructor is not “being fussy” because of untidy clothing, jewellery or hair. They will be trying to reduce possible hazards.

Hand Tools

It can be very funny seeing someone else hit thumb with a hammer. It is not funny to the person who has just done it. Remember we don’t laugh because of the pain it causes, but because that person been foolish enough to hurt themselves. Injury from hand tools is usually caused by stupidity, carelessness or distraction.

Fooling Around

This is very dangerous, often resulting in injury or death and is strictly forbidden. Workers have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for accidents caused by messing around.

DON’T FOOL ABOUT WITH OR AROUND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

ELECTRICITY

Electricity can be very powerful and it is also invisible. Because it makes lights work it is often forgotten that it is not possible to see it.

NEVER ASSUME THAT ELECTICAL EQUIPMENT IS DEAD – ALWAYS CHECK THE SYSTEM IS SWITCHED OFF AND DISCONNECTED

Remember equipment heated by electricity will take time to cool down.

The law forbids anyone who is not qualified carrying out any electrical work where a risk is involved.

DO NOT MEDDLE WITH ELECTRICAL MATTERS – LEAVE IT TO AN ELECTRICIAN

NEVER TOUCH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITH WET HANDS

REPORT ANY FRAYED WIRES IMMEDIATEY

ALL ELCETRICAL EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED

ONLY AUTHORISED PERSONS CAN REPAIR OR CONNECT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

ALWAYS BE CAREFUL OF TRAILING WIRES

What to do in case of Electrical Shock

  1. Send for medical assistance
  2. Switch off the electricity supply
  3. Do NOT touch the victim unless you are absolutely sure the power supply is off

Manual Lifting Techniques

Always use the right method for lifting any object – no matter how heavy. If you use the wrong method you can very easily damage your back – PERMANENTLY AND VERY PAINFULLY.

  1. Start with the lift in a balanced squatting position. Your feet should be hip width apart, one slightly in front of the other. Hold the load close to your body. Make sure you have a firm and secure grip. Before you start to lift, straighten your back and hold it as vertically as you can. Keep your head up and chin in – this helps to keep the spine straight.
  2. To raise the object, first straighten your legs. This means the proper parts of the body will be used to lift – the powerful thigh muscles and bones.
  3. To complete the lift, raise the body to a vertical position.

The Main Rules for Holding and Carrying

  1. Keep your body upright whenever you carry anything and hold the object close to your body
  2. Distribute the weight of the load
  3. Never lift anything that is too heavy for you. Get someone to help you

Protect Yourself Against Risks When Carrying

  1. Take all precautions before lifting anything
  2. Make sure the area is clear of any obstructions and especially anything that may trip you up