FABLAB SAFETY

Safety issues in Fablab @ Singapore Polytechnic

Fablab @ Singapore Polytechnic has a large number of tools, equipment and machinery which you can use to fabricate your project. In the course of the module, we will be taught the operation of some of these tools and equipment, however before that, the lecturers would need to ensure our safety in the lab.

The Safety Assessment is mandatory for all users of Fablab@SP. The documentation and notes for the course is common throughout all couses and is available on the E-learning Site at SP. We are encouraged to go through the material before taking the Safety Assessment.

Unfortunately, we require that the Safety Assessment be done physically at the lab, and as such it will be postponed until the laboratories are open for use. This will be the first task we will undertake upon entering the lab.

INTRODUCTION

Basics and for before entering the Fab Lab

Strategy of Safety Management in SP
1. Compulsory safety instruction & certification program for all students
2. Safety Infrastructure to be visible on shop floor of workshops
3. Safety patrol
4. Compulsory housekeeping by students after using the machines

Objectives
1. To understand WSH regulations in SP and the safe practices in Fab Lab/workshops
2. To be familiarise with the safety infrastructure in Fab Lab/Workshops and to know machines’ hazards

No.	Activities	Est. Duration
1	Briefing & Instructions on WSH safety	75 mins
2	Video / Reflections/ Case studies	30 mins
3	Break	15 mins
4	Safety Orientation of Workshop/Fab Lab	20 mins
5	Assessment (Quiz)	20 mins
6	Debrief & Retest	20 mins
		180 min

Safety Certificate Requirement

1. Upon attending the safety lessons, students will sit for a safety assessment

2. Those who pass the assessment will be certified & allowed to attend skill trainings & work in the workshop & Fab Lab

3. Failures must to sit for re-test

3 Principles of WSH Act Framework
1. Instilling greater industry ownership of Occupational Safety & Health Standards
Employers are responsible for developing safe work procedures to suit their own requirements
2. Reducing risk at source
by requiring all stakeholders to eliminate or minimize the risks they create at the workplace
3. Preventing accidents through heavier penalties
for poor safety and health management
Video
WSH Act 2006:
Website

4 Key Features of WSH Act
1. It places the responsibility for workplace safety on all stakeholders along lines of control at the workplace
2. It focuses on Workplace Safety & Health systems and outcomes, rather than merely on compliance
3. It facilitates effective enforcement through the issuance of remedial orders
4. It imposes higher penalties for non-compliance and risky behaviour

SP WORKPLACE SAFETY & HEALTH(WSH) COMMITTEE

To understand the key functions of SP WSH Committee

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Students must abide by SP Safety Policy, Regulations and Procedures.
SP Students' WSH Handbook 2015

Students using Fab Lab or any workshops should also abide by:
Fab Lab & Workshop Safety Rules

In the event of emergency, assistance may be summoned:
Ambulance call: 995
SCDF call: 995
Police call: 999
All emergencies and incident reporting call SP Emergency hotline: 6772-1234

When making Emergency Calls, it is important to provide precise information:
1. Name of caller
2. Location (block and room number)
3. Nature of emergency e.g. fire, explosion, violent or abusive behaviour, etc.

INCIDENT & ACCIDENT REPORTING

Report all work related injuries, no matter how minor, promptly to technical support staff or supervising staff.

Contact the school’s general office, 67721206 or call 67721234 when treatment to injury is required.

Do not leave injury unattended or without treatment.

WORKSHOP SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE & SAFETY COMMUNICATION

What will be covered:
• To understand the Safety Infrastructure in workshops and Fab Lab
• General Workshop Safety Communications
• Attire for workshops and Fab Lab
• Safety Posters and Safety Warning Placards
• Safe Work Procedure

WORKSHOP SAFETY COMMUNICATION

In workshops or Fab Lab, hazard communications are visible to remind students of workplace hazards and the safety precautions to take at specific work areas, especially when working with a hazardous machineries.