1.3.1 - General Safety
1.3.1 - General Safety
Section titled “1.3.1 - General Safety”The Panther Project Standard: We don’t just build robots; we build a safe, professional engineering environment. This page covers the essential protocols for FRC Team 2064.
🚩 The “Big Three” Rules
Team 2064’s Safety Manual
Table of Contents
Section titled “Table of Contents”- Responsibilities & Roles
- Machine Shop & General Safety
- Checklists & First Aid
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Shop & Tool Safety
- Soldering & Electrical Safety
- Battery Safety
- Emergency Procedures
- Cybersecurity
Responsibilities List
Section titled “Responsibilities List”Safety is a shared burden across all levels of the team.
Safety Captain:
Section titled “Safety Captain:”- Informing and encouraging others regarding safety consciousness.
- Conducting safety inspections in work areas and the competition pit.
- Maintaining familiarity with safety regulations and emergency procedures.
Team Members:
Section titled “Team Members:”- Reading and understanding this safety manual.
- Maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
- Attending all required safety training and reminding teammates of rules.
- Reporting all safety issues and incidents to the Safety Captain.
Mentors:
Section titled “Mentors:”- Leading by example and practicing the same safety behaviors expected of students.
- Providing guidance on proper tool usage, PPE, and safeguards.
- Consulting FIRST Administrative manuals for event-specific restrictions.
- Collecting and storing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals and batteries.
Machine Shop Overview and General Safety
Section titled “Machine Shop Overview and General Safety”At our 2064 Panther Project meetings, we make it a priority to keep every team member safe throughout all phases of the season—including building, testing, traveling, and competing. We all have a responsibility to lead by example. This means wearing the right gear, avoiding loose items, and being aware of our surroundings. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the workspace.
Safety and Health Training Checklist & First Aid Kit
Section titled “Safety and Health Training Checklist & First Aid Kit”Before starting any task, verify that the area is clean, well-lit, and free of tripping hazards. All tools should be used on sturdy surfaces like benches or vises.
First Aid Inventory
Section titled “First Aid Inventory”Our first aid kit is located in the shop and should be stocked with:
- Bandages & Gauze
- Medical tape & Ointment
- Burn gel & Alcohol pads
- Tweezers & Ice packs
- Disposable Gloves
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Section titled “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”PPE is the gear that keeps us safe while working.
Eye and Face Protection
Section titled “Eye and Face Protection”You must wear ANSI-approved safety glasses when:
- Working on the robot (grinding, drilling, soldering, cutting).
- In the pit station, on the playing field, or on the practice field at events.
- Prescription glasses must be covered by rated goggles or equipped with side shields.
Hearing Protection
Section titled “Hearing Protection”- Wear earplugs or muffs whenever noise levels exceed 85 decibels.
- A Mentor can provide assistance in evaluating high-noise tasks.
Power and Hand Tool Safety
Section titled “Power and Hand Tool Safety”Choose the right tool for the job and never use broken or defective equipment.
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Process
Section titled “Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Process”If a tool is broken or requires maintenance:
- Identify energy sources and ensure they are turned off.
- Disconnect power (unplug, turn off breakers, or bleed pneumatic air).
- Apply Labels stating “Do Not Use” and notify a mentor.
- Verify the tool is safe before returning it to service.
Tool Best Practices
Section titled “Tool Best Practices”- Power Tools: Keep cords away from entanglement; keep both hands on the tool; do not carry tools by the cord.
- Hand Tools: Always cut away from your body; ensure handles are not loose or splintered.
- Guards: Never remove safety guards. They protect from nip points, rotating parts, and flying sparks.
Soldering & Electrical Safety
Section titled “Soldering & Electrical Safety”- Soldering: Use lead-free solder only. Always wear eye protection and keep the iron in its holder when not in use. Solder only in well-ventilated areas and wash hands immediately after.
- Electrical: Never work on a “live” robot unless supervised. Check all cords for damage before use and avoid overloading power strips.
Battery Safety
Section titled “Battery Safety”Robot batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can burn skin and eyes on contact.
Handling a Leaking Battery
Section titled “Handling a Leaking Battery”- Neutralize: Pour sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) on all wetted surfaces.
- Protect: Put on acid-resistant gloves and eye protection.
- Contain: Place the battery in a non-metallic, leak-proof container.
- Report: Notify a mentor immediately and seek medical attention if skin contact occurred.
Emergency Event Procedures
Section titled “Emergency Event Procedures”In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Evacuation Plan
Section titled “Evacuation Plan”If an evacuation is ordered:
- Remain calm and head to the nearest exit (near the Paint Room or Mr. Napoli’s office).
- Gather at the designated meeting point outside; do not re-enter the building until cleared by a mentor.
- Fire Safety: Extinguishers are located in the closet and outside the robotics room. Only use them if trained.
[Image of fire extinguisher types and classes]
Cybersecurity
Section titled “Cybersecurity”Protecting digital information is as vital as physical safety. Use the SLAM method for phishing emails:
- Sender: Is the address legitimate?
- Links: Hover to check where they lead.
- Attachments: Do not open unexpected files.
- Message: Watch for suspicious tone or urgency.