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Health and Safety Manual for Design & Technology, Art & Design, Ceramics, Textiles and Food Technology at KS3 and higher
West Sussex County Council
Issue March 2009

Please report any errors to the Health and Safety Team, 01243 752025

Crown copyright material is reproduced under Class Licence Number CO1W0000189 with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland. Material produced by the LA may be copied for use within West Sussex LA educational establishments. For material that is neither Crown copyright nor produced by the LA, please obtain the permission of the publisher before making copies of the material. Main changes are shown as dark blue text.

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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 7 Part A. General guidance for all curriculum areas .......................................................... 9 Accidents and incidents .................................................................................................. 9
Investigating and monitoring accidents .................................................................................... 9

Adhesives ..................................................................................................................... 10
Hot-melt glue guns ................................................................................................................. 10 Cyanoacrylates (superglues) ................................................................................................. 10 Wall-paper paste .................................................................................................................... 10

Buying safe goods and equipment ............................................................................... 10 Cleaning rooms ............................................................................................................ 11 Educational visits and off-site activities ........................................................................ 12
Outdoor activities ................................................................................................................... 12 Wildlife and Countryside Act .................................................................................................. 12 Activities offered by people receiving your visit ..................................................................... 12

Electricity ...................................................................................................................... 13
Electricity isolators ................................................................................................................. 13 Room electricity emergency stop ........................................................................................... 13 The fixed installation (the building wiring up to the power socket) ........................................ 14 Socket outlets......................................................................................................................... 14 Checking and using equipment.............................................................................................. 14 Approved equipment .............................................................................................................. 15 Maintenance of equipment..................................................................................................... 15 Home-made mains apparatus................................................................................................ 15 Low voltage ............................................................................................................................ 15 Rechargeable batteries .......................................................................................................... 15

Fire safety ..................................................................................................................... 16 Fumes and dust ............................................................................................................ 16

Cleaning dusty areas ............................................................................................................. 17

Hazardous materials .................................................................................................... 17

Risk assessments and control measures. ............................................................................. 18 Prohibited substances............................................................................................................ 18

ICT equipment .............................................................................................................. 18

Safe use of laptop computers ................................................................................................ 19

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Visual display units (VDU)...................................................................................................... 20 Interactive whiteboards .......................................................................................................... 20

Ladders, steps and other access equipment ................................................................21 Lifting operations and lifting equipment.........................................................................21 Lone working .................................................................................................................22 Management of health and safety .................................................................................23
Risk assessments .................................................................................................................. 23 Keeping records ..................................................................................................................... 24 Health and safety policies ...................................................................................................... 25 Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................... 26 Class sizes ............................................................................................................................. 27 Using workrooms ................................................................................................................... 27 Delivery of lessons ................................................................................................................. 28 Cover supervisors .................................................................................................................. 28 Tutor/form rooms .................................................................................................................... 29 Maintenance of equipment and practical rooms .................................................................... 29 Safety signs, notices and displays ......................................................................................... 29 Making artefacts ..................................................................................................................... 29

Manual handling ............................................................................................................30 Noise .............................................................................................................................30 Pupils with special educational needs...........................................................................31 Pressure systems..........................................................................................................31
Hired pressure systems ......................................................................................................... 32 Model stream engines. ........................................................................................................... 32

Protective clothing and safety equipment .....................................................................32

Clothing .................................................................................................................................. 32 Eye protection and guards ..................................................................................................... 32 Eye-wash................................................................................................................................ 33 First-aid .................................................................................................................................. 33

Services: water and gas ................................................................................................33

Gas supplies .......................................................................................................................... 33 Using gas burners .................................................................................................................. 34 Water ...................................................................................................................................... 34

Storage .........................................................................................................................34
Flammables ............................................................................................................................ 34 Corrosives .............................................................................................................................. 35 Shelving.................................................................................................................................. 35

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Tools: hand tools and portable power tools .................................................................. 35
Hand tools .............................................................................................................................. 35 Portable power tools .............................................................................................................. 35 Glue guns ............................................................................................................................... 36

Training ........................................................................................................................ 36 Waste ........................................................................................................................... 36

Disposable items .................................................................................................................... 37 Combustible swarf ................................................................................................................. 37 Metal swarf, sharps and glass ............................................................................................... 37 Chemically hazardous materials ............................................................................................ 37

Part B. Specific curriculum areas ................................................................................. 38 Design &Technology .................................................................................................... 38

Workshop supervision............................................................................................................ 38 National standards for training ............................................................................................... 38

D&T: Machinery and equipment ................................................................................... 39

Restrictions on machine operators ........................................................................................ 39 Specific portable power tools ................................................................................................. 40 CAD/CAM machines .............................................................................................................. 40 Laser cutters .......................................................................................................................... 40 Machine siting. ....................................................................................................................... 41 Emergency stops ................................................................................................................... 41 Start controls .......................................................................................................................... 42 Braking devices. ..................................................................................................................... 42 Planer/thicknessers ................................................................................................................ 42 Equipment stability ................................................................................................................. 42

D&T: High-temperature work ........................................................................................ 42

Welding .................................................................................................................................. 43 Casting and other very high temperature work. ..................................................................... 43 Protective equipment ............................................................................................................. 43 Asbestos. ............................................................................................................................... 43

D&T: Working with wood and metal ............................................................................. 44

Metals..................................................................................................................................... 44 Oils, greases and cutting lubricants ....................................................................................... 44 Wood ...................................................................................................................................... 44 Wood treatments .................................................................................................................... 45 Adhesives for wood ................................................................................................................ 45

D&T: Working with plastics ........................................................................................... 45

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Burning plastic ........................................................................................................................ 45 Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) .............................................................................................. 45 Expanded polystyrene............................................................................................................ 45

D&T: Working with electronics ......................................................................................45

Soldering ................................................................................................................................ 46 Processing photo-resist.......................................................................................................... 46 Etching ................................................................................................................................... 46 Electronic components ........................................................................................................... 46 Flux cleaners and other solvents ........................................................................................... 46

D&T: Working on motor vehicles...................................................................................46

Working on engines etc;......................................................................................................... 46 Working under cars ................................................................................................................ 47 Paint spraying (vehicles) ........................................................................................................ 47 Other hazardous materials ..................................................................................................... 47

Food Technology ..........................................................................................................48

Water quality .......................................................................................................................... 48 Avoiding burns and scalds ..................................................................................................... 48 Deep frying ............................................................................................................................. 48 Sugar-boiling .......................................................................................................................... 48 Thermometers and other measuring equipment .................................................................... 49 Floors ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Cleaning materials, bleaches etc. .......................................................................................... 49 Using sodium carbonate (washing soda) as a drain cleaner ................................................. 49

Food technology: cookers and domestic machinery .....................................................49

Cookers .................................................................................................................................. 49 Microwave cookers ................................................................................................................ 50 Restricted equipment ............................................................................................................. 50

Food technology: hygiene .............................................................................................51

Microbiology, food tests etc.................................................................................................... 51 Personal hygiene ................................................................................................................... 51 Storage ................................................................................................................................... 51 Waste bins.............................................................................................................................. 51 Chopping boards .................................................................................................................... 51

Art & Design: working with solvents, paints and graphics materials .............................52
Solvents.................................................................................................................................. 53 Spraying / air brushes ............................................................................................................ 53

Art & Design: working with stone and glass ..................................................................53

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Glass ...................................................................................................................................... 53 Enamelling ............................................................................................................................. 54 Stone ...................................................................................................................................... 54

Art & Design: photography ........................................................................................... 54

Darkrooms.............................................................................................................................. 54 Photo-resists .......................................................................................................................... 54 Ultra-violet light (UV) .............................................................................................................. 55 Cameras and optical instruments. ......................................................................................... 55

Ceramics: working with glazes and stains .................................................................... 56

Using glazes........................................................................................................................... 56 Preparing glazes .................................................................................................................... 56 Storage and labelling ............................................................................................................. 57

Ceramics: kilns and machinery..................................................................................... 57

Clay processing machines ..................................................................................................... 57 Kilns and furnaces ................................................................................................................. 57 Gas kilns ................................................................................................................................ 58 Maintenance........................................................................................................................... 58

Textiles ......................................................................................................................... 59
Flooring .................................................................................................................................. 59 Sewing machines ................................................................................................................... 59 Fabric irons ............................................................................................................................ 59 Batik ....................................................................................................................................... 59 Dyeing .................................................................................................................................... 59 Flameproof fabrics ................................................................................................................. 59

Appendix: Room Checklists ......................................................................................... 60 Textiles Rooms ............................................................................................................. 61 Art & Ceramics Rooms ................................................................................................. 63 Workshop Checklist ...................................................................................................... 65 Food Technology Rooms (food preparation) ................................................................ 67

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Introduction
This manual is for subject leaders and staff of Design & Technology, Art & Design, and includes Graphics, Ceramics, Textiles and Food Technology. It sets the standards required by the LA that schools must follow. The purpose of this document is to ensure safe practice in technology at KS3 and higher. This document must be made available to all teachers and technicians involved in teaching these areas and they must use the information in planning practical work. There are other essential documents to this one: CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology, 2003. Relevant to Design and Technology, Art & Design, Ceramics, Textiles, and Food Technology BS4163:2007. Health and Safety for Design and Technology in Schools and Similar Establishments: British Standards. This is relevant to craft, electronics, engineering, food, graphics, manufacturing, product design, systems and control, textiles and ICT. A Guide to Safe Practice in Art & Design. (www.nsead.org/hsg/index.aspx. This is an updated version of the DfE A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design 1995.) These documents, with this manual, form the basis of the LAs arrangements and risk assessments for health and safety in Design &Technology, Art & Design, Ceramics, Textiles, Food Technology, Graphics, etc. These documents have been issued to all secondary schools. If you have misplaced the first two, contact the Health and Safety Team on 01243 752025. The last document has been reproduced on the CD-ROM with permission from HMSO. Departments must have copies of this information readily available for staff to use, and for inspection by LA advisers, County Council Health and Safety Officers, OfSTED inspectors, and the Health and Safety Executive. There are two other guidance documents issued by the DCSF that are useful. These are for Design and Technology areas, Building Bulletin 81 "Design and Technology Accommodation in Secondary Schools: A Design Guide" (Revised 2004). (It is available for download from www.archive2.official-documents.co.uk/document/deps/dfes/81/81.pdf ), and for Art and Design areas, Building Bulletin 89 Art Accommodation in Secondary Schools 1998, available from The Stationery Office, ISBN 0112710298. Please contact an appropriate member of Adults and Children - Learning or Health and Safety Team if you wish to discuss any of the guidelines in this file, or problems in implementing them. The School Standards and Framework Act and the precursor, the Local Management of Schools, has given schools increased delegated powers and duties in running schools, including health and safety responsibilities to staff, children and visitors. The manual explains these health

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and safety responsibilities and the principles of successful health and safety management. This document is specifically for health and safety matters relating to the design & technology curriculum areas, including art and design. For general health and safety information relating to educational establishments, refer to the A-Z Health and Safety section of WSGfL. As a guide to what is reasonably practicable, the word should in this manual is used to mean something that is recommended but not compulsory; these are usually actions that are considered to be good working practices, but the educational establishment is free to choose other actions if it has good reasons for doing so. Conversely, the word must is used to mean something that is compulsory, usually something statutory, and a failure to implement would be breaching a law or LA policy, or breaching a duty of care.

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Part A. General guidance for all curriculum areas Accidents and incidents
In health and safety, an accident is an event that causes ill-health or injury, and possibly damage to property or the environment. An incident is an event that nearly causes ill-health, injury, damage to property or the environment (so it can be called a near-miss). Never ignore a near-miss. It gives important information on how to prevent a similar event happening again. If ignored, the consequences could be much worse next time. It is essential to report accidents and incidents, as it is an important way of monitoring health and safety performance and identifying trends so that resources can be targeted towards tackling specific areas of concern. The law says that employers have to report serious accidents and incidents. There are two levels of reporting and recording accidents and incidents: using your local school accident and incident book, and reporting to West Sussex County Council by filling in form HSW3. Full details are given for schools in the Health and Safety A-Z on the WSGfL..

Investigating and monitoring accidents

Unless they are minor accidents where the cause is obvious, accidents and incidents need to be investigated. The main reason for the investigation is to find the cause of the accident to prevent it happening again. You should record any findings and recommendations. The investigator should be the person responsible for the area where the accident happened, or the person in charge of the curriculum area if it happened in a lesson. More serious accidents, where the injured person was taken to hospital, must be investigated by a senior manager in liaison with the Health and Safety Team. Accidents and incidents are usually caused by failures in control, and often have several causes, both direct and indirect. Although the direct cause may be human or technical failure, the indirect cause may be down to organisational failings or oversights that managers are responsible for. When investigating an accident it is important to look for both direct and indirect causes.

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Adhesives
Follow the guidance in the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology. Do not use hazardous adhesives (for example, epoxy resins, cyanoacrylates and formaldehyde resins) when safer ones would do just as well. All glues must be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Be aware that some solvent-based adhesives are used by glue-sniffers.

Hot-melt glue guns

Use the trigger-type only. Wear safety specs, and wear a protective glove on the hand holding the work. A glue gun stand can be used to keep the gun clear of glue drips. Before use, teach users the first-aid procedure should hot glue come into contact with the skin; immerse the hand in clean cold water for at least five minutes. Ensure that there is a source of cold water available, it should be at least two metres away from the glue gun (preventing the risk of water being spilled onto the glue gun).

Cyanoacrylates (superglues)
These may be used by teachers, technicians and pupils Y10 and above. Pupils must be under direct supervision. Be very careful not to get this glue on anyones skin. As with all dangerous materials, keep this glue locked away when not in use..

Wall-paper paste
Avoid the use of paste which has fungicide in it - this is an irritant and can cause an allergic skin reaction.

Buying safe goods and equipment

When you buy goods and equipment, you want to be sure that you get what you pay for, and that they will not cause any harm to staff or children. The quality and performance of equipment must be suitable for educational use for example, items meant for DIY enthusiasts may not be suitable for children to use. Buy from reputable suppliers, and avoid second-hand equipment unless you are sure it is in good condition and suitable. If you need advice about buying equipment, please contact the Supplies Advisory Service on 01243 777787 or Adults and Children - Learning. Refer to BS 4163:2007 before to purchasing any equipment to ensure its suitability, and to identify any training requirements. The CE mark on equipment is not a guarantee of safety it says the manufacturer is claiming the machinery complies with the law. Its up to you to check the equipment is safe before it is used. There have been several cases in West Sussex where schools bought CE-marked equipment from a high street

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DIY chain believing it to be a mark of quality, but the equipment had to be condemned and scrapped because it was too dangerous to be used by children. To help you choose safe and good value products: research what it is you need contact other educational establishments for recommendations dont be misled by sales talk into buying unnecessary extras ask for written confirmation that the goods or services will comply with relevant safety standards check for hidden costs or small print clauses check to see if the goods or services are covered by a code of practice, or if the company is a member of a trade association if fitting or installation is involved, check to see that the person who will carry this out is suitably qualified (eg an electrician or gas fitter) if the equipment has replaceable parts, check that they are easily available at a reasonable cost, and preferably that you can get them from a range of suppliers. When ordering the goods, make sure your order identifies the exact goods, specifications and standards required, cross-referencing to the suppliers literature where necessary.

Cleaning rooms
Staff must keep the practical rooms clean and tidy. Walkways and work areas should not be cluttered. Equipment and materials must be stored appropriately. You need suitable equipment to clean dust. See the section on fumes and dust. School staff must leave practical rooms, including preparation rooms, in a safe state so the rooms can be cleaned safely. Cleaners must have induction training before cleaning in hazardous areas such as machine workshops; the cleaning staff must have been trained by their employer to use the appropriate cleaning methods, particularly in ceramics areas and wood and metal machine workshops. The employer has the principal responsibility for giving the training, but you should check; dont assume it has been done. You must explain to cleaners clearly if there area areas or equipment that should not be cleaned. Do this in liaison with the premises manager or caretaker.

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Educational visits and off-site activities

Follow the advice and instruction in the Regulations and Notes of Guidance for Educational Visits. Every school has been sent a copy of this. Each school should also have an Educational Visits Co-ordinator. Off-site activities must be organised within the guidelines of the LA (or school governors for Voluntary Aided Schools) regarding parental permission, supervision, general safety, transport, first aid and insurance. A prior consultation or visit to the site by a teacher with appropriate experience is essential. The school must ensure that the site(s) being visited and the activities to be carried out are suitable and safe for pupils (giving due consideration to the safety measures and supervision that will be available). The same guidelines, which apply to school technology generally, apply to off-site technological activities. Give adequate information and warning to the pupils beforehand about foreseeable hazards which would not normally encountered in school, such as the dangers of eating fruits from wild plants, getting too close to machines which are operational or wandering off without permission - particularly where there may be dangers arising from industrial processes or, in the case of working outside, dangerous waters or exposed heights.

Outdoor activities
Where relevant, make sure that the pupils, staff and helpers wear the appropriate clothing, headgear and footwear. Warn pupils not to handle dead animals which they may come across outdoors. Be aware that old insect or animal nests may have been treated with very harmful pesticides.

Wildlife and Countryside Act

You may not damage or uproot specially protected wild plants. You may take other plants if they are on your own land or where you have permission from the owner. It is permissible to pick flowers and fruits from unlisted plants growing wild, but do not harvest them excessively. Do not remove or otherwise damage nests or other animal habitats unless you are sure they are no longer used.

Activities offered by people receiving your visit

If pupils take part in activities organised by agencies or other outside people, the school must ensure that the activities are both suitable and safe. People may not fully appreciate that activities which are suitable for adults can pose significant risks to pupils. School organisers must satisfy themselves as far as reasonably practicable that any work place being visited is following health and safety regulations, including those for the control of substances hazardous to health.

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Electricity
Mains leads, plugs and sockets.
Plugs, leads and sockets must be checked regularly. Worn or damaged mains flex must be replaced. All 230 volt mains plugs must be the standard 13 amp square pin type with partly shrouded line and neutral pins, the older style plugs with bare line and neutral pins should not be used. Staff may not wire up plugs until they have received adequate training (this may be provided by a suitably qualified and experienced member of the science department competent to do this).

Electricity isolators
Each work area containing fixed electrical equipment (e.g. a resistant materials room or a preparation area) must have a main lockable switch-disconnector that switches off all circuits to the fixed electrical equipment in the area. Ideally, it should be located near the main entrance to the area and easily accessible to the teacher. The main switch-disconnector must not isolate critical circuits specifically installed to remove hazards. All fixed equipment must be controlled by switch-disconnector (an isolating switch) located either on the equipment or within two metres of the normal operating position, and accessible to the operator. The cabling from the switchdisconnector to the machine or equipment must be mechanically protected (eg. armour-flex cable). BS4163:2007 recommends that electrical equipment for fixed machine tools should be supplied by a fused switch-disconnector (conforming to BS EN 609473, or a connection unit conforming to BS 1363-4, or a circuit breaker conforming to BS EN 60898, or a residual current operated circuit-breaker (RCBO) conforming to BS EN 61009-1). See BS4163:2007 subsection 5.2.6.

Room electricity emergency stop

Rooms with high power electrical machines should be fitted with adequate emergency stops around the room that switch off all circuits supplied by the main switch-disconnector. D&T machine shops must have them installed. See section 5 of BS 4163:2007. The stops must be tested regularly; if any malfunction, they must be repaired by a qualified electrician without delay. Room emergency stops are recommended in wood machine preparation rooms 1 ; power to the preparation room should not be affected if emergency stops in adjacent workshops are activated.
1

There is conflicting advice regarding preparation rooms. BB81 recommends room emergency stops in each work area containing fixed electrical equipment. However, BS4163:2007 states that emergency stops are not required in preparation rooms. On balance, WSCC recommends room emergency stops are fitted in preparation rooms unless there are overriding safety reasons for not doing so.

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The fixed installation (the building wiring up to the power socket)
No one is allowed to work on the fixed installation without agreement from Property Services (maintained schools). If they have agreed the work, it can only be done by a WSCC-approved contractor, or by a NICEIC contractor, or ECA or JIB recognised electrician. The work must comply with the latest edition of the IEE regulations for electrical installation (published by The Institution of Engineering and Technology), and when it is finished, a completion certificate must be sent to Property Services. The mains wiring in workshops (single phase and three phase) must conform to the requirements specified in section 3 of BS 4163:2007. The mains isolator and emergency stops must be labelled clearly. No pupil or unauthorised person is permitted to turn on the mains isolator. Often you have to connect more than one device to a mains socket, particularly with computer equipment - do not use socket adapters, use fused 13A rated trailing distribution blocks. Extension leads may only be used as a temporary method of powering portable equipment; they must not be used as permanent fittings. Cable drum flex must be fully unwound before use. All flex must be routed, guarded or protected so that it does not cause a danger of tripping people. Portable mains equipment used outdoors must be protected by an RCD (residual current device).

Socket outlets
Socket outlets should be supplied via a non-time delayed residual current device with a maximum tripping current of 30 mA. A maximum tripping current of 10 mA should be used in areas where water might be present. See BS4163:007, subsection 5.2.1 and 5.2.2. Where schools have no RCD fitted, this should be planned through the school premises development plan.

Checking and using equipment

All users of portable mains equipment should carry out a simple and quick fourpoint visual check before plugging a device into a socket and switching it on. Are the plug and mains socket in good condition with no damage or missing screws? Is the flex in good condition - the flex outer sheath must go fully into the plug and fully into the equipment? Does the mains equipment appear in good order, free from dampness and no obvious damage? If the equipment has a switch, is it switched to off? Remember, damp or wet mains conductors are dangerous. Do not attempt to remove damp plugs from sockets, isolate the supply first.

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Approved equipment
All mains electrical equipment used in schools must conform to relevant British Standards specification or equivalent European standards. Do not use equipment meant for domestic light use.

Maintenance of equipment
The electricity at work regulations requires that periodic tests are made to ensure electrical equipment is in a safe condition. Portable electrical equipment should be formally tested annually. The checks include examination for integrity of connectors and flex, tests for earth bonding and for line-earth insulation. The electricity regulations apply to the whole school, not just to the technology department. Check with your school management for the arrangements for electrical testing.

Home-made mains apparatus

Teachers/technicians are permitted to construct mains equipment for school use provided that it is built to current British Standard specifications and is thoroughly checked and tested by a competent and suitably qualified electrician before it is used by others. The department must retain written evidence that the apparatus passed electrical safety checks.

Low voltage
Pupils are not permitted to use power supplies with more than 33 volts on open terminals; for younger pupils (under Y10) it is preferable to keep the supply below 25 volts. Higher voltages are permitted if they are current limited to 5mA or less, or if the terminals are suitably shrouded to prevent accidental contact with a live conductor. Pupils must not be allowed to work on TV sets, open mains etc.

Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries (nicad, nickel metal hydride, lithium or lead-acid) may not be used by young pupils in school (Y8 or lower) unless either the battery holder and all electrical connections are completely inaccessible to pupils, or some current limiting device is inserted between the batteries and the accessible connections. This restriction is necessary because of the dangers of using these batteries. If they are short-circuited, the conducting wires can become red hot and the plastic insulation will burn. If the short circuit is severe, high-capacity batteries may explode. The risk of injury outweighs any cost-saving benefit. Nicad or nickel metal hydride rechargeables may be used by pupils in Y9 or above under suitable supervision when a low internal resistance power source is necessary for a project to work. The pupils must be made aware of the hazards. Owing to the risk of explosion, no attempt should be made to recharge primary (non-rechargeable) batteries.

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Fire safety
Follow the school procedure for fire evacuation. Each room should have a notice explaining the evacuation procedure and muster points. If there is more than one exit, and one may lead people in the wrong direction to escape safely, a fire exit sign with pictogram must be placed over the correct exit(s). Each workroom should have the correct type and number of extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment as laid down by the local fire risk assessment. Access to the equipment must not be hindered. Teachers and technicians are advised to read the instructions on using the equipment. Refer to the health and safety guidance on the WSGfL.. Fire hazards from highly combustible material require a specific risk assessment. You need to look at how the fire could start, and put in specific safety measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening and spreading. If you have concerns, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025.

Fumes and dust

The COSHH regulations require that fumes and dust are kept below specified limits specified. This can be done in several ways. Change the process Sometimes a simple change of technique can reduce dusts. Avoid keeping and mixing fine powders if it is safe to keep them in paste or pellet form. Brush on paints, glazes etc. rather than spray them. Consider hand-cutting plastics rather than machining them. Use natural ventilation Activities which produce low levels of fumes, such as gluing with household glues, soldering and painting with solvent based paints, can be done with no special precautions other than ensuring good natural ventilation. This may mean working near a window or working out of doors. Use Local exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems Some processes produce high levels of fumes and dust and may only be done with an adequate local exhaust ventilation system, also known as LEV, or fume extraction or dust extraction. Where LEV has been installed, it must be tested to check it meets the design criteria every 14 months. It is the establishments responsibility to arrange for these tests; Education Supplies can advise you on contractors. It is the responsibility of the subject leader to make sure the tests are undertaken and that a record of these tests is kept.

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Use dust masks and respirators These may only be used where it is impracticable to use methods 1-3, or when methods 1-3 are not sufficient by themselves. It is not an alternative cheaper method.

Refer to the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology for guidance on LEV for dust and fume control for specific hazardous materials. Machines that produce high levels of fine dust, such as disc sanders, belt-facers, circular saws, band saws and powered fret saws must be fitted with suitable local exhaust ventilation.

Cleaning dusty areas

It is important that workspaces which are prone to the build up of dust - like wood machining rooms and pottery rooms - are cleaned regularly, particularly in the not-so-accessible places. Vacuum cleaners may only be used if they have adequate dust filtering, eg a HEPA filter; ordinary vacuum cleaners will only disperse very fine dust and cause a greater risk. Manual cleaning should be done damp or wet, particularly silica dust in ceramics rooms. You may need to wear a disposable dust mask (grade FFP2) if dust becomes airborne while cleaning. See also the section on cleaning rooms.

Hazardous materials
The COSHH regulations (control of substances hazardous to health) require risk assessments and control measures to be provided for employees and others affected who have to work with hazardous substances, for example solvents, acids, bleaches, dyes, etc which could be harmful if used wrongly. This includes fumes and dusts. (COSHH is not concerned with dangers due to extremes of temperature or pressure. Asbestos and lead are also excluded from the regulations because there are separate regulations for these.) COSHH is not designed to prevent teachers from using hazardous materials, it should be regarded as a more systematic approach to sensible safe practice which has developed in schools and colleges over the years. Teachers and technicians must refer to the COSHH risk assessments before using hazardous materials, but there is no need for repeated referrals once they are familiar with the hazards and safety procedures. Where reasonably practicable, you must use less hazardous substances in preference to hazardous ones. Be aware that the COSHH information is updated as new hazards are recognised. You must not use a hazardous material if a safer substitute is reasonably practicable.

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Risk assessments and control measures.
Many COSHH risk assessments for the materials used in practical subjects are in the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer and you will be supplied with one. Do not use a hazardous material without an assessment. You must follow the guidance given on the assessment. To each risk assessment, you should add notes on any local conditions and hazards. Every employee has a duty to make full and proper use of the safety equipment and safety information provided by the school or the LA. The COSHH information must be used in the planning and organising of technology activities. People handling hazardous materials are also required to follow the manufacturers or suppliers instructions for its use. Local exhaust ventilation systems (LEV) have to be checked every 14 months. Refer to the section fumes and dusts.

Prohibited substances
Some of the following materials may have been used in the curriculum in the past, but they are no longer considered suitable. It is unlikely that these are in schools now, but sometimes they turn up when clearing out old cupboards and stores. Do not use them. This list is not exhaustive; no hazardous material may be used unless it has been assessed carefully.

Prohibited Substance Asbestos Benzene Barium powder pigments Cadmium powder pigments Chromium powder pigments Fehlings solution Hydrofluoric acid Methanal (formaldehyde, formalin) Millions reagent Phenol (solid) Raw lead glazes Tetrachloromethane (carbon tetrachloride)

Likely use Heat insulation Solvent Paint/glaze colouring Paint/glaze colouring Paint/glaze colouring Food test Etching glass etc. Fungicide, lithography Food test Anti-bacterial investigations Glazing ceramics Solvent, stain remover

ICT equipment
Although working with display screen equipment is not generally high risk, users can get musculoskeletal and other physical problems, eye fatigue and mental

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stress if they do not follow the precautions laid down in the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations 2 . These regulations are relevant to staff, particularly those in information technology areas. Children are not normally classed as users because they do not use the DSE equipment for long enough. Nonetheless, the general principles in setting up comfortable and low-risk workstations for children should still be followed.

Safe use of laptop computers

Laptops and similar portable computers are not suitable as office workstations for clerical and administrative support staff. These styles of computers have smaller keyboards and screens than desktop computers and this makes them less comfortable to use, especially over longer periods. The hazards are aches and pains caused by poor posture, eyestrain and headaches from looking at a poor contrast screen, and arm and finger strains caused by poor keyboard technique. There is also an electrical hazard if the laptop external power unit becomes damaged. Follow these points to reduce the health hazards: Avoid using laptop computers for long periods; use a full-sized PC if one is available or consider using a docking station with a plug-in full size mouse and keyboard. When you use mains power, only use the a.c. adaptor provided by the manufacturer, not any others, to avoid incompatibility and damage to the laptop. Look at the adaptor, power cables and plug, and check that they are in good condition before plugging in. Keep the power cables free from twists. If possible, choose software that allows you to adjust image size and colour. Be careful that power cables do not cross walkways because it may cause someone to trip. When you use a laptop for more than a few minutes, make sure you are sitting comfortably with good posture, and adjust the screen to give the best viewing position without screen reflections. It is better to use the laptop on a table rather than on your lap. Take regular breaks from using the laptop if the work is prolonged. As a guide, do something else for five minutes every thirty minutes of laptop use. Practical rooms are far from ideal for ICT equipment, so extra care is needed. Ensure that the equipment is placed in a dust-free area and well away from water, solvents, hazardous liquids etc. Dust and dirt will damage CD drives. Do not place the equipment close to radiators or other heat sources. Ensure that the

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.

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ventilation holes remain unobstructed. Arrange the equipment so that users are able to sit down and operate it comfortably. Refer to the section Electricity. Computer equipment is likely to have many trailing leads used for connecting the peripheral equipment. Route these leads to minimise the risk of someone becoming entangled in them. Some desktop PCs have a significant earth leakage to cause nuisance tripping of sensitive RCDs. Double insulated equipment such as laptops will not cause this problem.

Visual display units (VDU)

The VDU should be used in a shaded area of the room, not in bright light, so that it is comfortable to view. Keep the screen clean by wiping it with a dry clean cloth.

Interactive whiteboards
The height of the board from the floor should be set to give good visibility and ensure users can reach all areas of the board without having to bend excessively; the height should also give children access to a sufficient area of the board. Avoid using platforms to give younger children access to the board. The light from projectors is very bright and can cause eye damage. Follow these guidelines to prevent this. Never stare directly into the beam of the projector. Warn children of the dangers too. When entering the beam, you should not look towards the class for more than a few seconds. As much as practicable, keep your back to the projector beam when you move into the beam. Children should be supervised when the projector is in use. Interactive whiteboards can be very difficult to see when direct sunlight shines on the board. If the board is in direct sunlight, you will need to fit window blinds. Staff adjusting or cleaning a high-mounted or suspended projector must use an appropriate step ladder or kick stool to access it safely. Projectors should be allowed to cool down before cleaning. All cabling must be safely secured safely for the whole of the cable length.

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Ladders, steps and other access equipment

You must have suitable ladders and other portable access equipment (PAE) for staff who need to work at heights, for instance to put up displays or reach upper shelves. Chairs, tables and so on must not be used. Stepladders, ladders and scaffold towers must be suitable for the tasks. Wooden ladders must meet BS1129: 1990, metal ladders must meet BS 2037:1994, or the European equivalents. Ladders should be Class 1, designed for industrial use. Avoid ladders designed for light or domestic use. The subject leader must ensure that: The access equipment is in good condition and checked at least every year. The access equipment is stored safely and securely so unauthorised people cannot use it. Staff and other users know how to use it properly. Follow the guidance in the HSE leaflet Safe use of ladders and stepladders: an employers guide. Access equipment must be checked regularly. One way of arranging this is to make sure each item of equipment has an owner responsible for checking it regularly, and taking it out of service if it becomes defective. Records of checking must be kept. Staff must be given training so they can use access equipment safely. The type of training must depend on the risks. Staff who are expected to use access equipment regularly must attend a suitable formal training course; contact the Health and Safety Helpline, 01243 752025, for details. People who erect, use and dismantle mobile scaffolding units must be properly trained and qualified to do it safely. The qualification should be to a PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) standard.

Lifting operations and lifting equipment

These are regulated by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). These regulations apply to all hoists, jacks or other lifting equipment that may be used in technology. If you have any such equipment, then you must ensure that the lifting equipment is: of adequate strength and stability for each load, particularly regarding the stress at its mounting or fixing point;

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positioned or installed to reduce to as low as is reasonably practicable the risk of the equipment or a load striking a person; or from a load drifting, falling freely, or being released unintentionally; either marked to indicate its safe working load, or has information kept with the machine that clearly indicates its safe working load for each configuration, or both if it applies; is thoroughly examined regularly. For lifting equipment for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting, the regulations specify the equipment must be examined at least every 6 months, and for other lifting equipment, at least every 12 months; or in either case, in accordance with an examination scheme, and each time that exceptional circumstances have occurred that could have damaged the lifting equipment. The examination must be done by a competent person, and will normally involve a load test. Teachers or technicians could carry out the examination provided they have been given the appropriate training and test equipment. Whoever carries out the examinations, you must retain records of dates and results of the examination. See also the section on manual handling.

Lone working
Lone working means working when there is nobody else around to help or to raise the alarm if you need it. For example, a teacher might come into school on their own at the weekend to prepare some work. If staff need to work alone, you must consider what precautions you need to take for their health and safety. This begins before they even arrive for work: it is important that someone else knows that they will be working alone, and approximately when he or she should be home. For practical purposes, this could be a relative, friend or neighbour. When they are at work, the normal standards apply so that potential harm is kept to a minimum. But lone workers also have to remember that they are responsible in law for their own health and safety they must not take risks or short cuts. They must not try to do anything they are not adequately trained for, or which needs more than one person to do it safely. Anyone with supervisory responsibilities must do a risk assessment identifying the hazards, assessing the risks involved and putting the measures in place to avoid or control them. This means identifying situations where their staff work alone, and considering a number of questions.

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Does anything about the environment present specific risks to staff eg the location, weather conditions or time of year? Is there safe access in and out? Can the equipment be safely handled and used by one person? Does the job involve handling loads? Is there a risk of violence? Do the staff concerned have any medical conditions? What forms of communication are available? The risk assessment may point out a need for more staff, equipment, information, instruction and training, greater supervision, or new safer systems of work such as a checking-in system. The Health and Safety Team run personal safety courses regularly. Contact them on 01243 752025 for details.

Management of health and safety

This manual is not meant to be alarmist and there is no intention of deterring teachers from introducing new activities provided that any hazards can be approached in a safe way. In a world full of dangers it is important for the pupils to learn how to recognise the hazards and manage them safely. Generally, schools are very safe places. However, risks must be made as low as reasonably practicable. All staff have a duty to use the safety information to minimise risks to themselves, to pupils and to others. Teachers are expected to use this information to help them to plan lessons and decide if an activity can be carried out safely, giving consideration to the age and responsibility of the pupils. In the event of an accident, it is important that immediate interim measures are taken (if needed) to prevent a recurrence. Accidents must be reported in accordance with the instructions from the LA.

Risk assessments
See also the section on Pupils with special educational needs. Risk assessment is a process for looking at what can cause harm, how likely and severe the harm could be, and what can be done to prevent it. There is no such thing as zero risk risk assessment is a way of reducing the risks to an acceptable level, so the benefits of the activity far outweigh the risks. All activities that involve foreseeable significant hazards must have a risk assessment before it is undertaken. Do not carry out any such activity without a risk assessment.

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As the activities in technology and art are unlikely to vary greatly from one school to another, generic risk assessments can be used. Generic risk assessments for most activities are in this manual and in the associated supporting documents explained in the introduction, particularly those produced by CLEAPSS,and BS4163:2007. Your schemes of work must be marked to show the hazards, and where staff or pupils can find the risk assessments. Similarly, lesson plans, pupil worksheets, text books etc should be marked similarly. Where there are special local conditions that create hazards not on the generic risk assessment, you should adapt the risk assessment accordingly, adding steps to reduce the local hazards. When pupils are planning projects and coursework, staff should help them to identify the hazards that are likely to be encountered and the steps they will take to reduce the risks adequately. Do not forget to involve Teaching Assistants and voluntary staff in your risk assessments. They should be consulted when considering pupils with special needs so that all pupils and staff have adequate levels of protection from the hazards in the practical curriculum. There is more information on risk assessments on the health and safety pages of WSGfL. If you need further advice on risk assessments, for example if you are undertaking or supervising a special project, contact the Health and Safety Team, 01243 752025, or the relevant Adviser from Adults and Children - Learning.

Keeping records
Subject Leaders must keep records to demonstrate that health and safety is being managed correctly. The records include: Machinery maintenance. 14 monthly LEV tests. Gas appliance annual tests. Room and equipment termly checks. Staff training (and certificates such as those for food safety, circular saws, planer/thicknessers, welding). When portable appliance electrical testing was undertaken. When inspection of fixed electrical installation was undertaken. Pressure vessel inspections & tests. Lifting equipment annual inspections & tests. Access equipment (eg stepladders) inspections.

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Some of these inspections and tests are likely to be organised centrally by the school and records kept by the Premises Manager or Bursar. It is important the Subject Leader receives copies of these records.

Health and safety policies

To achieve good management of health and safety, subject leaders and staff are expected to co-operate with the senior management of the school or college on health and safety matters. Each school has an overall Health and Safety Policy that explains how adequate standards of health and safety will be achieved it is the responsibility of the Head and Governors to prepare it. Subject leaders will normally have delegated responsibility for ensuring adequate health and safety standards in their departments. It is very useful if practical departments have a subsidiary health and safety policy to detail the departmental health and safety arrangements. It is a requirement of the LA that departments undertaking practical work (which includes Design and Technology, Art and Design, Ceramics, Textiles and Food Technology) have a written subsidiary health and safety policy that clearly and concisely explains the departmental health and safety arrangements. This could be a combined policy that covers a range of practical curriculum areas, or individual policies in which each covers a specific practical curriculum area. In larger departments, many health and safety functions will be delegated. It must be clear from the departments safety policy what safety functions have been delegated, and to whom. The policy should have four sections; A general statement of commitment and intent. This is a short paragraph that expresses the departments commitment to health and safety and the intent to make teaching as safe as is reasonably practicable. Department's organisation This is a description of the departments organisation for achieving their commitment. This should explain the structure of the department and the line management from the overall head of the department to all other people who work in the department. This section should explain the formal ways in which health and safety information is communicated to and from staff. The LA recommends that time be allocated formally at staff meetings to exchange information on health and safety. Minutes of a meeting can form a record of information passed to staff. The particular arrangements for implementing the policy. This should state the model risk assessments the department will adopt and how staff will use the information. The risk assessments are the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology, BS 4163:2007, and the NSEAD A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design, as appropriate. This section should also explain all health and safety duties delegated by the subject leader, such as the person responsible for ensuring schemes of work have appropriate risk assessments, the person who oversees the induction for new staff including technicians, the

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people who check the machinery, tools and rooms, etc. The arrangements for testing of particular items should also be explained, such as checking fume extraction, gas appliances, pressure systems, gas cylinders and regulators, and protective equipment such as goggles and face shields. There must be a procedure for making sure the health and safety functions are undertaken; part of the procedure must be a plan of what will be done to rectify faulty equipment and machinery. Monitoring and reviewing This section should explain the arrangements for monitoring and reviewing the health and safety of the department. The document should be signed and dated by the subject leader and approved by the head and governing body. The policy does not need to be long; the length will depend on the departmental complexity, but try to keep it to a few sides of A4. The document should not include particular risk assessments or other codes of practice - it is not a document on the particular safety measures for each practical work undertaken. Practical activities must be assessed for risk, and safety measures used to keep the risks low. If you are undertaking any new activities, it is essential that a risk assessment is carried out beforehand. Consult experienced colleagues, Adults and Children - Learning or the Health and Safety Team to help you determine the significant hazards and the risk of them happening. From this, decide on suitable control measures to minimise the risks.

Responsibilities
Health and safety is not the responsibility of just one person. The duty of care is on all employees and pupils to look after their own welfare and the welfare of others who may be affected by their actions; the responsibility for health and safety is no less important than any other function. Your employer also has responsibilities for health and safety, including a duty to protect you, provide training and keep you informed about health and safety matters. As part of the LAs obligations, this file provides guidelines on safety in technology practical work. Problems regarding this information should be discussed and brought to the attention of the School Support Service where relevant. Subject leaders have a duty to organise the department so that staff have access to the health and safety information and understand the system for reporting defects in safety equipment. No activity may be carried out unless the requisite health and safety apparatus is available and in good working order. Every technology department must have procedures for: Making sure risk assessments are undertaken and used; giving information to the people who need it; ensuring regular safety checks are undertaken;

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keeping rooms clean and tidy; reporting defective equipment; ensuring apparatus receives necessary maintenance; and ensuring only suitably qualified staff use restricted machinery. A safety policy is a good way of showing how these procedures are organised in the department. See the section Safety Policies

Class sizes
There is no statutory limitation on class size in any subject in schools in England and Wales. Teachers who are concerned that the class size presents an unacceptable risk to health and safety should report their concerns to their subject leader and if necessary, the head teacher. Use alternative methods if possible for particular practical activities to reduce the risks, but if they cannot be lowered to an acceptable level, the activities must not be undertaken until the health and safety matters have been resolved. Adults and Children - Learning and the Health and Safety Team can give advice. British Standard 4163:2007 recommends class sizes of no more than 20 per competent, qualified teacher. For numbers higher than this, follow the British Standards guidance (BS 4163:2007 Section 3) and carry out a risk assessment. When deciding class size, it is the policy of the LA that there must be an identifiable unshared suitable workspace per pupil in the practical room. This means a suitable bench or table area (with a seat where relevant). In a machine workshop, the workspace must have a vice. Use the guidance in Building Bulletin 81, Design and Technology Accommodation in Secondary Schools: A Design Guide, or DfEE Building Bulletin 89, Art Accommodation in Secondary Schools, as appropriate for planning class sizes and work space, and take into account: room size and layout, the equipment in the room, the type of activities to be undertaken, competence and experience of the teacher, bench space, space between benches class behaviour, and pupils with special needs.

Using workrooms
Staff are expected to leave workrooms in a safe condition. When starting a practical lesson, staff should check that rooms are clear, all thoroughfares and

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room exits are free from obstruction, floors are dry and in a safe condition, and the lighting is adequate for the work being undertaken. Fire doors must be unlocked and clear. Only staff authorised by the subject leader are permitted to switch on the electricity and gas mains isolators, pupils may not switch on these not even under supervision. The department must ensure that pupils do not use utensils, tools, machines or other equipment until they have been taught how to use them correctly. Only one person may operate a machine or piece of equipment at a time (there are some exceptions - see part II), some machinery is restricted to use by qualified staff (again, see part II). Pupils are required to clear away at the end of each practical session. Where possible, keep practical rooms locked when not in use. Normally, workshops, food technology rooms and other specialist practical rooms should be locked when not in use. A specialist room should only be used for the purposes for which it was designed.

Delivery of lessons
The Local Authority recommends that all design & technology lessons, and art & design lesson, are delivered under the direction of qualified teachers who have the skills, expertise and experience required to teach the work safely. For other arrangements, Heads are advised to obtain advice from Adults & Children Learning because there are statutory restrictions that affect the choice of who may deliver lessons to pupils. For Learning Support staff working under the direction of the teacher, the teacher must liaise with them beforehand to ensure that the Learning Support staff understand the risk assessment for the practical work to be undertaken. The risk assessment must include the health and safety of the Learning Support staff, including any provision of suitable personal protective equipment identified by the risk assessment. See also the section on pupils with special educational needs. For guidance on the role of Learning Support staff, refer to the WSGfL Support Staff.

Cover supervisors
Cover supervisors (including teachers acting as cover supervisors) must be given information on the practical room hazards; this could be a laminated A4 sheet for the room explaining the location and operation of main services such as electricity and gas isolators, any local hazards, and where help can be obtained. Subject Leaders must make sure that pre-set learning activities for cover supervision have no practical element (but simple practical work that a risk assessment has shown to be negligible risk 3 is acceptable). The room gas supply and machine electricity supplies should be switched off (preferably locked off).

This is to allow routine work such as the use of paper glue and blunt-ended scissors.

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Tutor/form rooms
Machine workshops must not be used as tutor or form rooms. Other practical rooms may be used as a last resort; a risk assessment must be undertaken beforehand.

Maintenance of equipment and practical rooms

See also the section on electricity. There is a statutory requirement to maintain machinery. The regulations are quite extensive. Among other things they require machinery to be in efficient working order and in good repair, with relevant safety devices functional. Keep machine guards in clean and good condition, those that have safety interlocks must be checked regularly to ensure that they work efficiently. Some equipment has statutorily specified test and maintenance intervals (se the subsection Keeping records). The law requires equipment to be checked regularly enough to prevent dangerous conditions occurring. For most machines, the scheduled maintenance should be done at least annually. Maintenance procedures should be carried according to the manufacturers recommendations which relate to the equipment, for example the periodic lubrication, replacement and adjustment of parts. You must keep records of the maintenance. You should identify three levels of equipment checks: Level 1 a visual check whenever the equipment is used. Level 2 termly room and equipment check must be recorded and actions taken where needed. Level 3 annual check and maintenance usually carried out by an external contractor. In this booklet there are checklists for workrooms (workshops, pottery rooms etc.). There is no obligation to use them, but departments must have some procedure for making safety checks. The checks need to be done at least once a term, they must be carried out by a person who understands the nature of the hazards associated with the activities carried out in the room. Part of the checklist is blank so that you can make your own additions.

Safety signs, notices and displays

Each workroom must have a set of safety rules and the fire procedure displayed clearly. Cautionary notices and signs must be displayed where appropriate, these can be home-made provided they conform to current standards and standard pictograms and are made of a durable material.

Making artefacts
Items made at school must be safe to use. In many cases, there are regulations or guidelines such as The Toys (Safety) Regulations and The Magnetic Toys (Safety) Regulations. Items must not be dangerous on account of their

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flammability; they should be made inflammable or, if they can ignite, should burn slowly with a small rate of flame spread.

Manual handling
Manual handling covers any form of lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying loads, by hand or using bodily force. Handling loads using incorrect techniques can cause strains particularly back strain fractures, cuts and other injuries. These can mean lost working days, and in severe cases even permanent disablement. Injuries caused by bad manual handling are a big cause of absence in education. So subject leaders must: tell staff to avoid manual handling where there is a significant risk of injury, wherever reasonably practicable assess all manual handling operations where there is a significant risk of injury; record all relevant assessments; 4 review the assessments regularly; and provide adequate information, instruction and training for staff.

Noise
Noise levels at work are regulated by The Noise at Work Regulations. Some machines can produce high levels of sound, for example circular saws, planers, and percussion drills. The lower exposure action values is a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80 dB(A) (and a peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C)). To give an idea of this loudness, you would have to raise your voice to make yourself understood over this level of noise to a person standing two metres away. If you are experiencing noise at this level, you may need to implement controls under these Regulations to reduce the noise level or protect your hearing; contact the Health and Safety Helpline, 0243 752025, for advice. If you notice regular ringing in your ears after being in a noisy environment, obtain advice from the Health and Safety Helpline.

There are occasions when an assessment does not need to be recorded: if it could easily be repeated and explained at any time because it is simple and straightforward, or the manual handling operation is straightforward, the risk is low, or it is only going to last a very short time so the time taken to record it would be out of proportion to the task involved.

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Pupils with special educational needs

Pupils with SEN are entitled to education in design & technology, including practical work. Pupils with special needs can present health and safety implications for teaching practical work that need to be resolved. The approach must be through risk assessment; this ensures the pupil has access to the curriculum without undue risk to their health and safety and to that of others. Do not overlook the health and safety of support staff working with pupils with SEN - it is important to discuss the risk assessment with support staff beforehand, including safety measures for their own health and safety. You can obtain help with risk assessments from Adults and Children Learning and the Health and Safety Team. You must implement the health and safety measures identified by the risk assessment.

Pressure systems
Large compressed air systems (in which the pressure multiplied by the internal volume of the air receiver exceeds 250 bar litre) are regulated by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations. You must arrange for the regular examination of such pressure equipment by a competent person. All pressure systems must be maintained in good repair to prevent danger. Users must know what action is needed in the event of an emergency, in most cases this will be to remove the source of energy (switch off the electrical supply, turn off the heat etc.) and leave the area. Users of any pressure system should carry out pre-start checks, they should understand under what circumstances the system should be shut down and know how to vent any residual pressure safely before removing lids, filler caps, hoses etc. If the pressure vessel shows any signs of significant pitting, corrosion, damage from drops or knocks or bowing from over-pressure, it should be considered sufficient grounds for replacing the apparatus. Regardless of the size of the system, it would still be wise to make regular spotchecks. Ensure that all hoses and pressure pipes are in good condition and securely fitted. The compressed air vessel should be free from corrosion or other visible signs of damage. Check that the pressure gauges are working and the pressure cut-out switch operates. Filters should be serviced regularly and water/oil trap bowls should be clear and free from cracks. Where appropriate, the compressed air vessel should be marked clearly with the maximum safe working pressure.

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Do not neglect the non-pressure hazards like power cables, drive belts and guards. If portable air compressors are mounted above the floor surface, they must be secured before they are used. Under no circumstances should compressed air be used for blowing away dust.

Hired pressure systems

The owner has the responsibility for carrying out the formal examination and the hirer has the duty to use the system in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Model stream engines.

These are included in the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations. CLEAPSS has produced a scheme of examination for pressure cookers, autoclaves and model steam engines. The formal examination should be carried out yearly; the department must keep a record of the examination. See the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology.

Protective clothing and safety equipment

Clothing
Protective clothing such as aprons or overalls must be used in any messy practical work, or where hazardous materials are being used. Do not use nylon or other plastic protective clothing in high-temperature work. Leather aprons and heat-resistant spats, gloves, boots and gaiters must be used when pouring molten metal in foundry work People wearing bandages on the hand or forearm are not permitted to use machinery which has exposed moving parts.

Eye protection and guards

Eye protection must be used if there is any significant risk of eye injury in the work being carried out or observed. Dont overlook the risk when working with stretched materials. Eye protection must conform to BS EN166, except for welding shields which must conform to BS EN175. There are various grades within BS EN166, 3 protects against liquid splashes, 4 protects against large dust particles, 5 protects against gas and fine dust particles, 9 protects against molten metals and hot solids, B protects against medium energy impact, and F protects against low energy impact B grade is generally sufficient for protecting eyes from particles produced by normal machining techniques, but grade 9 must be used for protection against hot metal splashes or sparks. Select the type of eye protection suitable for the

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practical work. Eye protectors must be kept clean and scratch-free, periodically they must be washed in a mild household disinfectant.

Eye-wash
Eye wash facilities must be available where there is a risk of hazardous chemicals or dust getting into the eye. The eye wash can be a suitable mains cold water tap and a length of clean rubber hose, or where this is not available, by eye wash bottles (but these have a limited shelf life). When a hazardous chemical or dust enters the eye, the eye must be flushed with water by a gently running flow of clean water. Do this for ten minutes, or much longer if the chemical is particularly damaging to eye tissue. The eye lid must be held open so the eye can be gently flooded with water. It is important that staff know the arrangements for eye washing.

First-aid
Each workroom must have easy access to a first-aid kit. If the kit is stored in a cabinet, the cabinet should be marked with a green cross on a white background. It must be stocked and used in accordance with the guidelines in the Health and safety A-Z on the WSGfL. A telephone should be in the vicinity of the practical room so help can be summoned promptly.

Services: water and gas

Gas supplies
Refer to BS 4163 section 5. There should be a gas isolating valve into each area of use. The valve must be labelled clearly and the off position indicated. If it is outside the workroom, a notice must be displayed near the entrance explaining where it is located. The valve must be accessible at all times. Make sure the gas isolators are off when the gas is not being used. In emergencies, shut off the gas at the isolator. If you think there is a gas leak, or are worried about carbon monoxide, call Transco's 24 hour gas emergency service on 0800 111 999; keep all unauthorised people away from the area. All gas equipment must be checked and maintained regularly. Gas pipework and controls should be visually checked to ensure that they are corrosion free. Check that the gas flexible hoses and joints are in good condition and restraining cables, straps or chains are secure. The equipment must be stable, all fixing straps and bolts must be secure. Gas-fired equipment fed with pressure air or any other extraneous gas must have an approved non-return valve fitted into the gas supply to each teaching area or group of areas. Staff and technicians may carry out simple maintenance such as unblocking nozzles and cleaning userserviceable parts, but they may not otherwise dismantle or modify gas equipment; this must be done by a competent CORGI registered contractor.

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All gas appliances must be formally checked at least once a year and checked by a competent CORGI registered contractor. Keep records of the checks and maintenance.

Using gas burners

Do not situate gas burners in a position which can be illuminated by strong sunlight, the flame becomes very difficult to see. Utensils and tools must be placed so that you do not need to lean over the burner to reach them. Pupils must not be allowed to light gas burners until they have received adequate training on how to do it safely. The danger is particularly great with large burners like those fitted to brazing hearths and forges, where it is possible for large amounts of gas/air mixture to be released in a short time.

Water
There should be a water stopcock in the water pipes into each area of use. The stopcock must be labelled clearly and the off position indicated. If it is outside the workroom, a notice must be displayed near the entrance explaining where it is located. In workshops and other non-clean rooms, warm water, soap and hand drying facilities must be provided for hand washing.

Storage
Workshop storage must be in accordance with section 3 of BS 4163. Sharp tools and utensils must be stored so that accidental contact with the sharp part is unlikely. All materials that are hazardous, for example they may be toxic, flammable or corrosive, must be clearly labelled. The labelling must state the material and the nature of the hazard(s). Keep all working quantities of these materials to a minimum. Access to hazardous materials must be restricted to authorised users only. Storage must be kept well organised and tidy. Large items should not be stored high, and proper step ladders or similar must be available for reaching high shelves safely. Standing on benches, chairs, tables etc is not permitted. You need to make sure there is suitable storage for clothing, school bags, etc provided away from the main practical areas. Thoroughfares and walkways must be kept clear.

Flammables
Stocks of flammable liquids must be stored in a lockable fire-resistant cabinet in a well ventilated stockroom. The maximum amount of flammable liquids you are allowed to store is 50 litres, no more than 5 litres of any one type. This is a large

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quantity and schools should not normally store such large amounts. A large storage of flammable liquids requires a specific fire risk assessment.

Corrosives
Stocks of corrosive liquids must be placed in secondary containers, e.g. plastic buckets, so that the liquid can be retained if the primary container leaks. Stocks of corrosive liquids must be stored in a secure and well ventilated storeroom.

Shelving
Make regular checks to ensure that shelving is in a safe condition. Shelves must not be overloaded and heavy materials must not be stored high up. Ensure that the shelf space is used sensibly with no items stacked precariously. Proper stepladders must be provided for access to shelving beyond easy reach from the floor.

Storage-life
All materials and chemicals with limited shelf-lives must be dated, either with the purchase date or with the dispose-of-by date; it must be clear what the date refers to. Ensure that such chemicals or materials are disposed of safely before they deteriorate into a dangerous state. See the section on waste. See part B (Food hygiene) for information on food storage.

Tools: hand tools and portable power tools

Tools must be used in the correct manner and for operations that they are designed for. Follow the manufacturers instructions. You must make sure that all tools are put away at the end of each practical lesson.

Hand tools
These must be kept in a clean safe condition. Ensure handles are secure. Cutting blades must be kept sharp. Hammers must be checked to ensure the head is secure and the handle is in a safe condition. Sharp tools and utensils must be stored so that people can not easily come into contact with the sharp edge or point.

Portable power tools

All work equipment must be regularly checked and maintained. Power tools designed for machining materials must be a single-purpose type; power-tool attachments are not permitted. This does not apply to non-machining tools such as food processors and sewing machines. Pupils are restricted in what type of portable power tools they are permitted to use. See the section Design

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&Technology in Part B for a more details. There are restrictions on the use of food processors and liquidisers with exposed blades - see part II (Cookers and domestic machinery). High-power portable machining tools are not recommended for the technology curriculum. Schools are not permitted to use off-hand grinders, chain saws or any other very dangerous portable high-power tools without permission of Adults and Children - Learning. Keep the external surfaces free from water; better still, keep the tool well away from water (this does not refer to internal water reservoirs in steam irons etc.). All electrical equipment must be visually checked. At least once a year it must undergo formal checks for earth bonding and line insulation. Refer to the section Electricity.

Glue guns
Refer to the section on adhesives

Training
Subject leaders must assess their own health and safety training needs and that of their staff, and make arrangements for those who need training to attend suitable courses. Training is not just for employees; if you use voluntary workers, they are also entitled to training if they need it to carry out their role safely and without undue risk to themselves or others affected by their work. Some types of practical work using dangerous machinery may not be carried out unless the person holds a full certificate of training recognised by the LA or current accreditation from DATA. See the sections specific to curriculum areas. Subject leaders should assess their staff periodically; training does not last indefinitely and refresher training will be needed. DATA recommends the training be updated every five years. The LA provides training courses for teachers and technicians in response to identified need.

Waste
You have a strict duty to make sure your waste is managed properly. You must make sure waste is disposed of legally. You must always have it taken by a registered carrier to a properly licensed waste disposal facility, and always provide the necessary documentation. Waste material can be difficult and expensive to dispose of. If possible, avoid using processes that produce significant quantities of toxic waste - change the process to produce less waste, or a less harmful kind. When comparing the cost of materials, it is important to take into account the cost of disposing of them. Its

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also important to avoid accumulating waste. Dont buy more of a material than you are likely to need, particularly if it has a limited shelf life. Often a small amount can be treated then disposed of as household waste. However, if it is allowed to accumulate into a large amount, it becomes a problem to treat. There are extra regulations for some materials - such as asbestos, hazardous chemicals and oil. If you have to dispose of any such wastes, the Environment Agency must be told beforehand, and it will need a consignment note - the contractor will normally deal with this. If you need to remove asbestos waste, you must call in an HSE-licensed contractor.

Disposable items
The practice of reclaiming disposable items for re-use is bad and should be avoided. It saves very little money in return for lowering standards of hygiene and safety.

Combustible swarf
Combustible swarf such as plastic shavings, wood shavings and dust must not be allowed to accumulate. They should be swept up into a sack and placed in a metal bin. The bin should be emptied regularly into the school dustbins.

Metal swarf, sharps and glass

A bin, suitably labelled, should be reserved just for this type of waste. The cleaning staff must be made aware of this so that the contents can be handled correctly.

Chemically hazardous materials

This must be disposed of as a special waste. It is important that schools avoid producing large quantities of hazardous waste, this may mean selecting a more expensive process that does not use or produce toxic materials.

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Part B. Specific curriculum areas Design &Technology

It is essential that you have the following information: Health & safety in workshops of schools and similar establishments BS 4163:2007. CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design Technology (2003) D&T practical work must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines in this safety file, BS 4163:2007 document, and the CLEAPSS model risk assessments. These have been issued to all secondary schools. You may also find the document Building Bulletin 81 "Design and Technology Accommodation in Secondary Schools: A Design Guide" is useful.

Workshop supervision
Pupils must not be allowed in hazardous specialist rooms (such as D&T workshops) unsupervised. Pupils must not be allowed into machine workshops unless supervised by a D&T teacher or member of staff with equivalent knowledge of workshop hazards; some machines and equipment can be tampered with and could cause severe injuries if used later. D&T practical work must be supervised by a suitably qualified teacher. A workshop technician, if suitably experienced and competent, may supervise the pupils for a short period if the teacher needs to leave the workshop, but the teacher retains the responsibility for the pupils safety; it is recommended that only bench work is carried out while a technician is supervising, the power should be locked off. Student teachers should be supervised; the normal class teacher must ensure that the student is proficient in the practical work to be taught and the relevant safety aspects. HLTAs and teachers without suitable qualifications are not permitted to supervise practical work. Exceptions may only be made in circumstances specifically approved by Adults and Children Learning.

National standards for training

The Training and Development Agency, together with The Design and Technology Association (DATA), has created a set of National Standards for Health and Safety Training in design and technology for teachers and support staff. The new standards were integrated into basic teacher training from

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September 2000. The new standards replace the previous system of NAAIDT awards. NAAIDT qualifications will be transferable to the new standards. West Sussex LA recommends that teachers and technicians become accredited through the DATA scheme. This will involve staff being accredited by Registered Design and Technology Health and Safety Consultants (RDTHSCs); the costs will have to be met by the school. Details on the accreditation scheme and a list of RDTHSCs are available on the Design and Technology Association (DATA) website. To support departmental self-review procedures, a health and safety audit form will be available for subject leaders. It is expected that the audit will be carried out annually.

D&T: Machinery and equipment

Follow the guidelines in BS 4163:2007, particularly section 4, and the CLEAPSS CD-ROM Design and Technology. Machine operators and onlookers must use eye protection. An artefact being machined (or polished) must be retained securely, where possible it should be retained in position by chucks, vices or other clamps. Do not hand-hold work in a rag.

Restrictions on machine operators

There are restrictions on personnel permitted to operate machines: A. Only teachers and technicians who hold an appropriate certificate (recognised by the LA) may operate/undertake:circular saws planers/thicknessers hand-fed routers crucible furnaces surface grinders mounting/dressing abrasive wheels large bandsaws arc-welding equipment oxyacetylene welding equipment milling machines 5

You should label individual high risk machines with the named certificated users. Fixed circular saws, planers, hand-fed routers and large band saws must be isolated by key-switch or other means so that unauthorised people cannot use them. You must have a procedure for issuing keys only to authorised users. B. Only competent teachers and technicians (those with adequate training and experience) and pupils under the supervision of such staff may operate:-

Pupils may use milling machines under the supervision of a qualified teacher. The degree of supervision will depend on the maturity and experience of the pupil.

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centre lathes pillar drills polishing machines sanding discs & belt sanders scroll (powered fret) saws forge/brazing hearth equipment wood lathes bench shears and nibblers shaping machines power hacksaws small band saws 6 portable routers

The degree of supervision will depend on the maturity and experience of the pupil. Subject leaders must decide which woodworking machines are suitable for use by each group of students. See BS4163:2007 subsection 10.1. This must be recorded in your departmental arrangements and schemes of work. You must produce a written training programme for each piece of equipment with an associated competency test. Names of pupils, dates of training and assessment of competency will need to be recorded.

Specific portable power tools

BS4163:2007 requires individual pupil training records and supervision for the following portable power tools see subsection 9.3 to 9.6. Before pupils use these portable tools, you must make sure that they have been assessed, the assessment has shown that they are competent, and they are under the appropriate supervision of specifically trained staff. Portable grinders (e.g. angle grinders). Rotating (circular) portable saws. Portable biscuit cutters. Reciprocating portable saws (e.g. jig saws). Portable routers (but pupils are not permitted to use hand-fed routers, eg router tables.).

CAD/CAM machines
Follow the guidance in BS4163:2007subsections 16.1 to 16.4. Schools now use CAD/CAM technology in a wide range of applications. Pupils will be fully involved in CAD aspects using approved software, but great care should be taken to ensure that all manufacturing procedures and CAM processes are correctly supervised, usually by an appropriately trained and qualified member of staff.

Laser cutters
When choosing a laser cutting machine it is extremely important to consider the safety aspects of the machine you buy. Laser radiation can be hazardous if allowed to escape the enclosure of the machine. All access doors must be

As a guide, a small band saw would be one with a motor under 500W and a throat capacity not exceeding 300mm.

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interlocked and the laser beam must not be capable of being activated when the doors are open. The laser cutting system must be housed in a Class 1 safety enclosure that conforms to BS EN 60825 standard for a CO2 laser beam. The red dot laser pointer system must be Class 2 and conform to the BS EN 60825 standard. Be aware that many materials are not suitable for cutting by laser. You must check the risk of dangerous fumes or fire before using the material. Machines that allow the laser to operate with the access doors open are Class 4 and are not permitted in school D&T. Such a machine will allow laser radiation to escape and cause possible injury and it will also allow fumes and dust to permeate the workplace. Laser systems require efficient extraction to perform well and to provide a safe, fume-free working environment. Any filtration system must be checked at the intervals prescribed by the equipment suppliers and any serviceable maintenance items replaced to ensure the filtration system is maintained in good, safe, working order. Lasers must never be left unattended during use. CAD generated work must be checked for viability before setting up the machining process and tooling arrangements. Pupils will naturally wish to see their work being manufactured and this should be facilitated by the member of staff in charge. For portable tools and equipment follow the guidance in BS4163:2007 subsections 9.1 to 9.14, and the section in part A.

Machine siting.
The area around a machine or working bay must be clear from obstruction. As a rule of thumb, there needs to be at least a metre of free space on the working side of a machine. If the machine is next to a thoroughfare, the space should be increased to 1.5 metres; other situations may warrant greater space. Optionally, the free zone can be marked with yellow paint or floor tape, 50 mm wide. Follow the advice in Building Bulletin 81 "Design and Technology Accommodation in Secondary Schools: A Design Guide" (Revised 2004) plus section 3 of BS4163:2007.

Emergency stops
Machines must have emergency stops. Refer to BS4163:2007. Every operator must know the position and operation of the emergency stop. The stop must be single function - it must not function as a start or restart too. A machines emergency stop switch, which could be the normal operational OFF switch, must be red with a yellow background. However, where the normal operational OFF switch is separate to the machines emergency stop, the normal OFF switch should be red colour but it does not need to be on a yellow background.

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The normal operational OFF switch can act as an emergency stop if it is a conveniently positioned, mushroom-headed, single-function stop button (or other suitable control device) that can stop the machine quickly in an emergency. Note that pillar drills must have floor-mounted emergency stops. Existing hip mounted emergency stop for bench mounted drills are acceptable. Refer to BS4163:2007 subsection 11.4.2

Start controls
On fixed machines where an unintentional start is likely to cause a hazardous situation, the controls for the machine must incorporate a no-volt release or other device to prevent unexpected starting after the power has been interrupted.

Braking devices.
Circular saw benches, powered and hand-fed cross-cut saws, planer/thicknessers, band saws and hand-fed routers (eg router tables) with a run-down time of more than 10 seconds must be fitted with a braking system to reduce the run-down time. This also applies to other woodworking machinery where there is still a significant risk of injury from the tool run-down time exceeding 10 seconds; braking must be fitted. (This does not apply to machines built in conformity with a harmonised European standard where the standard does not require braking devices, or where braking could damage the integrity of the machine.).

Planer/thicknessers
Planer/thicknessers that do not have sectional rollers or other anti kickback/ejection devices must have a warning sign fitted stating that only one piece of timber at a time may be fed into the thicknesser.

Equipment stability
A machine that is not designed to be portable must be bolted down or fastened by a secure method so the machine cannot topple over or move with vibration. Unsecured machinery poses a serious hazard - please check that your nonportable machines in technology are securely bolted down.

D&T: High-temperature work

Follow the guidelines in BS 4163:2007, particularly subsection 14, on the safe use of equipment for heat processes carried out in workshops, and the CLEAPSS model risk assessments for heat treatments. High-temperature work may only be carried out within a restricted zone; these may not be used as thoroughfares. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) must be applied wherever fumes are given off, such as welding, brazing, melting metal in

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a crucible etc. The LEV must be placed so that the fumes are drawn away from the operator. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations require Interlocking of the mechanical ventilation system and gas supply. See section 5.3.3 in BS4163:2007. Pupils, teachers and technicians must be aware of the danger which exists from flames which are not visible in bright ambient light, and black heat from items not sufficiently hot to glow, but hot enough to cause a serious injury if touched.

Welding
Follow the recommendations in BS 4163:2007. Refer to the CLEAPSS model risk assessments for heat treatment. All welding equipment must be checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition; on gas systems, ensure that the bottles are secure, the pipes are free from damage and connectors are correctly tightened. Arc-welding systems must be formally tested periodically, refer to the section Electricity in part A. Avoid welding stainless steel or steel which has been plated, e.g. chrome, nickel, zinc (galvanised) or cadmium, or painted; the vaporised coating is harmful if breathed in. Plated or painted steel may be welded if the coating is stripped off beforehand and LEV is used during welding to remove the fumes. Do not weld lead; use soft soldering.

Casting and other very high temperature work.

Follow the recommendations in BS 4163:2007, particularly 14.5 and 4.14.6. Refer to the CLEAPSS risk assessments Heat Treatment. Be careful when selecting aluminium scrap for melting. Do not use aluminium alloys with high zinc or magnesium content. Do not attempt to melt magnesium, it burns violently and it is difficult to extinguish. When pouring hot metal, it essential for all to wear full protective equipment, including full face shields to BS EN166 9 (equivalent to former BS 2092 M), sturdy footwear, spats and gaiters, leather apron, and heat-proof gloves. Ensure that casting moulds are completely dry before use. When casting with sand, use oil-bonded sand in preference to green moulding sand.

Protective equipment
Suitable protective clothing must be worn when carrying out any hightemperature processes. Eye protectors must be used where there is a risk of eye injury; refer to the section on protective equipment.

Asbestos.
Refer to BS4163:2007 subsection 17.2. Do not use any equipment, which has an asbestos content.

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D&T: Working with wood and metal

Follow the guidance in BS4163:2007 subsections 9, 10, 11, 15 and section 5 on Materials, and the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology.

Metals
See also the sections High-temperature work and Machinery and equipment. Welding, brazing, casting, grinding, polishing and similar operations create metal dust or vapour. These may be harmful if ingested, follow the recommendations in the CLEAPSS risk assessments for technology metal working. Do not allow metal dust to accumulate, it should be removed by regular cleaning. Cutting tools in milling and turning processes should be adjusted to avoid producing lengthy pieces of swarf. The swarf must be removed regularly, by brush, while the machine is off. Refer to Waste material in part A.

Oils, greases and cutting lubricants

Follow the recommendations in the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology; see Metal Working: Machining: Centre lathe, Milling, Power sawing. See also BS4163:2007 subsection 11.

Wood
Wood dust can be harmful, particularly hardwood and MDF dust. Refer to the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology. Refer also to the section Dusts and Fumes in part A and BS4163:2007. Wood dust is also a fire hazard, particularly fine MDF dust. If enough dust is airborne, it can explode if ignited. Dust extraction systems must be designed to vent safely if the dust ignites. Take the same precautions with medium density fibreboard (MDF) as an irritant hardwood. The CLEAPSS risk assessment Woodworking: General lists types of wood dust known to be harmful. The following wood dusts are also known to be harmful. Wood Abura Afrormosia Afzelia Guarea* Limba Makore* Mansonia* Muninga* Rengas* Known possible harmful effects Nasal irritation, dermatitis Skin and respiratory irritation. Splinter wounds may become septic Nasal and skin irritation Severe irritation of nose, throat, skin and eyes Dermatitis and asthma Dermatitis, skin irritant, conjunctivitis Headaches, nosebleeds, cardiac disturbances, allergic contact dermatitis Asthma, allergic contact dermatitis Dermatitis, contact dermatitis

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Ramin Utile Skin irritation, asthma Skin irritation, dermatitis

* These are well established irritants, the others are occasional irritants. Do not abrade any of the asterisked woods; generally they are best avoided.

Wood treatments
Use all varnishes, lacquers, stains and other wood treatments in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Refer to the COSHH risk assessments, particularly the CLEAPSS surface finishes.

Adhesives for wood

See the section Adhesives in part A and subsection 17.3 of BS4163:2007.

D&T: Working with plastics

Follow the advice in BS 4163:2007 subsection 13, and relevant subsections in section 5 on materials. Also refer to the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design and Technology..

Burning plastic
Small amounts of plastic may be burned in a fume cupboard to investigate flammability, and this is the only time plastics are permitted to be burned because some of them give off very toxic fumes.

Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)

Working with catalyst/resin formulations is not recommended. Styrene vapour is a major hazard in fabricating with GRP and precautions are essential to avoid undue exposure to it. Follow the guidelines in BS 4163:2007, subsection 17.4.5. Waste material must be wrapped up and put directly into the school dustbins, it must not be placed in workshop waste bins. Users of GRP must wear protective clothing, including gloves.

Expanded polystyrene.
This may be cut with purpose-made hot wire cutters. Ensure that there is adequate natural ventilation. Do not abrade expanded polystyrene. Do not use hot wire cutters for cutting any other type of plastic.

D&T: Working with electronics

Refer to the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design & Technology. Also refer to the BS4163:2007 section 4.

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Soldering
Use soldering irons in a well ventilated area. Pupils should not lean over the work, so avoiding undue inhalation of fumes. Users must wear safety specs. Soldering iron flex must be heat-resistant. When replacing soldering irons, consider using low voltage types. Use non-rosin based fluxes where practicable. Where rosin based fluxes have to be used, you must carry out a risk assessment on fume inhalation to see if local exhaust ventilation is needed. See the CLEAPSS risk assessments and BS4163:2007 subsection 9.12.

Processing photo-resist
Photo-resist developers are usually caustic, some contain sodium hydroxide and these are best avoided. If this is impractical, eye protection to BS EN 166 is essential. Refer to the COSHH risk assessment. Most photo-resists need to be exposed to UV - see the section on UV in the photography section

Etching
Use iron (III) chloride (ferric chloride) to etch copper. Do not use nitric acid or other chemicals. Thermostatically controlled bubble etch tanks are recommended for etching boards. Use it in a well ventilated room. Do not attempt to make up solutions of iron (III) chloride from the anhydrous solid, it gives off poisonous fumes. Buy it in solution form.

Electronic components
Some power devices are filled with beryllium compounds, these are very toxic. Under no circumstances attempt to cut open such devices.

Flux cleaners and other solvents

Refer to the paragraph on solvents in Working with solvents, paints and graphics materials.

D&T: Working on motor vehicles

Follow the guidelines in BS 4163:2007, particularly subsection 12, and the CLEAPSS risk assessments for motor vehicle engineering.

Working on engines etc;

Before any person works on the vehicle engine, transmission or fuel system, the battery must be completely disconnected. Pupils are not permitted to make engine adjustments or repairs to the vehicle while the engine is running. Pupils are not permitted to work on high-pressure injection systems. Heavy vehicle components may only be removed with proper lifting equipment. Engine exhaust fumes are very toxic, engines must not be run inside enclosed spaces unless the

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fumes are extracted directly. See the section on fumes and dusts. Refer to the CLEAPSS risk assessment for motor vehicle engineering:

Working under cars

Pupils are not permitted to work in inspection pits. Teachers may do so with permission from the subject leader. Inspection pit lighting must be vapour proof and sufficiently durable inspection lamps with exposed bulbs are not permitted. Ignition sources and electrical power tools are not permitted to be used under vehicles.

Paint spraying (vehicles)

Pupils are not permitted to use paint spraying apparatus. It may only be carried out by staff in a booth with proper respirators and local exhaust ventilation. See the section on fumes and dusts.

Other hazardous materials

All people working on vehicles must avoid prolonged skin contact with oils, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and other harmful fluids; consider using barrier creams. Eye protection must be worn where it is likely that particles or fluids may get into a persons eyes. Be aware that very old friction material used in clutches and brakes contain asbestos; unless you are confident that the friction material is asbestos-free, do not work on these parts of the vehicle. Never use compressed air to blow away dust.

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Food Technology
Follow the CLEAPSS Model Risk Assessments PART 3 - Food Technology, on the CLEAPSS Design & Technology CD-ROM. Food technology must be supervised by a suitably qualified teacher. Practical work may also have aspects common to other technology areas; where necessary, refer to the other sections. Food technology rooms must conform to the same health and safety management as Design Technology and Art and Design rooms. See the section Management of Safety. Ensure fire exits are accessible and unlocked during practical work.

Water quality
The sinks in food technology areas must be provided with hot and cold water, that the cold water must be drinking water quality. There should be a safe drinking water sign conforming to BS 5499-5 adjacent to the relevant tap. See BS4163:2007 subsection 5.5.

Avoiding burns and scalds

When steaming or boiling food, warn pupils to keep their face well away from the pan when lifting lids. Also teach pupils the danger of `black heat', where something is not hot enough to glow but it will inflict a severe burn if touched, such as electric cooker hotplates and fabric iron soles. Insist on oven gloves always being used when removing items from the oven, unless the oven and contents are cold. The oven gloves must be dry and in good condition. Do not drain saucepans etc using the tilted lid method. Place a strainer in a sink or bowl and holding the saucepan by the handle, pour the contents carefully into the strainer. Inexperienced pupils must be closely supervised.

Deep frying
Thermostatically controlled electric fryers are preferred to deep pans heated on a ring or burner. Pupils may only carry out deep frying under close supervision; it is essential that the pan is not left unattended during frying. In the event of a fat-fire, switch off the heat source and place a metal tray, lid, small fire blanket or damp cloth (not wringing wet) over the pan to smother the flames. Use this method only, any other is highly dangerous.

Sugar-boiling
Pupils may carry out sugar boiling only under close supervision. Monitor the stages towards caramelisation with a sugar thermometer; do not use other types of thermometer. Keep a bowl half-filled with clean cold water nearby; if a person gets boiling sugar onto their skin, immerse the skin in water immediately, and keep it immersed for at least ten minutes, or longer for more serious burns.

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Thermometers and other measuring equipment
Use equipment that is associated with the preparation of food - do not use science laboratory types. Use the correct type of thermometer for each activity, for example, do not use a sugar thermometer for measuring oven temperatures. For general use, kitchenware probe digital thermometers work well.

Floors
Keep floors clean, deal with spillages promptly and cordon off the damp area until it is dry. Ensure good ventilation to keep the room free from damp. Floors must be kept in a safe condition with no curled edges or broken tiles which people could trip over. The floor must not be highly polished.

Cleaning materials, bleaches etc.

Some of these materials are hazardous and protective clothing may be required. Where reasonably practicable, use less hazardous materials in preference to more hazardous ones. All such materials must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and COSHH assessments. Refer to the CLEAPSS CD ROM for Design and Technology. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer.

Using sodium carbonate (washing soda) as a drain cleaner

Wear eye protection and an overall or apron. The crystals form a soapy solution which can make smooth surfaces very slippery, so be careful of spillages. Do not put solid sodium carbonate down the drain; make up the cleaning solution by adding crystals to hot water, stirring well, and pour the solution down the drain. It is important to ensure that no other drain cleaner has been used before trying sodium carbonate solution, as a vigorous reaction may occur and the solution may be ejected violently from the drain. When the drain is clear, flush it thoroughly with running cold water.

Food technology: cookers and domestic machinery

Cookers
More than one pupil may use a cooker at any time, up to a maximum of three; careful planning is needed so that the cooker area does not become dangerously crowded. All cookers must also be placed at least 1 metre from any sink bowl. Do not place the cookers near notice boards, doorways, thoroughfares or similar dangerous positions, nor attempt to dry tea towels or other linen by hanging them over a cooker. The cooker must have a work surface directly on at least one side.

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Electric cookers must be no further than two metres from the cooker isolation switch. Do not line ovens or grills with metal foil. If foil is used to wrap food to go into an oven, ensure that the foil fits the dish closely. You need to place a warning sign adjacent to types of hotplates that show no visible signs when in operation. Refer to BS4163:2007 subsection 5.2.2. Pupils may not use caustic oven cleaners, but they may be used by staff. Wear suitable eye protection and gloves if you use a spray oven cleaner. The cleaner must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and COSHH assessment. Refer to the CLEAPSS CD ROM for Design and Technology. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer. As with all dangerous materials, oven cleaners must be stored in a locked cupboard.

Microwave cookers
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Users must be aware of the hazards of reheating food containing jam or similar water-based gels; the jam will reach very high temperatures and will cause severe burns if eaten straight away from the oven. Users must also be aware of the importance of heating food thoroughly. Periodically, test that there is no undue microwave leakage, microwave leak testers are available from main hardware shops. Ensure that the microwave ovens are cleaned regularly with a non-toxic sterilising solution, do not overlook cleaning and checking the door seal.

Restricted equipment
Commercial-sized powered machines are generally not suitable for the food technology curriculum. They should not be used unless authorised by the School Support Service. The following items may not be used in food technology unless a written note of authorisation is received from the School Support Service. powered worm-type mincers circular blade slicers, powered or not The following items may be used by suitably trained and qualified teachers, and by pupils under direct supervision. powered food mixers powered rotary-blade machines with exposed blades 7

exposed blades means that it is not difficult to touch the blades while they are rotating

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Food technology: hygiene

Keep work surfaces and equipment that comes into contact with food in a clean and good condition, clean them regularly with a non-toxic household sterilising solution, such as Dettoxtm or Miltontm; sterilising solutions must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and COSHH assessment. Refer to the CLEAPSS CD ROM for Design and Technology, and the section on Hazardous Materials. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer.

Microbiology, food tests etc

It is important that all work of this type is undertaken in accordance with the guidelines in the WSCC Safety in Science CD-ROM and CLEAPSS guidance.

Personal hygiene
Ensure that everyone involved in food preparation adheres to strict personal hygiene. People must wash their hands not only at the start of the practical work, but after going to the lavatory, blowing their nose, licking their fingers, or returning from a lesson break. It is essential that pupils refrain from putting their bags on to work surfaces. There must be provision for them to store their coats, jackets and other belongings so that they are out of the way. Anyone with cuts or grazes to the hand must cover them with blue waterproof sterile dressings.

Storage
Perishable foods must be marked with the date of purchase or a `use-by' date; it must be clear what the date refers to. Cooked foods must be stored separately from uncooked meats, unprepared vegetables and other sources of contamination. Two refrigerators are required, one for cooked food and fresh food that needs no cooking, and one for uncooked foods such as raw meat, fish, etc. The refrigerators must be labelled. Detergents must be stored away from food and hazardous chemicals; hazardous chemicals must be stored separately in a lockable cupboard. Refrigerated cabinets must be cleaned inside periodically with a non-toxic sterilising solution such as Dettoxtm or Miltontm. The temperature inside refrigerated cabinets should be monitored with a simple thermometer left inside the cabinet.

Waste bins
Use disposable bin liners to protect the inside of the bin from waste food products. The bin must be emptied daily and wiped clean.

Chopping boards
Wooden chopping boards are no longer considered acceptable, use nylon or polycarbonate boards.

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Art & Design

It is essential you have access to the website A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design. NSEAD. The publication CLEAPSS: CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Design Technology (2003) is also useful.

Art & Design includes photography, textiles, and ceramics. Practical work may also have aspects common to other design & technology areas, such as working with textiles or shaping metals. Where necessary, refer to the other sections.

Art & Design: working with solvents, paints and graphics materials
Paints, pigments, inks and graphics materials.
See the sections 7.7, 7.8 and 7.9 in A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design. Use low-toxicity paints, inks and pigments. Avoid the use of household paints that contain fungicides. Where reasonably practicable, use less hazardous materials in preference to more hazardous ones. Do not use materials with any significant levels of dangerous toxins such as lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, mercury or barium (other than precipitated barium sulphate). This restriction applies to all paints and colorants, not just those used as graphics materials. Note that some of the toxins listed are commonly used in materials such as primers for painting steel and colorants for staining glass. Do not `point' brushes by licking the bristles and avoid prolonged skin contact with paints etc.; some may cause allergic reactions and sensitisation. All materials such as paints, dyes, solvents, varnishes etc. must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and COSHH assessments. See the section on hazardous materials. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer. Some COSHH assessments are on the CLEAPSS CD ROM. Some pigments are harmful as powders, where possible these must be bought as pastes. Take care not to create dust when making up paints and inks from powder, wear a dust mask (at least grade FFP2) if necessary. Pupils are not permitted to make up paint and inks from harmful powders. If you are painting toys, the paints must non-hazardous to children. Paint spraying (including the use of aerosols) must be carried out in a spray booth with suitable extraction. See the section on Dusts and fumes.

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Solvents
Typical solvents used in schools for cleaning and thinning paint are methylated spirits (ethanol), white spirit, propan-2-ol (iso-propyl alcohol) and trichloroethane. These solvents are harmful, not only through inhalation of the vapour, but also by absorption through the skin. It is important to refer to the COSHH assessments. Some solvents are so hazardous that they are prohibited. Most solvents are dermatitic and may cause skin irritation. Where it is necessary to use solvents, use small amounts and in well ventilated conditions. Do not use hazardous solvents that have no COSHH assessment. Refer to the section on hazardous materials. Do not allow solvent-soaked rags to accumulate, they are both a fire risk and a health hazard. They should be put into a fire-resistant bin with a self-closing lid. The bin must be in a well ventilated part of the room. Some pens use volatile organic solvents to carry the pigment onto the paper. Use these in a well ventilated part of the room.

Spraying / air brushes

Spraying may only be carried out in purpose-built spray booths fitted with adequate local exhaust ventilation. The exhaust must be vented outside. See the section on pressure systems.

Art & Design: working with stone and glass

Glass
Follow the advice given in sections 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 in A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design. Glasswork presents several risks, some of the materials used are toxic and there is danger when working with high temperatures. People working with high temperature glass must use safety goggles or face shields with infra-red filters. Warn pupils of the danger of `black heat', where an object may not be hot enough to glow, but sufficiently hot to inflict a serious burn. Heat-proof protective clothing must also be worn, and eye protection to BS EN166 9 (equivalent to former BS 2092 M). Fume extraction is not optional, it is essential. Furnaces must be used following the same general rules as kilns refer to the section on ceramics. Hydrofluoric acid (used to etch and polish glass) is very dangerous and it is prohibited. Soldering stain glass work must be done with an efficient extraction system to ensure that no lead solder or flux fumes are inhaled by the artist.

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Enamelling
Use lead-free enamels only. When reheating an enamelled surface, take care not to overheat it because the glass may shatter. Wear eye protection that conforms to BS EN166 9 (equivalent to former BS 2092 M). Be very careful when handling enamel powders, avoid contact with skin and do not generate dust. Kilns for enamelling must have local exhaust ventilation.

Stone
Silica dust is dangerous and must be avoided. If the stone is to be worked by cutting, abrading or cleaving, use a silica-free stone. Use an efficient extraction system when working the stone because even non-toxic dust can cause respiratory problems. Challis and Roberts (Artists Handbook 2 1990) lists the following materials as having high silica: Cornwall stone, quartz, flint, sandstone, granite, soapstone and onyx. They list the following as having variable silica content: anthracite, coal, ash, limestone, diabase, marble, serpentine, dolomite, gemstones and travertine. This list is not exhaustive.

Art & Design: photography

Follow the advice in Section 6.5 in A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design. Refer to the manufacturers COSHH risk assessment before using photographic chemicals such as developers and fixers, and follow the manufacturer's instructions on use. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer. Some COSHH assessments are on the CLEAPSS CD ROM. See the section on hazardous materials.

Darkrooms
Minimise electrical hazards by keeping water and mains separate. Ensure that spills are mopped up promptly. Keep a supply of paper towels nearby so that people can keep their hands dry. Refer to the section on electricity. Avoid skin contact with photographic chemicals, use tongs to handle photographic paper in chemical baths, and wash off splashes to the skin promptly. An emergency eyewash station must be available, such a clean piece of flexible tubing that fits onto a cold water tap. The darkroom must be fitted with adequate extraction so that there is no harmful build-up of fumes. A rate of at least 10 air changes per hour is recommended.

Photo-resists
Photo-resist developers are usually caustic, some contain sodium hydroxide and these are best avoided. If this is impractical, eye protection to BS EN 166 is essential. Refer to the COSHH risk assessment. Most photo-resists need to be exposed to UV - see the following paragraph.

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Ultra-violet light (UV)
This is used in some photographic processes such as curing photosensitive inks and resists. The only permitted type of artificial UV source is from UV exposure units with a safety interlock so that the unit is switched off when the UV source is exposed. For most purposes, the exposure units with low wattage UV fluorescent tubes are sufficient. Mercury lamps and carbon-arc sources should be avoided.

Cameras and optical instruments.

Warn pupils of the danger of viewing the sun. It must not be viewed directly (not even with filters) nor through any optical instrument, including cameras.

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Ceramics: working with glazes and stains

Follow the advice in Section 7.6 of A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design. The majority of glazes are quite safe provided they are handled correctly; always follow the manufacturers instructions when using them. All materials such as glazes must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and COSHH assessments. If you are unable to obtain a COSHH 8 assessment, contact the Health and Safety Helpline on 01243 752025 with details of the product and the manufacturer. Glazes contain a number of heavy metals such as lead, barium, antimony, chromium, cobalt, copper, nickel, vanadium, cadmium and selenium. These metals have strict exposure limits and it is important to avoid inhaling or ingesting them. Where possible, use leadless glazes (less than 1% lead). If the colour you want is not available as a leadless glaze, you may use a low solubility glaze. Raw lead glazes are not permitted. Schools must buy all glazes from reputable suppliers. Never buy or accept glazes from any other source. Whichever type of glaze is purchased - leadless or low solubility - it must be of cooking ware quality for artefacts that are being designed for holding food. Glazes that are cooking ware quality do not release undue quantities of toxic metals when in contact with weak acid.

Using glazes
Avoid skin contact with glazes, wear protective gloves (washing-up gloves are good enough). Do not fire a glaze above its maximum recommended firing temperature. Glaze may applied by dipping, pouring or brushing. Brushing is the preferred method, use a ready-to-use brush on glaze otherwise it is difficult to obtain an even coating. Glaze spraying may only be carried out in a purpose-built spray booth fitted with adequate Local Exhaust Ventilation vented to the outside. See the section on pressure systems.

Preparing glazes
Schools which have pottery rooms with suitable equipment for preparing glazes may buy them in powder form; without these facilities schools must buy glazes in slop or paste form. Preparing glaze from powder may only be carried out by a person with sufficient training and it must be not done in the presence of pupils. Work in a well ventilated room and make up small amounts at a time; follow the makers instructions and avoid creating dust. Do not mix different glazes or otherwise change their formulation (exception: glazes from the same

COSHH means the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, and it requires that hazardous substances are assessed before use.

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manufacturers range which are designed to be mixed together. Mix these glazes wet, not in powder form).

Storage and labelling

Store all glazes in screw top containers that have been clearly labelled indicating the glaze it contains, and quoting the suppliers reference number. The containers must be marked TOXIC. Do not store glazes in containers that were previously used for storing drinks. Store the glazes in a locked cupboard when they are not being used.

Ceramics: kilns and machinery

Clay processing machines
Pug mills, blungers, mixers and any other type of machinery with rotating cutters or worms may be operated only by suitably trained staff; pupils are not permitted to use them. Clay must not be hand-fed into these machines under any circumstances. All such machines must be isolated by key-switch or other means so that unauthorised use is prevented.

Kilns and furnaces

Follow the advice in the HSE guidance Safe use of electric kilns in craft and education. Kilns may only be operated by staff who have received training on how to use them. All kilns must have a safety door interlock, a temperature indicator, a temperature controller, a safety thermal fuse and a mains isolator. Fixed kilns must be housed either inside a caged off area or in a separate kiln room. During firing, toxic gases are released, so there must be adequate extraction to remove the heat and fumes. If you are using a portable kiln, it must be placed in an area cordoned off and not placed too close to any walls, nor near any combustible material. The area must be well ventilated; follow the manufacturers instructions. During firing the temperature of the outside surface of a kiln can exceed well over 100C. Combustible material must not be stored in the kiln room. The running and emergency procedures must be displayed adjacent to the kiln and all operators must be familiar with them. No person may operate the kiln unless they have sufficient training. If the kiln is left to fire overnight, the caretaker (or senior cleaner) must be given the name and phone number of the kiln operator to contact in emergency. A notice or warning light must be displayed near the kiln to indicate that it is firing. Suitable eye protection must be used when viewing through the spy hole during firing.

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Do not use fine silica such as ground flint for coating kiln furniture. Use a nontoxic bat wash such as aluminium hydrate in slop form. There are strict electrical regulations concerning the wiring of electric kilns. The wiring must be inspected periodically by a qualified electrician to ensure it is in a safe condition. Refer to the section on electricity. A kiln is a fire risk and you must take careful consideration where you locate it. Keep it well away from general work areas and preferably located in a separate room or area. There must be adequate clearance between the kiln and the walls and ceiling. Keep combustible materials well away from the kiln.

Gas kilns
The LA does not recommend these.

Maintenance
The kiln must be inspected regularly and kept properly maintained. Records of maintenance must be retained. Kiln operators should visually check the kiln furniture, brick work and framework to ensure they are in good condition. The kiln should be cleaned inside regularly. The grit and dust can be removed by an industrial vacuum cleaner fitted with a filter suitable for trapping silica dust. Do not use household vacuum cleaners, the dust filters are totally inadequate for containing silica dust; such use will cause a health risk.

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Textiles
Follow the guidance in BS4163:2007 subsection 8.3, section 6.4 in A Guide to Safe Practice in Art and Design, and the CLEAPSS Model Risk Assessments PART 2 - Compliant Materials on the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Technology.

Flooring
You should avoid carpet because pins, needles etc. are easily lost. A non-slip vinyl type flooring is more suitable.

Sewing machines
Pupils are not permitted to use sewing machines until they have received adequate safety instruction. Inexperienced pupils must be given adequate supervision. Only one person may operate a sewing machine at a time. The machines must be placed so operators have adequate space and lighting.

Fabric irons
The sole plate must be clean and in good condition. Steam irons must be unplugged from the mains before they are refilled with water (nb: some require distilled water). Ironing boards must be stable and secure. Do not use any board or iron stand that has asbestos. See the warning on black heat on the Design Technology section.

Batik
The wax pot must be thermostatically controlled or heated indirectly by a water bath in a purpose-designed wax heater. Use low melting-point waxes. When pouring the hot wax, users must wear adequate personal protection, including eye protection if the wax temperature exceeds 60C.

Dyeing
Some dyes and mordants are too toxic for school use - refer to the COSHH risk assessments. See the CLEAPSS CD-ROM for Technology. Use non-toxic household dyes. If spraying is done with mouth diffusers, the mouthpieces must be sterilised before use.

Flameproof fabrics
When using flameproof fabrics, it is essential to use a flame resistant thread for the sewing. Nightwear and similar garments must conform to BS 5722.

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Appendix: Room Checklists

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Textiles Rooms
MACHINES & TOOLS Sewing Machines & Over-lockers in good condition & no missing parts correct needle control foot in good condition Ironing Boards boards stable board covering in good condition iron stand in good condition

STORAGE Shelves all shelves and racks secure Not overloaded or stacked poorly ELECTRICAL Mains Equipment plugs & flex free from external damage Flex outer sheath secure in plugs/chassis Thermostats operate (where fitted) Room tidy

Mains sockets undamaged

Main isolator accessible

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Eye Protection good condition appropriate grade Aprons clean/good condition

Fire extinguishers/blankets in place First aid cabinet stocked correctly

GENERAL Emergency exits exits clear unlocked when room is used Information displayed fire drill workroom rules safety signs floors in good condition & non slip

tables, stools etc in good condition

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OTHER

Date:

Signed: Position:

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Art & Ceramics Rooms

MACHINES & TOOLS Machines & kilns in good condition & no missing parts moving parts guarded safety interlocks work clean STORAGE Shelves all shelves and racks secure not overloaded or stacked poorly room tidy ELECTRICAL Mains Equipment plugs & flex free from external damage Flex outer sheath secure in plugs/chassis Safety cut-out switches unobstructed clearly marked functioning PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Eye Protection good condition appropriate grade fire extinguishers/blankets in place GENERAL Pressure systems examination certificate valid Information displayed fire drill Hand Tools in good condition stored correctly guillotines fitted with guard

no unlabelled containers volatile low-flashpoint solvents stored in a ventilated storeroom

mains sockets undamaged

main isolator accessible extraction systems work efficiently

fire extinguishers/blankets in place first aid cabinet stocked correctly

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system in good condition Pottery room dust prevention floors wet-cleaned regularly suitable filter fitted to vacuum cleaners blown-air heater filters changed regularly benches, stools etc in good condition provision for washing hands OTHER studio rules safety signs Emergency exits exits clear unlocked when room is used

floors in good condition & non slip sufficient number of waste bins

Date:

Signed: Position:

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Workshop Checklist
MACHINES & TOOLS Machines in good condition moving parts guarded safety interlocks work STORAGE Cylinders of compressed gas secured upright on trolley cylinder main valve shut stored in lockable storeroom no volatile solvents in the store All containers of corrosive liquids stored in suitable trays no easily oxidised materials nearby Hand Tools in good condition stored correctly

no unlabelled containers Workshop tidy Shelves All shelves and racks secure Non overloaded or stacked poorly Volatile solvents stored in a ventilated storeroom

ELECTRICAL Mains Equipment plugs & flex free from external damage Flex outer sheath secure in plugs/chassis Safety cut-out switches unobstructed clearly marked functioning PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Eye Protection good condition appropriate grade fire extinguishers/blankets in place Aprons, gloves etc. clean and in good condition correct grade of heat resistance first aid cabinet stocked correctly

mains sockets undamaged

external conduits in good condition main isolator accessible extraction systems work efficiently

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GENERAL Pressure systems examination certificate valid system in good condition Gas supplies and burners isolators accessible no smell of gas in the room tubing to burners in good condition benches, stools etc in good condition provision for washing hands OTHER Information displayed fire drill studio rules safety signs Emergency exits exits clear unlocked when room is used floors in good condition & non slip sufficient number of waste bins

Date:

Signed: Position:

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Food Technology Rooms (food preparation)

UTENSILS & MACHINES Cookers in good condition & no missing parts clean Utensils In good condition stored correctly clean

STORAGE Food Storage no unlabelled containers cooked & uncooked food stored apart chemicals stored separately Shelves all shelves and racks secure Not overloaded or stacked poorly ELECTRICAL Mains Equipment plugs & flex free from damage flex outer sheath secure in plugs/chassis Microwave ovens checked leak-free appropriate grade good condition PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Eye Protection good condition appropriate grade Aprons clean/good condition GENERAL Pressure cookers Information displayed Refrigerated units clean internally at correct temperature only used for food storage room tidy

mains sockets undamaged

main isolator accessible extraction systems work efficiently

Fire extinguishers/blankets in place First aid cabinet stocked correctly

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in good condition examination certificate valid Hygiene Wash basin with warm water and soap Paper towels Suitable number of waste bins Tables, stools etc in good condition OTHER fire drill workroom rules safety signs Emergency exits Exits clear Unlocked when room is used floors in good condition & non slip

Date:

Signed: Position:

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