ZIMSEC O Level · Wood Technology and Design · Form 1
Safety comes first in every workshop.
Personal safety
Wear an apron or overalls, safety boots or closed shoes, and goggles when using machines or chisels. Tie back long hair; remove loose clothing, ties and jewellery.
Tool safety
- Keep cutting tools sharp – blunt tools need more force and slip.
- Cut away from the body; keep both hands behind the cutting edge.
- Secure work in a vice or with cramps.
- Carry tools with cutting edges pointing down; never leave chisels near the bench edge.
Machine safety
Use machines only with the teacher's permission. Keep guards in place, use push sticks on circular saws, switch off and wait for the machine to stop before adjusting. Know where the emergency stop button is.
Workshop rules
No running or playing; keep floors clear of offcuts and shavings; report accidents and damaged tools at once; know the position of the first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Exam tip: Questions often ask for safety rules for a named tool or machine – give rules specific to it.
Check yourself
- Give two safety rules when using a chisel.
- Why should cutting tools be kept sharp?
- What device keeps hands away from a circular saw blade?
Show answers
- Any two: secure work, both hands behind the cutting edge, cut away from the body, carry it pointing down.
- Blunt tools need more force and are more likely to slip and cause injury.
- A push stick (and the blade guard).
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