General safety - the basics of safety
There are specific reasons why accidents occur. Safety is dependent on teams behavior and human factors. Here are ten safety rules that NUAMES First Robotics follows and are worth repeating.
- STAY ALERT - The more awake you are, the less likely you will get hurt. If you don't know how to operate equipment or perform a task, ask for help. Don't guess. Make sure you know in advance the correct, safe way to do it.
- WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES - Work clothes should fit properly. Anything that can catch in machinery or trip you up is hazardous. Wear protective clothing and equipment as requited.
- USE THE RIGHT TOOLS - If you need a hammer, get a hammer. It may be handier to use a pair of pliers, wrench, screw driver, or even your fist. But this is a good way to get hurt.
- LEARN HOW TO LIFT - Lifting takes more than muscle; it is an art. Don't try to show how strong you are; get help when you need it.
- NO HORSEPLAY IN THE WORK AREAS - Practical jokes and horseplay can be dangerous around machinery. If you feel the urge to play, resist it until after robotics is over and you are out of the work area.
- BE TIDY - Good housekeeping reduces hazards in the shop area. Always put away tools when they are not in use. Keep the floors clean, pick up scraps, and wipe up spills. A slip or trip can be fatal.
- REPORTING IS IMPORTANT - Never fail to report accidents, defective equipment, and unsafe conditions.
- GET FIRST AID IMMEDIATELY - If you're hurt -- even if it is just a scratch. Neglect of the injury may lead to serious infection or even permanent injury.
- BACK YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM - If you have an idea you believe will reduce accidents, tell you safety team about it. Set an example by obeying safety rules. Cooperate with your safety team.
- NEVER TAKE A CHANCE - Being careless and taking short cuts is probably the biggest danger of all. To save a minute or two, you may lose a lfietime. Whatever you are doing, if you are not doing it safely, you are not doing it right!