(SAF) Shop Safety Lesson
Shop Safety lesson
Introduction
Have you ever gone into someone’s room or work area which was so cluttered and unorganized that the person could not find their own items, or perhaps you had to watch your step as you went through the area? Contrast that image with the science or technology labs you know. Any structured lab environment considers the importance of a safe work area and safe work procedures. The alternative is chaos with the high possibility of harm due to an accident or incorrect procedures.
At the conclusion of this lesson, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and how to incorporate safe laboratory procedures in the lab, shop, and field environments. In addition, students will be able to identify, select, and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), follow work area organization procedure and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when performing work.
Explore this lesson to learn the elements of and standard procedures to establish and maintain a safe work area.
Explore
Safety in the STEM lab or workplace is driven by the willingness and conscientiousness of the individual to continually conduct themselves in a professional and safe manner. Not adhering to established safety protocols and practices can endanger not only the individual, but also those around him, and those who will be working in the area after the individual leaves. Beyond the harm to humans, property, environment or even potential legal considerations, consequences for poor safety practice can affect a person’s ability to continue work in that specified lab or even jeopardize one’s career options.
The work opportunities in STEM labs and worksites are often very exciting and financially rewarding. Some of this work is research and development. Other work is more concrete, hands-on, and provides the ability to create specific products or technical solutions. Therefore, prepare for those excellent opportunities through learning the safety practices in each of the following sections.
Challenge
Safe Shop Procedures Check-Up-
Read each statement and decide whether it is TRUE or FALSE.
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A good safety work habit is to be prepared for the task and environment by wearing appropriate clothing and shoes for the job. |
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A good safety work habit is to turn on the power switch of tools or equipment and then verify you have balance and control for machine/tool operation. |
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There is no problem with carrying a tool by the power cord. |
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In every case it is fine to use a regular inside extension cord to run a tool outside. |
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ANSI certified protective eye protection is not required in the engineering lab at any time. |
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Lab and work environments will require the use of certain footwear. |
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Hearing protection devices include industry standard earplugs or ear muffs. |
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Hand protection is required in the lab, but the type does not vary. |
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When working in the shop, the lighting and cleanliness does not matter. |
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The saying “use the right tool for the right job” is not significant as a safety practice. |
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It is ok to touch a moving part or a drill bit that was just used. |
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When working in the lab ensure unqualified people or children are not in the work area. |
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Cleaning up the shop after working is only to save the instructor time. |
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Batteries and small metal objects can safely be stored in the same container. |
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Electrocution is caused when you are grounded and touching a live electrical line. |
Take Away
Safety programs and practices in the STEM shop or workplace is a serious issue which, among other topics, students and workers receive training on the proper use of PPE for eye protection. Yet some individuals choose not to wear protective eyewear.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 20,000 eye injuries occur each year on the work site. The vast majority of these accidents could have been prevented through the use of correct eye protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published that, “Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation.
The common causes of eye injuries were published by the Vision Council and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). They are listed as:
- Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles)
- Chemicals (splashes and fumes)
- Radiation (especially visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers)
- Blood borne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from bodily fluids including blood
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