SHOP SAFETY

When it comes to ensuring shop safety in a school, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Proper Equipment and Tools: Make sure the shop is equipped with appropriate tools and machinery for the specific activities conducted in the space. Regularly inspect and maintain the equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.

2. Training and Supervision: Provide proper training to students and staff on how to safely use the tools and equipment in the shop. This should include safety protocols, handling procedures, and emergency response plans. Ensure that there is adequate supervision in the shop to oversee activities and address any safety concerns.

9. Safety Signage: Clearly display safety signs and labels throughout the shop to provide reminders and warnings. Signs should include information on emergency exits, equipment operation, PPE requirements, and any specific hazards present.

10. Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Establish a routine maintenance schedule for equipment and machinery. Regularly inspect the shop area for potential safety hazards, and promptly address any issues or concerns that arise.

By considering these factors and implementing appropriate safety measures, schools can create a safer environment in their shops and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.

Shop Safety Map

As one of the beginning activities of your classroom, consider having students make a classroom safety map. A classroom safety map should include the locations of all the safety features of the room. While identifying the locations of all the safety features in your classroom, this is also a good time to explain the rational and procedure around all these items. These maps should include, but are not limited to, things like: 

1. Fire Extinguisher: A fire extinguisher provides an immediate response to small fires before they have a chance to spread and escalate. In the event of a fire outbreak, a fire extinguisher allows occupants to take immediate action to control or extinguish the fire, potentially minimizing damage and reducing the risk to individuals. In some cases, a fire may be too large or dangerous to handle with a fire extinguisher alone. However, having a fire extinguisher can still serve as a valuable tool while evacuating the classroom or building. It can be used to clear a path, suppress smaller fires blocking escape routes, or create a safe passage for individuals to exit the premises. Along with the presence of a fire extinguisher, it is essential to provide training to students and staff on how to properly use it. Conduct fire safety drills and training sessions that include hands-on practice with fire extinguishers, ensuring everyone understands the operation, limitations, and appropriate usage techniques.

2. Fire Alarm: Fire alarms are designed to detect the presence of smoke or fire and provide an early warning to occupants. By promptly alerting individuals in the classroom, the fire alarm gives them valuable time to evacuate safely before the fire spreads or becomes more hazardous. Fire alarms are typically mandated by building codes and safety regulations for educational institutions. Adhering to these requirements ensures that the school meets the necessary safety standards and provides a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors.

3. Fire Blanket: A fire blanket is specifically designed to smother small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. It can be used to quickly extinguish fires on clothing, objects, or small contained fires, such as in waste paper bins or small appliances. The fire blanket's non-combustible material helps prevent flames from spreading further. A fire blanket can also be used as a protective barrier between individuals and the fire. In case someone's clothing catches fire, a fire blanket can be wrapped around them to help extinguish the flames and reduce the risk of burns. It provides a layer of insulation and can help protect the person until further assistance arrives. Fire blankets are often considered safer to use than traditional fire extinguishers, especially in situations where individuals may not be trained in the proper use of extinguishers. They do not require complicated operation and can be used effectively with minimal training.

4. Emergency Exits/Evacuation Plan: When identifying the emergency exits and evacuation plans, take a moment to go over the procedure of them. Having clear instructions and regularly conducting fire drills in classrooms allows occupants to practice their evacuation procedures and become familiar with the sound and response to the fire alarm. This training enhances preparedness and ensures a more organized and efficient response in real emergency situations.

5. Emergency Shut Off/Shunts: An electrical shut-off switch or panel is used to cut off the power supply to the entire shop or specific equipment. This shut-off can be crucial in situations such as electrical malfunctions, equipment failures, or when someone is at risk of electric shock. It allows for a quick and immediate response to power-related emergencies. Individual machines in the shop classroom should be equipped with emergency stop buttons or switches. These allow users to immediately halt machine operations in case of a hazardous situation, such as entanglement, material kickback, or equipment malfunction. Emergency stops should be easily identifiable and easily accessible near the machine controls. It is crucial that all emergency shut-offs are clearly marked, easily accessible, and that individuals in the shop classroom are familiar with their locations and proper usage. Regular training, drills, and clear signage can help ensure that students and staff can respond quickly and effectively during emergency situations. Additionally, it's important to periodically inspect and maintain emergency shut-offs to ensure they are in proper working condition. Regular inspections can help identify any potential issues and ensure that the shut-offs are ready to be activated when needed.

6. Safety Goggle UV Cabinet:  The presence of a safety goggle UV cabinet serves as a visual reminder to students and staff about the importance of wearing appropriate eye protection when working. It reinforces the safety protocols and practices in the shop classroom, promoting a culture of safety and responsible use of equipment. The UV cabinet also serves as a way to disinfect the goggles in between use from student to student. This proactive measure will allow you to spend less on safety goggles long term since students can share them and feel confident they are clean.

7. Eye Wash Station: An eye wash station provides a quick and accessible method to flush eyes that have come into contact with chemicals, foreign objects, or other irritants. It allows individuals to rinse their eyes promptly, helping to minimize potential damage, relieve discomfort, and prevent further injury. Eye wash stations are often required by safety regulations and standards in educational institutions where potential eye hazards exist, such as in science labs or shop classrooms. By providing an eye wash station, the school demonstrates its commitment to meeting these safety requirements and prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. The presence of an eye wash station in the classroom serves as a visual reminder of the importance of eye safety and encourages individuals to take precautions when working with hazardous substances or engaging in activities that may pose a risk to their eyes. It promotes awareness and prompts discussions about eye safety practices and the appropriate response to eye injuries.

8. First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit allows for immediate first aid treatment in case of minor injuries, cuts, burns, or other accidents that may occur in a shop classroom. It provides the necessary supplies to address injuries promptly, helping to minimize pain, prevent infection, and stabilize the injured person before further medical assistance is available. A first aid kit often includes personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face masks, or CPR barriers. These items are crucial for ensuring the safety of the person providing first aid by minimizing the risk of infection or exposure to bodily fluids. *Note that the specific contents of a first aid kit may vary depending on local regulations, the size of the shop classroom, and the nature of activities conducted. It's advisable to consult local guidelines or medical professionals to ensure that the first aid kit meets the specific needs of the shop classroom and is compliant with applicable regulations.

9. Classroom Phone: Unlike mobile phones, landline phones are not dependent on cellular networks, which can be unreliable or affected by network congestion during emergencies. In the event of an emergency, a landline phone can quickly connect individuals to emergency services, such as police, fire, or medical assistance. Landlines are typically associated with a fixed physical location, allowing emergency responders to pinpoint the exact location of the call more easily. Included with the phone and nearby, there should be a list of emergency numbers and instructions on how to dial out.

10. Emergency Blue Light: A Blue Light is a safety feature of some shops that provide an additional warning signal of some type of notification or emergency. Very often in a classroom shop, tools are running and kids are working and the classroom may be too loud to hear a typical announcement or even fire alarms. The blue light flashes quickly and brightly alerting everyone in the room that there is some type of emergency announcement they need to be aware of. This allows students to stop working, turn off tools, and listen quietly for further instruction.

Using a sheet of legal paper, have your students draw the floorplan of the room to the best of their ability. Be sure to tell them to include features like doors, windows, and immovable furniture like workbenches and sinks to help them orient their map. This drawing should cover about half the sheet of paper leaving room for a key on the other side. As a class, identify and label the safety features around the room to fill in their map. As a modification, if you have the floorplan of your room, consider handing that out for students to fill in. Below is a sample of what a Shop Safety Map may look like.

Shop Safety Posters

Safety posters are important visual aids that should be displayed in a shop classroom to promote and reinforce a culture of safety. Here are some reasons why safety posters are beneficial:

1. Increased Awareness: Safety posters serve as constant reminders of potential hazards and safe practices within the shop classroom. They help to raise awareness among students and staff about the importance of following safety guidelines, using protective equipment, and practicing safe behaviors.

2. Reinforcement of Safety Messages: Safety posters provide a visual reinforcement of safety messages communicated through training and educational materials. They help to emphasize key safety rules, procedures, and precautions specific to the shop classroom environment. Repetition of safety messages through posters helps to reinforce their importance and increase compliance.

3. Visual Reference for Safety Information: Safety posters can provide visual reference materials that illustrate safe work practices, proper equipment usage, emergency procedures, and other important safety information. They can include diagrams, illustrations, or step-by-step instructions to help individuals understand and follow safety protocols.

4. Hazard Identification and Prevention: Safety posters can highlight common hazards in the shop classroom and provide guidance on how to prevent accidents or injuries. They may include information on proper handling of tools and equipment, storage of materials, electrical safety, fire safety, or the safe use of chemicals. By identifying potential hazards, individuals are better equipped to mitigate risks and take appropriate precautions.

5. Educational Tool: Safety posters can serve as educational tools, especially for new students or those who are less familiar with the shop classroom environment. They can educate individuals about potential risks and inform them about the proper use of safety equipment and tools. The posters can also provide information on emergency procedures, evacuation routes, or how to report accidents or hazards.

6. Positive Safety Culture: Displaying safety posters in the shop classroom demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive safety culture. It shows that the institution prioritizes the well-being of students and staff, and encourages a safe and responsible working environment. Safety posters can serve as a visual reminder of this commitment and foster a sense of personal responsibility for maintaining a safe space.

It is important to regularly update and maintain safety posters to ensure their relevance and accuracy. Consider involving students in the creation or selection of safety posters to enhance engagement and ownership of safety practices. Additionally, positioning the posters in prominent and visible locations within the shop classroom ensures maximum exposure and effectiveness.

Create safety presentations on one tool or machine that is in the room and will be used throughout the year. The teacher will assign each group one of these tools or machines. Students will research the tool and create presentations by creating a foam core model or representation of the tool. Creating a model will give students one of their first chances to engage with the Engineering Design process with a hands-on project including prototyping and design. This process will also give students an early chance to familiarize themselves with the room and organization of key classroom staple items like scissors, xacto knives, paper, and paint.  The model should represent the real tool with key parts visible and identified. Ideally, the model should be identifiable from across the room when done correctly. 

Beyond the model, groups are responsible for creating a handout. The handouts should be a single page only to quickly identify key parts and hazards of the tool. Students should anticipate that the handouts will be reviewed by their teacher and will be shared with the rest of the class to quickly have access to these data sheets.

Tool Choices:

When considering your tool choices, pick options that you will engage with through out your class and school year. There are a variety of tools depending on the disciplines that will be covered. Below is a list of some possible options: