Name:

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Finley Middle School

Technology Education
Safety Contract
One of the most important aspects of a technological event is the safety of the people involved.
Safe behavior is important no matter where you are. In the J. Taylor Finley Middle School World of
Technology it is important that you understand what activities may present a danger to your well being.
Working on technological devices in our labs presents special dangers that you may not come across in your
everyday life.
It is extremely important that you understand the dangers involved in every activity in which you participate.
Before you start each project you will be instructed on how to safely use the machines and tools involved. You
must measure the "risk" involved and take appropriate actions to prevent accidents.
The following are some of the situations you may come across. This list does not include every situation that
might develop. You have to use your head!!!!!!
1. Always wear some type of eye protection when anyone is working in the room. Broken parts of tools may
fly great distances. Materials being processed may be thrown out of a machine and propelled across the
room. Make sure the protective device has been washed and is not scratched.
2. If you spill a liquid on the floor or bench clean it up immediately using paper towels or rags
3. If your teacher is not in the room when you enter go directly to your seat. Do not go to work. New York
State law does not allow you to work unless a technology teacher is supervising you. If your teacher is
absent and a substitute teacher is in, you may not work.
4. No Horseplay!
No tripping!
No running!
No make believe fights!
No throwing little wooden blocks at your buddy!

No hitting!
No punching!
No shooting spitballs!
No real fights!
Etc., Etc., Etc.

5. Machines and tools are not to be used until you have been instructed on their safe use. Don't try things
unless you know what will happen. If you are not sure how to use a machine or tool after a lesson ask your
teacher for help.
6. When you are finished using a machine turn off the power and remove "chunks" of wood or metal. Place
them in the garbage can, not on the floor. Stepping on a small piece of wood is a good way to twist an ankle.
7. Tools and machines that use blades must have sharp blades installed. A dull blade will make you "force" the
tool; that can take you "off balance." If the blade slips or breaks you may fall or push your hand into the
blade.

8. If you hurt yourself, report the accident to your teacher right away. Several actions must be taken:
The person must receive first aid for the cut or burn or other injury.
The machine or tool has to be checked so the next person doesn't get hurt.

The teacher and class must review the procedure that resulted in the injury.
9. Wood or metal splinters must be removed immediately by the nurse. If left in the skin an infection could
result.
10. Any tool or machine must be checked BEFORE it is used. Look for loose handles, blades tight and pointing
in the correct direction, damaged power cords, loose parts, dull points, cracks in handles.
11. Use tools and machines for their intended purpose. Don't crush pens in vices. . Dont sharpen pencils on
the belt sander, etc.
12. When making adjustments or changing the blades of power tools unplug them first.
13. When you are finished using a tool return it to the tool cabinet so that others will be able to find it. Tools left
on machines or benches may fall or be knocked to the floor.
14. Gloves are used when handling hot materials or when handling materials that are rough.
15. Dress for the job. Long hair that can get caught in machines should be tied behind the head with a scrunchie.
16. Jewelry that might get caught or crushed should be removed.
17. Shoes or sneakers must be worn. Floppy sleeves must be rolled up. Jackets or other loose clothing should
be removed.
18. TAKE YOUR TIME! Before you start a procedure take the time to look at what you are about to do. Decide
beforehand what might be dangerous. What steps should you take to protect yourself?
19. It is sometimes very easy to stick tools in your pockets when you are finished using them. The problem is
when you bend over or sit down, you are liable to poke yourself. The same holds true for pencils stuck in
your shirt pocket.
20. Debris that is left on benches or machines should be cleaned off with a foxtail brush. Don't use hands to
clean debris from tabletops or machines. Don't blow sawdust with your mouth. Use the vacuum cleaner.
21. If you decide that you would like to make a project other than those assigned, check with you teacher first.
We have made many fine social studies projects in Technology. Your teacher will advise you as to the safe
way to make the project.
22. Electricity and water don't mix (actually they do.) Don't stand on wet surfaces when using electrical
devices. Check electrical cords for damage to insulation and plugs. When removing cords from an outlet
pull by the plug not by the wire.
23. Be careful when lifting; use your legs, not your back.
24. Sawdust from sanding or cutting operations can irritate your nose and eyes. Make sure to turn on the dust
collector before starting machines or hand sanding. If you need a dust mask they are available.
25. Friction causes materials and tools to get hot. Sometimes hot enough to cause a serious burn if you touch it.
Belt sanders create a great deal of friction, which makes materials HOT. Drill bits get hot when a hole is
drilled, so does the metal being drilled. If you do burn yourself and the skin is not broken go to the sink and
run COLD water over the burn area. Then CALL ME!

26. I don't like the term "fire drill." Whenever the fire alarm sounds you are to assume that there is a real fire or
emergency in the building and stop what you doing immediately. Go to the nearest exit and line up
QUIETLY. Listen for instructions from your teacher QUIETLY. Move out of the building QUIETLY. Line
up outside QUIETLY so your teacher can take attendance.
27. Observe color-codes in a lab; not all color codes are the same. Most machines that use buttons for on/off use
red for off and green for on.
28. For our health, safety and welfare no backpacks are to be placed on the floor. Store them under your seat or
up on benches. We don't want to trip over them as we move around the room.

THE SAFETY CONTRACT

Your knowledge of the safety rules is so important that I want you to form a contract with me. I want you to
promise that, to the best of your ability, you will take the time to think about what you are doing in the lab; that
you will make every effort to follow these rules. You are to take this instruction sheet and your ten rules home
and discuss them with your parents or guardian. By signing below you are telling me that all of the above is
true.
Signature:

Date:

Dear Parents: By signing below you are indicating that you have read your child's set of safety rules and the
above set of rules and you have discussed with your child the importance of personal safety in all situations.
Signature:

Date:

If you would like to speak to me I can be reached at 673-2020.