• It is ultimately your responsibility
  • This is not an exhaustive training course; it is ultimately your own responsibility to ensure that you have the knowledge and aptitude to use equipment in the space safely.
  • Keep the pink fleshy bits away from the sharp metal bits
  • Know which parts move, which are stationary, and which are sharp.
  • There are many great online resources about safety in the shop. These apply equally in professional environments and hobbyist environments like ours.
• Training
  • Training is required in many areas, including the correct use of specific machines
• Ask if you aren’t sure
  • If you are not comfortable with the use of a particular tool or machine, ask for help — don't just guess!
• Speak up if you see unsafe action

PPE [ photo ]

• There is a limited supply in PS in a large cabinet in the wood shop, by the pass-through to the metal shop (e.g. eye protection, dust masks, respirators), but these should be regarded as a "bonus". All members are advised to supply their own PPE appropriate to the tasks they undertake at Protospace.
• Eye protection
  • is encouraged at all times — even in the classroom, airborne hazards may be present.
  • It is mandatory if you are using any tool with a motor, or near anyone using a tool with a motor.
• Hearing protection
  • Is also strongly advised any time you are working around noise.
• Respiratory protection
• Gloves
  • Do not wear gloves when operating machinery.
  • Do wear gloves when working with caustic substances.
• Closed-toe shoes
  • Must be worn at all times at Protospace.
  • Steel-toed work boots are a good idea.

Clothing

• Loose or dangling clothing
  • Poses a serious risk when worn near tools with moving parts.
    • Examples of inappropriate attire around machines:
      • Baggy sweaters
      • neckties
      • jewelry: rings, chains
• Headphones
  • You need to hear machines and others, while working in an area with power tools.
• Synthetic materials
  • Do not wear when working with fire or other extreme/potential heat sources. It can melt to the wearer and turn a minor mishap into a major incident.

Inspection

• Guards
  • Always check that all appropriate guards are in place and properly adjusted before using machinery.
• Settings
  • Even if you left a tool for 5 minutes, someone might use it.

Cleanliness

• Always use a brush or vacuum to remove chips/cuttings. Do not use your hand, nor compressed air.