workshop safety

Safety in the workshop
 Keep work benches and machines clear of unnecessary tools and materials, and free of
scraps and offcuts.
 Remove all combustible materials eg timber and papers because they can promote fire
hazards in the workshop.
 Sweep floors and workbenches to remove shavings, metal of cuts and general rubbish.
 Check benches regularly to make sure that there are no protruding nails and screws that
could cause injuries.
 Ensure work benches are secure, solid and level.
 Ensure all workbench’s equipment eg pipe vives are fixed securely.
 Never leave long pipes protruding from pipe vice for they can cause injury.
 Ensure all machines and equipment in the workshop are fitted with appropriate
protective guards and all safety procedures displayed alongside the machine.
 Ensure all electrically powered machines are fitted with a safety ‘panic button’ shut off
switch which is visible and painted in a distinctive colour.
 In workshop where welding, brazing or soldering is taking place, ensure suitable
ventilation to remove fumes.
Safety When Handling Hand Tools.
 Keep all blades and cutting surfaces sharp and if possible covered when not in use.
 Never use file and similar tools without handles.
 Ensure Wedge head of all hammers are securely fixed to prevent them from flying off
during use and causing injuries.
 Only use correct size of screw drivers when fixing screws.
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 Ensure that all cables for portable electric power tools are securely fixed to the terminals
and cables are not damaged.
Safety in Building Sites.
Most accident on building sites result from people falling from the ladder, working platforms or
scaffolds or buildings themselves.
Falling objects, tools and materials also contribute to fine share of accident in the site.
With suitable precautions taken, the potential accidents are greatly reduced.
Safety on Ladders
 Never extend ladders above to third of the extension length, otherwise they become
unstable.
 If a ladder cannot be repaired properly. Scrap it.
 Ladders should never be painted, because paints may hide defects.
 The foot of the ladder should be level and securely anchored if it is on the soil.
 Never reach too far off a ladder to save time.
 Always rub off mud and clay off your shoes or boots before climbing the ladder to
prevent slipping.
Scaffolds and working platforms.
Scaffold is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction
Safety on scaffolds and platforms
 Never use stepladders on top of working of working platform or scaffolds to gain extra
height.
 Whenever working near scaffolds wear a safety helmet
 Never overload a working platform or scaffold with tools and materials because they
may cause it to become unstable.
 Never use timber that has seen a lot of wear and tear to make scaffolds.
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Fire Prevention.
You can deal with small fire quickly and effectively by using appropriate fire extinguishers.
The fire extinguishers work by cutting off oxygen supply to the fire or making burning material
temporary incombustible by soaking water in it.
There 5 main types of fire extinguishers used to fight different types of fire.
Type of fire extinguisher Colour of container
Water Fire Extinguisher Red
Form Fire Extinguisher Cream
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher Blue
CO2 fire extinguishers Black
Wet Chemical Extinguisher Yellow
Class of Fire Materials involved Fire Extinguisher used
Class A Caused by flammable materials such as
wood, paper and fabric
Water Fire Extinguisher
Class B Caused by flammable liquids such as
petrol, turpentine or paints
Form Fire Extinguisher
Class C Caused by Flammable gases eg
hydrogen, butane or methane
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Class D Caused by flammable metals eg
magnesium or potassium
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Electrical fires Caused by electrical equipment CO2 fire extinguishers
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Class F Fire caused by Cooking oils, typically
chip pan fire.
Wet Chemical Extinguisher