The following are important points to remember when engaged in shopwork:
1. The shop is a place of work, so do not engage in horseplay.
2. Never use a machine you are not familiar with or you do not know how to operate. Always ask the teacher’s permission before operating a machine so you can be guided accordingly.
3. Keep hand tools such as files, screwdrivers, and scribers on the table and in the tool cabinet when not in use, never in your pockets. They may hurt you or others.
4. Use only tools that are in good condition. Files or hammers with cracked handles are dangerous to use. Mushroom heads of cold chisels should be ground regularly to prevent accidents.
5. Keep your hands dry before touching any power tool. Make sure you are not standing on a wet spot.
6. Keep your hair short or cover it with a cap when working.
7. Never wear long sleeves when working with machines . Remove wristwatches, bracelets, rings, and neklaces before working with machines.
8. Protect your eyes from flying chips and metal abrasives by wearing goggles and eye shields when grinding, buffing, chipping, and pouring hot metal.
9. Report accidents to the teacher no matter how minor. If a wound is inflicted, this should be treated at once.
10. Keep tools in good working condition.
11. Keep the work area clean and orderly. Remove things and materials which can hamper your current work.
12. Keep flammable materials such s paint, gasoline, and thinner in a cool, dry place away from the work area.
13. Clean oil spills on the floor immediately.
14. Tools and materials (especially cylinders) dropped on the floor can cause accidents. Pick them up immediately and store them in proper places.
There are specific safety rules for each tool and machine. The following are safety precautions in the use of hand tools:
Screwdrivers
· Select screwdrivers that fit the screw head slot perfectly.
· Keep the screwdriver handle smooth and clean to prevent slippages.
· Never use a hammer on a screwdriver handle.
· Avoid holding an article by hand when using a screwdriver on it.
· Never grind a screwdriver to a chisel edge.
Steel rule
· Never use the steel rule as a screwdriver.
· Do not lay other tools on the rule when using it.
· Wipe the steel rule with an oiled cloth to prevent the formation of rust.
· Take measurements and tool settings from the one-inch line or other major gradation rather than the end.
· Store the rule separately. Do not throw it in a drawer with other tools.
· Use the rule carefully to keep the ends and edges from being nicked.
· Use the correct rule for the job at hand.
Calipers
· Never use the caliper as a screwdriver.
· Hold the caliper square to the work being done.
· Never place a hermaphrodite caliper in your pocket to avoid damaging it and hurting yourself.
Scribers
· Never place the scriber inside your pocket.
· Always keep the point of the scriber in a safe position away from you.
· Wear safety goggles when sharpening the scriber.
Dividers
· Never carry an open divider in your pocket.
· Hold the divider firmly when scribing arcs or circles.
· Always cover the sharp point with a cork when it is not in use.
Prick punch
· Always keep the sharp point of a prick punch away from you.
· Check if the point in the center is in the correct angle of the center punch.
Hammers
· Discard hammers that are chipped and cracked.
· Never use a hammer that has a loose or split handle.
· Never strike two hammers together.
Tin snips
· Always use a tin snip that is sharp.
· Use only the end of the snip for cutting a notch.
· Always cut following the layout line.
· Sheet metal can cause serious cuts. Always wear gloves when handling them. Hold the sheet metal firmly with your left hand and hold the snip with your right hand.
Cold chisels
· Don’t use a cold chisel if it has a large mushroom at the head. Grind the head of the chisel first before using.
· Flying chips are dangerous. Wear safety goggles when chipping or shearing metals.
· Hold the chisel and hammer firmly. Keep the chisel head and the face of the hammer clean and free from grease.
· When shearing metal, look at the guiding line, never at the head of the chisel.
· Use only the sharp cutting edge of the cold chisel at all times.
Files
· Never use the file as a pry bar. Files are brittle and may crack with pressure.
· Never use a file without the handle.
· Keep a firm grip on the file at all times.
· Do not blow filings as they may get in your eyes.
· Always use a file card in cleaning a file.
Stakes
· Never remove stakes on the bench plate or stake holder.
· Always bend sheet metals on the proper stakes.
Pliers
· Never use pliers as a substitute for a wrench.
· Always keep pliers in good condition.
· Clean and oil the pliers regularly.
· Never hammer the pliers when cutting wire.
Wrenches
· Never use a pipe wrench in loosening and tightening bolts and nuts.
· Pull a wrench toward yourself rather than pushing it away from you.
· Select a wrench that fits properly. A loose-fitting wrench may slip and round off the corners of the bolt’s head or nut.
· Do not use a wrench in moving machinery.
· Never hammer on a wrench to loosen a stubborn fastener.
· Never lengthen the wrench handle for additional leverage. Use a larger wrench instead.
· Wipe grease and oil from the work area to get a better grip.
Hacksaw
· Do not test the sharpness of the blade by running your fingers across the teeth.
· Be sure the saw blade is properly tensioned before using it.
· Use the correct blade for the job. Secure the blade correctly in the frame.
· The blade must be away from the body when in use.
· The material to be sawed should be placed securely in the vise.
· For cutting tin metals, use two pieces of blocks to secure it.