Safety

• safety is vital in design, manufacture, use and disposal of all products. Designers have a key role in identifying and eliminating hazards and reducing possible risks
• Safety during design and development

  The designer must consider how the product will be used. Selection of materials, finishes, ergonomic aspects, instructions, user interface are just some aspects the designer may consider in relation to product use
• Safety during Manufacturing

  The production should be safe for those involved. There are numerous laws protecting and regulating Health and Safety at work.
• Manufacturers need to protect their workers from repetitive:

  • strain
  • gasses
  • fumes
  • failing objects
  • factory noise

  etc.
• Ways to achieve protection at work is by maintaining machines through:

  • signage
  • training
  • Alert systems
  • regular breaks
  • adequate lighting
  • use of PPE such as eye protection, hard hats and gloves
• Safety for Consumer Use

  The product should be easy to understand. Where a risk cant be eliminated, regulatory warnings should be clearly visible to alert the user.
• Safety at end of life

  Its the designers responsibility to consider any risks to society or the environments that may be cause by the disposal of the product.
• The designer must ensure that the product can be dismantled safely for disposal and that any toxic body parts are protected.