Woodchuck Construction

Lab Safety Manual

Prepared by: Mr. Michael E. Kimble

Wood County Technical Center
304-420-9501
[email protected]
17 May, 2017
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Table of Contents
General class and shop/lab safety rules 3
First Aid 4
Accident Reporting Procedures 4
Fire Safety 6
Protective equipment and clothing 7
Equipment safety 9
Equipment Hazards and Safeguard Procedures 10
Hazardous materials information 19
Safety checklist 21
Civil Rights Statement 22
Parent and student signature page 23
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GENERAL CLASS AND SHOP SAFETY RULES

Woodchuck Construction has adopted the following rules and regulations regarding

the use of the shop. These rules have been implemented for the safety and well being of all users.

Violations of these policies will result in the permanent loss of Workshop use privileges.

1. No one is to work in the shop alone.

2. Protective eyewear, hearing protection, and hard hats must be worn at all times.

3. Open toed shoes are not permitted in the shop.

4. No loose-fitting clothing or loose hair to be worn while operating machines.

5. All safety guards must be kept in proper position while machines are being operated.

6. The blade guard on the table saw must be in place. Only Mr. Kimble may remove the

guard for special applications.

7. Do not leave equipment while it is running.

8. Everyone is responsible to clean up the equipment after each use.

9. The floor around any machine must be clear of all liquids, sawdust, and wood scraps.

10. Food and drink are not permitted in the shop.

11. Before turning any machine on please note the location of all power supply switches. Do

not try to stop the machine with your hands or body!

12. Be sure that all machines have effective and properly working guards that are always in

place.

13. Never lean or sit on a piece of machinery.

14. Return all tools and equipment to their proper storage location after each use.

15. Be sure to use each tool for the purpose for which it was meant and put tools away when

not in use.

16. Care must be taken to see that all lumber is free from nails, sand, paint, or loose knots.
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FIRST AID

If you are injured in the shop do not try to tough it out, instead seek first aid immediately. Small

injuries can be quickly dealt with by the instructor.

In the event of a catastrophic injury or accident please adhere to the following guidelines.

1. Remain calm

2. Shut off the machine being used and/or hit the red emergency shut off switch

3. Alert the instructor who will then:

a. Contact Ms. Barnette the school nurse

b. Contact Ms. Bocchini

c. Call 911

d. Administer emergency first aid until trained professionals arrive.

*If for any reason the instructor is incapacitated it will be your responsibility to contact

emergency personnel.

Remember for your own safety never try to administer first aid to yourself or another student

ALWAYS ALERT THE INSTRUCTOR!

ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES

At Woodchuck Construction, our number one goal is an accident free workplace. Any accident,

incident, or "near miss," no matter how slight the injury or damage, must be reported to the

safety team supervisor immediately for appropriate action. The supervisor is responsible for

taking appropriate follow-up action, including getting medical attention for the injured,

completing an investigation report and recommending or implementing appropriate corrective

actions.
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The primary purpose of the accident investigation is to identify the cause(s) of the accident,

incident or "near miss" and act to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. In some instances,

an employees failure to follow recognized safety procedures requires disciplinary action to

protect co-workers.

Remember:

One person's actions can jeopardize the safety of others in the workplace.

The following form will be used in the event of an accident:

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FIRE SAFETY

Activities such as grinding and cutting that occur within the shop area can easily start a

fire. It is imperative that we do our best to minimize these risks. Always keep your area clean

and free of debris and dust. Make sure all combustible liquids are properly sealed and stored,

rags are disposed of in the appropriate container, and flammable materials are kept as far from

ignitions sources as possible. If you are using a grinder to cut a piece of rebar pay attention to

where your spark stream is landing. When working in the shop and a fire occurs remember these

steps:

1. If you are on fire STOP, DROP, and ROLL

2. Alert the instructor of a fire immediately.

3. Never try to put a fire out with your hands.

4. If someone else is on fire use the fire blanket to smother the flames.

5. Once the instructor has been notified listen and follow his directions.

6. Know the location of fire equipment within the shop and all evacuation routes.
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

The building trades are inherently dangerous, but by utilizing protective equipment we

can minimize many of these dangers. There are three mandatory piece of safety equipment you

must use every time you enter the shop: ear plugs, safety glasses, and a hard hat. No excuses will

be tolerated when it comes to safety!

Safety Glasses protect your eyes from flying debris. Do not confuse prescription glasses

or sun glasses, both of which can shatter upon impact, for safety glasses. To determine if your

safety glasses truly are safety glasses look on the temple or the frame for the ANSI z87 rating.

This rating means that the glasses are rated for impact and will protect your eyes.

Ear plugs are designed to protect your hearing. It has been proven that exposure to loud noises

can result in permeant irreversible hearing damage. To use your ear plugs gently roll them

between your thumb and index finger to compress them, then gently slide them into your ear
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canal. Do not force them, they should sit just inside your ear canal to block outside noises.

Hard hats come in all colors and shapes but all preform the same job, to protect your head

from falling objects and bumps. Your hard had should sit level on your head and be properly

adjusted so that it doesnt fall off. Never wear a hat or knit cap under a hard hat, this will prevent

the suspension from working correctly. In cold weather an approved hard hat liner may be worn.

To don your hard hat begin by turning the ratchet to loosen the head band, then sit it on your

head. Once the hard hat is sitting level on your head turn the ratchet adjustment until the

headband is snug. If you over tighten you will cause yourself a headache and if its too lose your

hard hat will fall off.

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Remember you should always check your P.P.E. for cracks, scratches, and dents. Replace

worn or damaged P.P.E. immediately. Make it a habit every day to clean your equipment so that

it is ready to go for the next day.

Hard hats, safety glasses, and ear plugs are not the only necessary equipment. It is a

requirement when working in the shop or on the job site to wear close toed shoes or boots. Steel

toe or safety toe are not required but are recommended. Long hair always needs to be tied back.

You must wear long pants, if you dont you will need to wear coveralls. Long sleeves are

allowed if they are not baggy, but when using equipment remember to remove your jacket or roll

up your sleeves to prevent them becoming snagged in moving parts and injuring you.

A brief word regarding shirts. You are required to wear a clean uniform shirt every day.

Dirty, stinky, torn, and wrinkled close are never acceptable. Your shirt is to be tucked in and

remain tucked in for both safety and appearance. Remember you are a representative of

Woodchuck construction and expected to act as such.

This is not a complete list of all safety equipment but rather the daily required equipment.

There are other pieces of safety equipment required for specialized tasks such as face shields,

rubber boots, and fall harnesses. When that equipment is necessary you will be provided training

prior to its use.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

We utilize a vast array of hand and power tools within the shop. It is important to know how to

properly and safely use any and every piece of equipment. Remember if you are unsure how to

use a piece of equipment DONT! Ask for assistance. I can reteach you but I cant build you a
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new finger! When using equipment always be sure of the operation before you preform it. Make

sure that:

1. You are using the correct piece of equipment for the job

2. Ask for help with large or heavy pieces.

3. You have on the necessary PPE.

4. Your sleeves are rolled up, you are wearing no jewelry, and long hair is tied back.

5. Inspect the equipment prior to use. If you find a problem do not use the machine and alert

the instructor immediately.

6. If you think what you are about to do is unsafe, IT IS.

7. Never work in the shop without supervision.

8. Make sure equipment is unplugged, or locked out prior to preforming maintenance.

9. If you need help ask!

10. Remember safety is everybodys responsibility. Watch out for yourself, and watch for

others.

EQUIPMENT HAZZARDS AND SAFEGUARD PROCEDURES

There are 3 major piece of equipment; the table saw, band saw, and compound miter saw; you

need to know all safety rules for and how to properly utilize them.
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Table Saw:

A table saw can be a dangerous piece of equipment if it is not handled and maintained

properly. The table saw gets its name from the circular saw blade that is positioned in the middle

of a table. The work piece is brought into contact with the rotating blade. A properly maintained

table saw is equipped with a guard over the blade at all times, a push stick, and a fence.

1. Never remove the guard from over the blade. The blade should be just high enough to cut

the piece - no more than 1/8 inch above the stock (the height of the carbide tip on the

blade).

2. The work piece should be placed firmly next to the fence.

3. Your hand should never be in line with the blade or near the blade while the saw is

running.
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4. Never allow your hand to come closer to the blade than 6 inches.

5. Wait until the blade stops completely before adjusting fence.

6. Always use a push stick to guide a piece through the saw when the fence is closer than 6

inches to the blade.

7. The blade should always be turned off and lowered below the table when you are done.

8. Never adjust the saw while it is running.

9. AVOID KICKBACKS - Never leave stock between the blade and the fence. Be sure to

push material

10. all the way past the blade after it is cut.

11. Keep loose clothing and hair away from blade.

12. Clean the machine surface and the floor when finished.

13. Never cut anything shorter than 16 inches on the table saw.

14. Never free hand cut always use the rip fence or miter gauge, but never use them both

together.
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Band Saw:

A band saw has a long, thin blade that travels in a constant path around wheels, and pulleys.

The only portion of the blade exposed is the area from the table to the top of the work piece. The

upper guide of a band saw should be set at a height just above the work piece. Band saws are

used to cut curves. When cutting a sharp curve, it is necessary to make relief cuts in the work

piece to prevent the blade from binding.

When using the band saw:

1. Keep your hands out of the path of the blade. Never allow your fingers to come closer

than 6 inches

2. to the blade.
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3. GO SLOW! Do not force material through the blade.

4. Make short cuts before long ones to avoid unnecessary backing out.

5. The guide should be no more than a 1/4 inch above the stock.

6. When it is necessary to back out stock from a long cut you should stop the machine, wait

for the

7. blade to come to a complete stop and then back out the work piece.

8. Remove jammed pieces of stock only when machine is stopped.

9. Keep loose clothing and hair away from blade.

10. Clean the machine and the floor when finished.

Compound Miter Saw:

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The compound miter saw is a circular saw in which the saw is pulled down into the work

piece, cutting in a chopping motion. It is called a compound miter because it can cut both miters

and bevel cuts at the same time. When cutting always pull the saw all the way out then lower the

blade slowly into the work and push it away from you to complete the cut.

When using the compound miter saw:

1. Do not place hands closer than 12 inches to the blade.

2. Do not attempt to cut short stock on the chop saw ~ Minimum length for this saw is 16

3. Cut in a slow steady motion. Do not chop at the material.

4. Bring saw to a complete stop before walking away.

5. Clean the machine and the floor when finished.

Portable Power Tools:

Just like their bigger versions, portable power tools can pose dangers. The circular saw,

jig saw, and drill can all be dangerous if not used properly.

Circular Saw:

The circular saw is a portable alternative to the table saw. It can rip, cross cut, and preform

plunge cuts. Just like the table saw it is a very dangerous piece of equipment. Be sure to follow

all safety rules at all times!

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1. Set the saw depth as shallow as possible. The blade should extend 1/8 - 1/4 below the

material being cut.

2. Dont over reach.

3. Never tamper with the guard, remove it, or hold it open.

4. Make sure to never place your hand under the shoe of the saw or under the workpiece

being cut.

5. Always check your materials for obstructions

6. Prior to using the saw ensure the blade is in good condition and tight, all guards are in

place, and your work area is safe to work in.

7. Upon completion of the cut allow the saw to come to a complete stop before sitting it

down.

8. Never force the saw

9. Keep both hands on the saw at all times

10. Never try to back out of a cut. If the saw begins to bind release the trigger and wait for

the blade to stop before trying to remove it from the work piece.
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Jig Saw:

Jig saws, also called saber saws, are used for cutting curves much like a band saw. Jig saws are

never used for cutting straight lines, a circular saw would be a better option for this task.

When using the jig saw:

1. Make sure the shoe stays in contact with the stock at all times.

2. Never force the saw, rather allow it to do the work.

3. When cutting sharp curves make relieve cuts to prevent blade binding.

4. Never place your hand under the work piece or in line with the blade.

5. Prior to cutting make sure the blade is long enough to cut the material. If the blade is too

short it will not cut through the material, instead it will bend and break.

6. When finished using the saw wait for the blade to stop before setting it down, then

unplug it.
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7. Upon completion of the cut clean up your work area

Portable Drill:

The portable drill is the unsung hero of the job site. It can be used for several operations.

It can be used to drill small diameter holes, bore larger holes, cut holes with hole saws and can

be used to insert or remove screws all without an extension cord.

Drill Safety:

1. Never run the drill to loosen or tighten the chuck

2. Only change speeds with the drill stopped

3. Never force the drill, allow the bit to do the work

4. Keep both hands on the drill to prevent wrist injuries

5. Never use the drill to hammer.

6. Drill bits get extremely hot, never touch one immediately after drilling

7. When done using the drill remove the bit and place it in the proper storage place.
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8. At the end of class place the drill battery on the charger.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INFORMATION

Many of the materials we use pose serious health risks. It is your responsibility to make

sure you are aware of the risks and minimize them. To find out the risks you need look no further

than a safety data sheet (SDS). All SDS sheets are maintained in the SDS folder directly inside

the classroom door. Every manufacturer provides SDS sheets for their products. It is important

you look at the correct SDS for the material you are using.

Section one of the SDS sheet will give your information about the product, its uses, and

its manufacturer along with contact information in case you have questions.

Section two will give youre the chemical compound of the material

Section three will give you the hazards identified with the material. It will also tell you

what PPE is necessary when using the material. The potential health effects are listed along with

first aid treatment if you are exposed.

Here is an example of an SDS sheet, this particular one is for drywall joint compound.
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SAFETY CHECKLIST

Once per month the safety team will perform a walkthrough of the shop and classroom to

ensure a safe working environment. I will also perform random checks while you are working.

Safety inspections use the following checklist:

When I preform a safety check I use the following rubric:

Name: Date:

PPE is being properly worn /10

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Work area is kept clean /10

Tools are properly stowed /10

General safety rules are being followed /10

Tools are being properly used /10

SCORE: /50

Each safety violation results in a 1 point deduction. For example, if you do not have on your

safety glasses, ear plugs, hard hat, and are wearing a ring; then you would score a 6 out of 10

possible points.

CIVIL RIGHTS STATEMENT

As required by State and Federal laws, the Wood County Board of Education does not

discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age (40 or above)

blindness or handicap in employment or in its educational policies and activities. Title IX

inquiries may be referred to:Robert K. Harris, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources,

Title IX Coordinator, Wood County Board of Education, 1210 Thirteenth Street, Parkersburg,

WV 26101, 304.420.9663, [email protected] Section 504 Compliance inquiries may

be referred to:Yvonne Santin, Director of Special Education, Section 504 Coordinator, Wood

County Board of Education, 1210 Thirteenth Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101, 304.420.9663,

[email protected]
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SIGNATURE PAGE

I have read the safety manual for Woodchuck Construction. I understand the inherit risks

associated with the building trades. I agree I will not hold Woodchuck Construction, Mr. Kimble,

Wood County Technical Center, Wood County Schools, the Board of education, nor any of its

employees liable for any accident that may occur. By signing this paper I also agree to follow all

rules and regulations set forth in this manual.

Student Signature:____________________________________________ Date:_____________

I have read the safety manual for Woodchuck Construction. I understand the inherit risks

associated with the building trades. I agree I will not hold Woodchuck Construction, Mr. Kimble,

Wood County Technical Center, Wood County Schools, the Board of education, nor any of its

employees liable for any accident that may occur. By signing this paper I agree that my

son/daughter will follow all the rules set forth in this manual and I have no questions.

Guardian Signature:____________________________________________ Date:_____________