Here are relevant resources covering health and safety (based on Sleights Area Men’s Shed). We start with the core operation:-
- There will be a Duty Manager when the Shed is open with authority to halt any activity that is representing a danger of injury to a person or damage to the premises or equipment therein.
- Shedders will sign in on a session sheet
- A full first aid kit is available in the Shed. There is a land-line and telephone which should be used to contact emergency services if needed. NOTE: mobile signals are often weak or non-existent in the Shed.
- There is an Accident Book kept in the First Aid box and any injuries, treatments or emergency calls should be logged there as soon as possible by the Duty Manager.
- Shedders are jointly and severally responsible for remaining alert to risks related to machines, tools, materials and their use in Shed activities.
- Where there is an risk to eye damage, protective goggles available should be worn. Where there is excessive dust being produced a mask should be worn.
- Any Shedder identifying or suspecting the safety of any tool will halt using it and draw it to the attention of the Duty Manager. If necessary the item should be bagged and tagged with a label that indicates it is not to be used.
- Electrical equipment will be checked for safety (e.g. condition of plugs, wiring and mechanical damage to casings etc.) by a competent person appointed by the Shed and independently PAT tested with premises equipment at least every two years and sooner if necessary because of damage or high usage.
- It is a condition of Shed use that members accept the inherent risk in using sharp tools, power equipment and substances.
- Insurance is held by Littlebeck Methodist Church for third party injury to those on the premises and there is an extension to the insurance that covers the Men’s Shed.
Woodworking
This information will help employers, the self employed and franchisees to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to control exposure to wood dusts, etc, and protect workers health.
Woodworking Hand Tools
using-handtools
Dust, Sawdust & Sawdust Extraction
Respiratory Equipment : Respiratory Equipment
Sewing Machine: Sewing Machine Basic Safety tips