4 min read
Mathew Wahome
Safety on the Work Site
Why safety matters
In the Junior School CBC (KICD), Pre-Technical Studies opens with safety because every practical task, from woodwork to building, carries risk. Safe habits prevent injuries and protect equipment.
Common hazards
- Sharp tools such as saws and chisels.
- Slippery or cluttered floors.
- Electricity and exposed wires.
- Dust, fumes and loud noise.
- Falling objects and unsafe ladders.
- Fire from flammable materials.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
| PPE | Protects |
|---|---|
| Safety goggles | Eyes |
| Dust mask | Lungs |
| Gloves | Hands |
| Overall or apron | Body and clothes |
| Safety boots | Feet |
| Ear muffs | Ears |
Safety signs
- Red: prohibition or fire equipment.
- Blue: a compulsory action, such as wear goggles.
- Yellow: warning of danger.
- Green: safe condition, such as an exit or first aid point.
General workshop rules
- Listen to and follow instructions.
- Keep the floor clear and tools in place.
- Use a tool only for its correct job.
- Never play or run in the workshop.
- Report broken tools and accidents at once.
Basic first aid
- For a cut: wash the wound, press with a clean cloth to stop bleeding, then cover.
- For a burn: cool under running water for at least ten minutes.
- Always call the teacher or an adult for help.
Worked example
You see sawdust and an oily rag on the floor near a lit stove. Hazards: slip, fire. Action: sweep up the dust, place the rag in a metal bin, and inform the teacher.
Try it
- Identify three hazards in your classroom or home workshop.
- Match each PPE item to the body part it protects.
- Draw one safety sign of each colour and say what it means.