Health and Safety

🛡 The Trustees and their representatives are committed to ensuring a safe and positive environment at WomenzShed:

 

👷 Hazard management

• Involve everyone in identifying hazards.

• Take all practicable steps to eliminate, isolate, or minimise significant risks.

• Be proactive in controlling new hazards as they arise.

📚 Training & supervision

• Provide thorough health and safety training.

• Ensure all workshop attendees are trained and supervised so they can work safely.

🌱 Safety culture

• Encourage a positive, supportive safety culture where people feel responsible for themselves and others.

📜 Legal obligations

• Meet all requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Codes of Practice, and any relevant standards or guidelines.

 

Everyone is expected to share this commitment to safety.

Signed: N Moss                    Dated:   1 January 2025

Position: Founder

🔒 Please follow these guidelines to keep yourself and others safe when using electrical equipment at the Shed.

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⚡ Electrical supply

• Never interfere with or alter the Shed’s fixed electrical supply.

🔍 Before using equipment

• Always check equipment visually before use.

• Do not use anything with frayed or exposed cords, damaged plugs, or obvious faults.

🔌 Cords and leads

• Protect electrical leads from heat, chemicals, or anything that could damage them.

• Don’t run cords across the floor or wrap them around machines.

• Use wall hooks to lift cords off the ground if needed.

• Extension cords are not a substitute for fixed wiring — ask for extra outlets if required.

🧰 Power boxes and outlets

• Avoid overloading circuits when using multi-plug power boxes.

• Use power boxes with circuit breakers whenever possible.

• Ideally, request permanent outlets instead of relying on power boxes.

🔥 Fire and overheating

• Keep clothing, paper, and other flammable items away from heaters and heat-producing equipment.

• Make sure vents and air inlets on machines stay clear of dust and objects.

💧 Liquids

• Clean up any spills immediately — liquid can cause shorts, fires, or make metal cases “live.”

🛠 Repairs and alterations

• Any public items brought in for electrical repair must be tested by a registered electrician or electrical service technician.

• Owners must be told this before work begins.

• Do not open covers on equipment if it exposes live electrical circuits.

🌧 Wet or damp conditions

• Always use a Residual Current Device (RCD).

• Wear protective rubber gloves and boots.

⚠️ Warnings and signage

• Post clear warning signs anywhere there are specific hazards (e.g. high voltage, lasers, unearthed equipment).

⏹ Switching off

• Switch off all electrical equipment that’s not in use.

• If equipment must run unattended, label its switch clearly and post emergency shut-off instructions nearby.

🔄 Correct outlets

• Do not use three-phase outlets for single-phase equipment.

I declare that when in WomenzShed premises or engaged in or watching WomenzShed activities I will follow and abide by the safe work practices as shown by WomenzShed instructors and/or workspace signs and I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to listen and understand about those health, safety and work practices. 

This includes:

• Not working with any power tools or machinery that you have not been shown how to use by a WomenzShed instructor or representative
• Take the actions listed in the Hazards list on each machine to minimise the risks identified
• Always work with sharp tools which are appropriate to the task being undertaken
• Secure any loose hair and clothing to avoid it being caught in machinery or wood
• Wear or use appropriate safety equipment such as a face shield, safety glasses, dust mask, gloves, etc,
• Ask if I am unsure about using any tools or machinery.

I will promptly and without argument comply with all directions of a WomenzShed instructor or representative.