HorsePOWER
3172
Safety Manual
Table of Contents
Title Page…………………………………………………………………............... 1
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………...2
Background on Safety………………………………………………………………3
Safety Guidelines…………………………………………………………………..4-8
Overview……………………………………………………………4
Hand Tools…………………………………………………………. 5
Power Equipment…………………………………………………... 5
Portable Power Tools..........................................................................6
Drill Press........................................................................................... 6
Table Saw........................................................................................... 6
Sliding Compound Miter Saw............................................................ 7
Belt & Disk Sander.............................................................................8
Grinder................................................................................................8
Things to keep in the Shop and Pit at all times……………………………………..9
Injury Protocol………………………………………………...................................10
Medical Certification of Members & Mentors……………………………………..11
HorsePOWER 3172 Members...................................................................................12
Background on Safety
What is HorsePOWER's purpose for having a Safety Manual?
To be able to have the safest environment possible for our team as well as our fellow teams
during competition. So that we might be able to help reduce the risk of an injury happening during
build season and when we are competition.
What does FIRST Say about safety?
FIRST considers Safety to be a key component of the FIRST Robotics Competition. To see the FIRST
safety manual please visit;
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/Team_Resources/
Team_Resources_Assets/FRC_Team_Safety_Manual.pdf
Safety Guidelines
Overview
1. Always wear eye protection.
1. Make sure that they properly fit your face.
2. Safety goggles go over your prescription glass.
2. Never use tools or equipment unless you have been shown how to use them correctly.
3. Do not use tools that are defective in any way.
1. Dull, chipped, parts missing. Etc...
4. Use the equipment only with the instructor's permission.
5. All accidents must be reported immediately to a mentor, so that the mentor can record it, even if
it does require medical attention.
6. Alert those near you when you are using a tool, so that they know to be cautious.
7. Clothing
1. Keep loose clothing tucked in.
Hoodie drawstrings, scarfs, ties, Etc...
2. No jewelry that could get in the way.
3. Long hair should be tied back or covered with a cap.
4. Close toed shoes must be worn in the build room and during competitions.
5. Eye protection is mandatory.
8. Fire extinguishers.
9. Aisles and floors must be kept free of litter.
1. Extension cords.
10. Don't use your hands to sweep off a workbench.
11. Pay attention when giving somebody a tool so that you don't stab them or damage the tool.
12. Never fool around or play in the shop.
13. Always work at a safe speed.
14. Use the proper tool and the right size for the job.
15. Carry sharp tools with the edge or point held down towards the floor.
16. Don't distract someone while they are using the equipment.
17. Use all the recommended safety devices when you operate the power equipment.
18. Always unplug power equipment before you make any major changes or adjustments.
19. Turn off the machine and wait for it to stop before you make any minor adjustments.
20. Plan the work so you can keep your balance at all times, avoid having to over-reach.
21. When you turn off a machine, stay with it until it has come to a complete stop.
22. Always lift with your legs. Never lift with your back.
23. Get help when you handle large or heavy materials.
24. Use gloves when lifting the robot, or anything else that might need them.
25. Proper battery handling.
1. Use both hands, do not hold by the cords.
2. Use terminal covers when the batteries are not in use.
3. Keep the battery charging area clean and orderly.
4. Periodically inspect batteries for any evidence of damage, such as a cracked
case or leaking electrolyte.
26. Do not have food or drink in the build room.
27. Look after each other, and kindly remind somebody if they are doing something unsafe.
28. If there is spill that happens, promptly clean it up and warn others to prevent injuries
Hand Tools
1. Never lay tools down near the edge of the bench where they could roll off, or where someone
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
could bump into them.
Never aim a cutting tool towards yourself or towards anyone else.
Tools should always be carried by the handle.
Don't use a tool that is dull, broken or defective.
Use only the type of tools that are designed for the work you are doing.
Don't use your fingers to test whether or not a tool is sharp.
The material should be fastened down so that both hands are left free to use the tools.
Be sure the tool handle is fitted correctly and securely.
Tools that are not in use should be returned to the assigned storage area.
Power Equipment
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use the power equipment only if you understand how to use it correctly and safely.
The instructor must be present in the shop whenever you use the power equipment.
Use the power tools only when you can give your full attention to what you are doing.
When you work with electricity, you must make sure your hands are dry and the floor you stand
on is dry.
5. When you approach a machine to use it, make sure the person who used it before you turned it
off and it is completely stopped.
6. Be sure the cutting tool is installed properly and adjusted correctly for what you want to do.
7. Check to see that the safety guards are in place and working properly.
8. Do not remove any of the safety guards unless you have the instructor’s permission.
9. If a machine doesn’t work properly, or if it doesn’t sound right, turn it off and tell the instructor.
10. Power tools should be used only for what they are designed to do.
11. Get permission before you make any major adjustments or changes on the equipment.
12. Disconnect the power to the machine before you make any major changes or adjustments.
13. If you disconnect the power at the circuit breaker panel, put up a sign that warns others not to
connect it.
14. The machine must be turned off and fully stopped before any minor adjustments are made.
15. Keep yourself balanced. Don’t overreach or lean on a machine.
16. The material must be clean, free of defects, hardware or finishes.
17. Use an even, steady pressure to make the cut. Don’t force it or over-load the machine.
18. If the material is large or heavy, get help. Ask someone to tail-off or spot for you.
19. Ask the instructor to double check any special set-ups or attachments before you use them.
20. Don’t let anyone distract you while you operate the equipment.
21. Use a piece of scrap wood, a push stick or a brush to clear away scraps or dust. Don’t use your
hands.
22. Stay clear of the danger zone when someone is operating a machine.
23. Never leave a machine while it's still running. The machine must be stopped before you leave
it.
24. When you are finished, remove any attachments or special set-ups you may have used.
25. Clean the equipment and the area around it when you are finished with the work.
Portable Power Tools
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Power tools should be plugged in only while they are in use.
The blades, knives or bits used with power tools must be sharp and in good condition.
Wait until the tool has come to a complete stop before you set it down.
When you disconnect the tool, pull the plug, not the cord.
Be sure the switch is in the off position before you plug in the power tool.
Don't let anything distract you. Pay attention to what you are doing so you can do it safely.
Keep the cord out of the path of the tool.
Be sure the tool is running at full speed before you start the cut.
9. Hold the tool firmly, so you are always in control of it.
10. The material you are working should be fastened down.
11. Never use a tool that has a damaged power cord.
12. Use the power tool only for what it was designed to do, and don't force or over-load the tool.
13. Be sure your hands are dry, and you are standing on a dry floor when using power tools.
Drill Press
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Use only bits that are designed and manufactured for machine operation.
Be sure the bit is sharp, straight and in good condition.
Set the drill speed for the type of cut that is going to be made.
The clearance hole in the center of the table must be lined up directly under the cutting tool.
Use clamps to hold the material firmly in the table.
Use the chuck key to tighten the chuck.
Check twice to be sure the chuck key has been removed from the chuck before you turn on the
drill press.
8. Keep your hands and fingers away from the area directly under the drill bit.
9. Back out of a deep cut from time to time to prevent the bit from clogging and overheating.
10. A piece of scrap should be used under the material when a hole is to be drilled all the way
through the stock.
11. The drill press must be completely stopped before changes or adjustments are made.
12. Let the drill press coast to a stop. Never try to stop it by hand.
13. Get the instructor’s permission before you use any special set-ups or attachments.
Table Saw
1. Use the right type of blade and be sure the blade is sharp and in good condition.
2. Be sure the blade is installed correctly, and that the teeth are pointing toward the infeed side of
the table.
3. Use the blade guard and other safety devices whenever it is practical and correct to use them.
4. The blade should be raised so it is no more than ¼ inch above the material being cut.
5. When the rip fence is used as a guide, be sure it is locked in place before you start the cut.
6. The material must be held down firmly against the surface of the table and along the rip fence
as it moves past the blade.
7. Always use a push stick when you are making a narrow cut.
8. Never use the rip fences as a guide when you cut across the width of the material. Use the miter
gauge as a guide when crosscutting.
9. Hold the material firmly against the miter gauge and down against the surface of the table, but
keep your hands away from the blade and out of the path of the cut.
10. Never saw freehand on the table saw.
11. The wood must be in good condition, with no defects or hardware in it.
12. The wood must be straight. Do not cut warped material on the table saw.
13. The wood must be edged and surfaced. Do not cut rough lumber on the table saw.
14. Get the instructor’s permission if you need to cut round or cylindrical stock.
15. To avoid injury from a kick-back, stay out of the area directly behind the blade and the material
being cut.
16. Keep your hands and arms away from the blade and avoid reaching over the top of the blade.
17. Use a long piece of scrap or a push stick to clear scraps from the area around the blade.
18. Get permission before you use any special set-ups and before re-sawing wood.
19. Do not start to cut until the saw has come up to full speed.
Sliding Compound Miter Saw
1. The saw is usually set for making 90 degree crosscut. Get permission if you need to make any
changes, or use any special set-ups.
2. Be sure the blade is installed correctly, and that it is sharp and in good condition.
3. The depth of the blade should be set at about 1/16th inch below the surface of the table.
4. Be sure the safety guards are in place and working properly.
5. Make sure the saw moves freely along the whole length of the track arm.
6. Check the adjustment knobs and lever to see that they are set securely.
7. An extension table should be used to support long pieces of stock.
8. The blade must be clear of the material before the saw is turned on.
9. Never try to cut free-handed on the sliding compound miter saw. Always use the fence.
10. Wait for the saw to come up to full speed before starting the cut.
11. Make sure the material is not too thick/wide for the size of the saw.
12. Do not cut too fast. Do not force the saw.
13. Control the speed of the cut. Keep the saw from pulling itself into the material.
14. Keep your hands and arms out of the path of the cut.
15. Your arms must always be parallel when you operate this saw. Do not let one arm cross over
the other as you run the saw through the cut.
16. Return the motor and blade to the rear of the track arm when the cut is finished.
17. The saw must be completely stopped before you make any adjustments on it.
18. The area around the blade and along the fence must be kept clear of scraps and sawdust.
Belt and Disk Sander
1. Check the abrasive on the sander. Make sure it’s the right grit for what you want to do.
2. Don’t use the sander if the disk or belt is loose, burned or damaged in any way.
3. The table should be set close to the disk without touching it.
4. Never stand at the side of the sander, and make sure no one else stands there while it’s running.
5. Never sand free-handed. Use the table to support the material.
6. Only one side of the disk should be used: the side that is moving down towards the table.
7. The material must be large enough to be held safely.
8. Move the material back and forth to prevent burning.
9. Don’t leave the sander while it is running or coasting.
10. Keep your hands and arms away from the moving disk/belt. The sander is a cutting tool.
11. When you turn on the belt sander, make sure it’s tracking properly.
12. Hold the wood so your hands and fingers stay clear of the belt/disc at all times.
13. The friction of the sanding can cause burns. Be careful when you touch a surface right after
sanding it.
Grinder
1. Before you turn on the grinder, check the wheel to be sure it isn’t damaged or cracked.
2. Always use the tool rest to support the material, and be sure it is adjusted correctly and fastened
firmly.
3. Check the coolant pan to see that there is water in it.
4. Do not stand in front of the grinder when you turn it on. Stand to the side until it comes up to
full speed.
5. Never grind on the sides of the wheel. Always use the face.
6. Use a light, steady pressure against the wheel. Grinding too hard can be dangerous.
7. Never let your hands or fingers get close to a moving grinding wheel.
Things to keep in the Shop and Pit at all times
1. Safety Manual
2. Fire extinguisher (by the door of the shop and in open shelf of tool cabinet)
3. Baking Powder
4. First Aid Kit
Band-Aid’s
Triple antibiotic ointment
Alcohol wipes
Gloves
Medical tape
Gauze pads
Fingernail clippers
Ace bandage
Aloe base gel
Tweezers
Eye wash
5. Small broom and dustpan
6. Safety Captain
7. Flashlight
Injury Protocol
If you are not able to take care of it on your own seek assistance right
away. Always report to a mentor when an injury does happen, no matter the
degree of the injury, make sure that they record it.

Cuts:
1. Clean the site.
2. Apply the anti-biotic-ointment.
3. Apply the appropriate sized Band-Aid.

Irritation of the eyes:
4. Flush your eye out immediately until there is no longer anything in there.
5. If you get chemicals in your eye seek medical attention right away.

Burns:
6. Run under cold water.
7. Put your Aloe Base Gel on the burn.
8. Cover if needed.
Medical Certification of Members & Mentors
As of January 28, 2012
CPR Trained:
First Aid:
1. Naomi Bower
1. Kathia Castellanos
2. Kathia Castellanos
2. Luke Stoss
3. Kyle Wyant
3. Gus Applequist
4. Luke Stoss
4. Kyle Wyant
5. Gus Applequist
6. Pratik Patell
AED:
7. Ben Koenig
1. Yesica Aranda
8. Ahmed Siddiqui
2. Naomi Bower
9. Yesica Aranda
10. Tyra Grace
11. Manny West
12. Eli Rider
13. Gabe Geisen
14. Mrs. Shaffer
CNA:
1. Naomi Bower
HorsePOWER 3172 Members
Mentors:
Sheila Shaffer
Gary Goodwin
Damion Diaz
Tim Bower
Lee Scherman
Diane Geisen
Jarred Green
Gus Applequist
Doug Harpster
Renee West
Joe Bower
As of February 7, 2012
Students:
Yesica Aranda
Naomi Bower
Eli Rider
Kathia Castellanos
Kyle Wyant
Shailyn Rowlinson
Alyssa Moore
Tommy Russell
Luke Stoss
Pratik Patel
Gabe Geisen
Ben Koenig
Manny West
Tyra Grace
Ahmed Siddiqui
Caitlain Young
Chase Heartsuff
Nick Goldsmith
Shekinah Jones
Daniel Rittle
Karli Fuller