Working safely

• Working Safely

  • Think about safety when using different tools and equipment
  • Safety is essential when making a product
• Protective Clothing and Equipment


  • Face mask or goggles when handling hazardous materials
  • Protective gloves
  • Protective gloves and apron when handling hot material
  • Tinted face shield for welding
  • Chainmail gloves when using cutting machines
  • Thimble when using pins and needles
  • Ear protection when using noisy machinery
• Being Careful with Tools and Machinery


  1. Roll up sleeves, tuck in ties and apron strings, take off necklaces, watches and rings, tie back long hair

  2. Never leave machines unattended while switched on

  3. Never use a machine or hand tool unless you've been taught how to

  4. Know how to switch off machines in an emergency

  5. Don't change parts on a machine until you've isolated it from the mains

  6. Clamp work securely before cutting

  7. Use guards on machines that have them

  8. Use a dust extractor if the process produces dust
• Handling Materials and Waste Sensibly

  • Choose materials sensibly, only use hazardous materials when absolutely necessary
  • Make sure materials are safe to handle, e.g. file down rough edges
  • Store materials safely so they can't fall and injure anyone
  • Keep flammable liquids away from naked flames and red-hot heating elements
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when using toxic chemicals
  • Dispose of waste properly so it doesn't harm the environment
• Risk Assessment


  Used to identify and minimise any risks when working
• Writing a Risk Assessment

  1. Identify hazards

  2. Identify precautions to minimise risks
• Example Risk Assessment


  • Clothing could get caught in sanding machine - Tuck clothes in and wear an apron
  • Fine dust created when using sanding machine - Wear a mask and use a dust extractor
  • Fingers could be cut when using craft knife - Use a safety rule to protect fingers
• When Risk Assessments are Carried Out


  • During the design process, to assess potential risks to the end user
  • By manufacturers, for the materials, chemicals and equipment that workers will use
• Carrying Out Tests to Ensure Safety

  1. Research and test materials carefully

  2. Use standard components that have already been tested

  3. Make prototypes and carry out real-life simulations

  4. Get electrical items PAT tested

  5. Simulate stress tests using CAD software
• Some of this stuff is common sense, but that doesn't mean it isn't important
• You should know what a risk assessment is and how to write one