General Safety Rules
- No horseplay. Weights are very heavy and can seriously injure.
- Read and follow safety instructions with all power tools.
- Wear safety goggles when using power tools.
- When cutting always direct sharp edges away from your body.
- Do not cut in your hand.
- Sharp tools are safer than dull tools.
- If you can’t use a tool safely or do not know how to use a tool safely then do not use it.
Glue Safety Rules
- Read and follow all safety instructions provided with glues
- While not all glues are flammable it is best to keep all glues away from sparks, open flames and heat
- Wear safety goggles while gluing
- It is best not to mix glues together. The chemicals in different glues may react in unknown ways.
- If using CA glue – keep de-bonder or acetone on hand. CA glue emits toxic fumes are part of the curing process. Don’t have your eyes directly above where you are gluing.
- If you can’t use it safely- don’t use it.
If you misuse or abuse some of the glues you might find yourself making a trip to the emergency room. Carelessness can get you hurt or at the least cause some pain.
Weight Placement Safety Rules
- When a team members head is below the level of the pressure board, the tester board safety goggles should be worn.
- Do not touch a weight stack that has started moving or rotating.
- Make sure you have a clear path between the weights and the pressure(top) board before moving weights.
- When lifting weights, lift with your legs and not your back. Some teams wear a back brace during weight placement.
- Always be aware of where your fingers are. The next weight that you place may be the one that causes the structure to fail and you do not want your fingers to be caught in between two weights.