Safety

Our Safety Manual

Our Safety Manual is based on the  2025 FIRST Safety Manual,  Please read this document thoroughly and use the information contained to complete the Safety Test below. Passing the test requires ≥ 90%. Passing is required before participating in FIRST activities and any access to the shop. 

A physical copy is kept in a yellow binder at the Check-In Station with the PPE, Battery Spill Kit, and First Aid Kits. First Aid Kits are also located in the pits.

Generic Shop Rules

• Safety Glasses MUST be worn at all times! No exceptions!

• You MUST have a Current Safety Certification to enter the shop or use the tools

• Closed toed shoes MUST be worn at all times

• Long hair MUST be tied back (Hairbands are in the safety corner)

• Loose clothing MUST be tied back

• Lanyards, hanging jewelry, and non stud earrings MUST be removed before entering the shop.

• NEVER wear gloves when using rotating power tools (Drill Press, Miter/Chop Saw, Lathe, Table Saw, Band Saw,  etc.)

• Keep the garage door locked on school days between 8:15a - 4:10p

• NEVER use a tool alone

• NEVER use a tool you are not trained on

• ALWAYS let people know when you are about to use a tool. Say 'POWER ON'.

• Phones MUST be in pockets when using or assisting with a tool

• A Mentor/Sponsor MUST be in the Shop for any power tool to be used

• A Mentor/Sponsor MUST assist in use of the Lathe, Manual Mill, and CNC Router

  • ALWAYS have a plan before entering the shop

• Students may use the Miter Saw for wood only.

• Students may NOT cut any metal on the Miter Saw. Please ask a mentor to perform this task for you.

Dangers from Tools in our shop

• 1. 1st degree burns electrical and heat

     1. Minor burns from heat or electricity.

     2. See a mentor immediately to ensure it is not a more serious burn. 

  2. Minor Lacerations

     1. Minor cuts of the hands arms and legs. 

     2. Any tool can cause minor lacerations and even the robots themselves.

     3. Most can be remedied with a first aid kit.

     4. See a mentor to ensure its not a Severe Laceration.

  3. Chemical Burns

     1. Minor to serious burns from shop chemicals.

     2. When working with lead acid batteries and other hazardous materials it is possible to have a spill on your skin. 

     3. In the event of a battery spill use the Battery Spill Kit with included instructions.

     4. See the Materials Safety Data Sheets in the Safety Binder.

     5. See a mentor immediately to wash off and naturalize any chemical.

  4. Severe Lacerations

     1. Major cuts to any part of the body.

     2. Any power tool or even the robot can cause a Severe Laceration.

     3. See a mentor for first aid and a possible emergency room visit. 

  5. Dismemberment and Maiming

     1. Extreme cuts that remove fingers, limbs, eyes, or other body parts.

     2. Any power tool can cause dismemberment or maiming this but the lathe and drive train of the robot are at extreme risk for this.

     3. Immediately  call 911 for an ambulance and be taken directly to a emergency room, with luck the limb may be reattached if treated in time.

  6. Death 

     1. Some of our equipment can cause death if not operated correctly.

     2. If a member is found unconscious immediately call 911 and have them taken to a emergency room.

Documenting Safety Incidents

Safety Incidents/Accidents

OSHA Definition - An “Accident” is defined as an unplanned event that results in personal injury or property damage.

OSHA Definition - An "Incident" is defined as an unplanned event that does not result in personal injury but may result in property damage or is worthy of recording.

• 1. Please use the OSHA Form 300 and Form 301 in our safety manual to document any safety incident/accident no matter how small. (every band aid should have a log entry).

  2. We use these to improve our processes and ensure the incident doesn't happen again. 

Near Misses

OSHA definition - "Near misses" describe incidents where no property was damaged and no personal injury sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage and/or injury easily could have occurred.

• 1. Use the Pearce Robotics Near Miss Form to report a near miss.

  2. We use these to improve our processes and ensure the incident doesn't happen again. 

RAWR Safety Certification Test

This test is updated every semester and must be passed EVERY semester before kickoff or before you work in the shop.