Understanding Safe Working Practices

General Principles:

Always wear appropriate protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, dust masks, ear plugs, and gloves where necessary.
Maintain clean, orderly work areas to minimise tripping hazards and clutter that could inhibit access to safety equipment.
Never operate machinery or tools without proper training.
Be aware of emergency procedures and the locations of first aid kits, fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

Use of Tools and Equipment:

Inspect tools and equipment on a regular basis for defects or wear. Do not use any tool that is damaged.
Ensure tools are suitable for the task at hand. Don’t improvise or use a tool for a job it’s not intended for.
Power tools should always be disconnected from the power source when not in use. Never leave a running power tool unattended.
Always use clamps or a vise to hold work when it’s being worked on. Never hold the work with one hand and the tool with the other.

Chemical and Material Handling:

Store chemicals and materials properly according to their Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Check for any allergens in materials before you start work. Ensure anyone with allergies knows where the EpiPen is kept.
Always wash your hands after handling chemicals, even if gloves were worn.
Dispose of waste materials and chemicals safely and responsibly.

Machine Operation:

Never distract or startle someone who is operating machinery. Speak to them when they have stopped the machine and it’s safe to do so.
Always stay a safe distance from moving machinery parts and ensure jewellery, long hair and loose clothing are securely fastened or removed.
Everything should be in its correct position and properly adjusted before you switch on a machine.
Use a push stick when operating saws to keep fingers clear of blades.

Electrical Safety:

Be aware of where electrical items and cables are located. Keep cables away from water and heat sources.
Don’t overload electrical outlets. Unplug equipment when it’s not in use.
Always check the insulation and plugs of electrical tools and machinery for damage before use.

In all these practices, remember that prevention is always better than a cure. A risk assessment should be made for each task to minimize the danger involved. The first basic rule of any shop is Safety first.