Health and Safety

Safe Working Practices

Maintaining a safe working environment is paramount in Design and Technology. This involves adhering to established procedures and using appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

General Housekeeping

• Keep the work area clean and tidy.
• Clear pathways to prevent trips and falls.
• Store tools and materials in designated areas.
• Dispose of waste properly.

Tool Handling

• Use tools for their intended purpose only.
• Ensure tools are in good working condition before use.
• Maintain a firm grip on tools during operation.
• Use appropriate tools for the task.
• Store tools safely when not in use.

Machine Operation

• Only operate machines after receiving proper training.
• Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place.
• Never remove or disable safety guards.
• Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts.
• Use appropriate pushing and feeding techniques.

Electrical Safety

• Inspect electrical equipment for damage before use.
• Use only correctly rated extension leads.
• Avoid using electrical equipment in wet areas.
• Report any electrical faults immediately.

Identifying Hazards

A hazard is anything that could cause harm. Identifying hazards is the first step in risk assessment.

Common Hazards in D&T

• Sharp objects (knives, saws, drills)
• Moving machinery
• Hot surfaces (furnaces, soldering irons)
• Electrical hazards
• Chemicals (cleaning agents, adhesives)
• Noise
• Dust and fumes
• Slips, trips, and falls

Methods for Identifying Hazards

• Visual inspection of the work area and equipment.
• Reviewing procedures and instructions.
• Considering potential accidents that could occur.
• Consulting with experienced colleagues.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment involves evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards and determining appropriate control measures.

Risk Assessment Matrix

A risk assessment matrix is a tool used to determine the level of risk.

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Level
Very Likely	Serious	Extreme
Likely	Serious	High
Possible	Moderate	Medium
Unlikely	Minor	Low
Very Unlikely	Negligible	Very Low

Control Measures

Control measures are actions taken to reduce the risk. These can include:

• Elimination: Removing the hazard completely.
• Substitution: Replacing a hazardous substance or process with a safer one.
• Engineering Controls: Using physical barriers or modifications to reduce risk (e.g., machine guards).
• Administrative Controls: Implementing safe work procedures, training, and signage.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing and ensuring the use of appropriate PPE (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is essential for protecting yourself from hazards. The specific PPE required will depend on the task being undertaken.

Common PPE

• Safety glasses/goggles
• Gloves (appropriate for the task)
• Safety footwear
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection (e.g., masks, respirators)
• Welding helmet
• Apron/coverall

It is crucial to ensure PPE is the correct size, in good condition, and used correctly.

Emergency Procedures

Knowing emergency procedures is vital in case of an accident or incident.

Common Emergency Procedures

• Know the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Understand the emergency evacuation plan.
• Know who to contact in an emergency.
• Report all accidents and incidents.
• First aid knowledge and training.