Workshop Safety
The basis of British health and safety law is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The Act sets out the general duties which employers have towards employees and members of the public, and employees have to themselves and to each other.
It puts the responsibility on the individuals in a work place to work carefully and behave in a responsible manner so as not to endanger any one else by their actions.
Personal Safety
You are the best person to take charge of your safety. When you come to a workshop please think carefully about your dress arrangements. Make sure you have full shoes on (no flip flops or open shoes) tie long hair back, leave your jewellery at home and wear older clothes that cover you. Covering yourself will be a line of protection in the event of a kick back or spillage. In most of the workshops you will be asked to wear an apron. Please understand this is for your protection and to assist the technician in identifying student’s induction level. If the technician in charge of the workshop decides your dress is unacceptable you will be asked to come back correctly dressed. Please do not bring radios or personal stereos with you to the workshop as their use is not allowed. Eating drinking and smoking are all banned from the workshops.
Induction
You will be inducted by a member of staff from the area with expertise in the workshop and shown a safe way of working. You will be shown the fire exits and told the procedure in the event of fire and if first aid is required.
The faculty uses a set of colours to classify the hazard level presented by a machine or process. The aprons we use also reflect this system so if you are inducted to Green you must wear a green apron when in the workshop."
Classification of Hazard
Class A RED
An activity which must only be carried out by suitably qualified and competent persons. The University staff will normally use these machines only in exceptional circumstances will undergraduate students be trained to RED level.
Class B Blue
An activity which requires the supervision of undergraduate students by University staff at all time.
Class C Green
An activity which requires supervision until such time as the student is considered competent. The student can then be classed as an approved user. Approved users can carry out class C hazard rated activities provided at least one other approved user is present in the area. The other approved user can be a fellow student.
Class D Yellow
Supervision required until the user is approved. Approved users may carry out Class D hazard rated activities provided the work area is available and at least one other person is present ( this can be a fellow student) in the area.
Most of the workshop activities are graded at Green or yellow, when you are competent at this level and if your course requires it you can move up to be inducted to Blue. Induction to Red will be dealt with on an individual basis and will involve discussion of the tutor ,technical staff and the student involved.
Under no circumstances can you operate a machine or undertake a process above your induction level.
Working safely
Listen to the induction given to you by a professional in the area and make a conscious decision to work safely. Come to work in the workshop when you are rested and alert. If you are unwell or tired do not come to the workshop.
Make a conscious change when you enter the workshop, tidy up long hair, put on protective equipment and clothing and give the job your full attention. The workshop is not the place to catch up with the gossip.
Only operate the equipment you have been inducted to and only in the way you have been shown. If you are in any doubt ASK.
Please report all accidents incidents and any unsafe act you note to the workshop supervisor.
Think of the impact on others of your action.
Our mission is to support you in creating excellent work; we look forward to working with you during your time in Art and Design.