Safety Guide

Key Points
Accident Prevention
Tool Safety
Electrical Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Shop and Competition Safety
Battery Safety

Are Accidents Preventable?
YES! All accidents are preventable.
All it takes is being aware of your surroundings and a pro-active safety attitude.

Pro-Active Safety Attitude
The basic assumption that accidents don’t have to happen.
Always be on the lookout for potential hazards.
Have a “can-do” attitude.
Confidence in your attitude will help prevent accidents.

The Nature of Accidents
The identifiable sequence of events that lead to damage.
An incident which results in injury to persons or damage to property.
All accidents happen as a result of incidents – a deviation from an acceptable standard.
A hazard is an incident without adequate controls applied.

The Law of Opportunity
Any person faced with the circumstances of an incident or a hazard, who has the opportunity to intervene, but fails to act on that opportunity, has become a contributor to any damage that might result.

The Accident Cycle
An incident will exist.
Hazards will develop.
Chances and circumstances will present an opportunity.
An accident may result.

Hand Tool Safety
Inspect tools before use.
If damaged do not use and remove from service.
Damaged tools should be sent out for repair.
When using a screwdriver or other tools, place work on hard surface, not in hand.
Direct cutting blades away from body and hand.
Ensure no one is near when using a blade.
Do not use screwdrivers, files, etc. to pry.

Power Tool Safety
Inspect all equipment.
Make adjustments with power off.
Use all guards.
Do not hold work in hand.
Do not allow things such as hair, loose clothes, watches, and jewelry to be near equipment.
Keep work area clear.

Key Terms
“OCTOPUS”-Plugging multiple cords into a single outlet.
“DAISY CHAIN”- plugging multiple extension cords together in order to supply power to a far away area.




Example of an octopus ?

Electrical Safety
Inspect cords.
Make sure they are not hanging, or somewhere which could cause a tripping hazard.
Never create an “octopus”.
Never create a “daisy chain”.
Do not block an electric panel.
Fully insert plug.
Do not bypass circuit protection devises.
Keep flammables away.
Keep water away.

Stored Energy–Lock-out Tag-out
Electrical Energy: Disconnect the electrical power source.
Always de-energize the robot before working on it by unplugging the batteries.

Pneumatic Energy: always vent any compressed air to the atmosphere.
Open the main vent valve and verify that all pressure gauges on the robot indicate zero pressure.

Miscellaneous Energy:
Relieve any compressed or stretched springs.
Lower all raised robot arms or devices that could drop down to a lower position.
Ensure no one is working on the robot when it will be energized during repairs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety glasses.
Goggles.
Gloves.
Hearing protection.
Shoes.

Safety In Shop and In Competition
Always wear eye protection.
It keeps your eyes safe from rogue projectiles.
Ear protection is important as well.
While working, you are surrounded by loud power tools which can cause long term damage.
The human eardrum ruptures at 165 decibels. So its best to have ear protection at all times.

Shop Safety Cont.
Closed-toe shoes are to be worn at all times.
Hanging jewelry should be removed prior to working.
Take all rings, bracelets, and watches off.
If a ring cannot be removed, put tape over the ring.
Long hair should be tied to avoid getting caught in a machine or the robot.

Shop Safety Cont.
All Team Members should be familiar with the different chemicals that are in use during the build season.
All Team Members should also be familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) binder, as well as where it is located in the Pit Station.
All Team Members should be aware of where the First Aid kit is located in the work area.
All Team Members should know how to deal with all types of emergencies.

Cleanliness
Clean up after yourself.
By doing so, you will be keeping yourself and others safe by not having to trip over your mess.
Being neat and tidy is the key to a safe work area.

Good Housekeeping = Safe Workplace
Materials and tools are properly stored.
Aisles are to be kept clear.
Work areas should remain clean.
Good housekeeping prevents
slips, trips, falls and other
hazards.

In Case of Emergency
Alert the Safety Officer.
Alert a Mentor or and the Coach.
In the event of a medical emergency, seek immediate attention.
In case of a battery spill, the best solution is baking soda.

Dealing with a leaking battery
Ventilate the area immediately.
Any person who does not need to be in the area should leave.
The best way to deal with a leaking battery, which is also addressed in the Team Safety Manual, is to sprinkle baking soda on the spill.
It takes roughly 6 tablespoons of baking soda for the acid to be turned into a safe residue that can be rinsed away with water.

In conclusion…
Remember all of these guide lines and we will have a great build season.
Stay safe and have fun!