MECHANICAL HAZARDS What are mechanical hazards? Mechanical hazards are created by the powered operation of apparatus or tools.

The applied power may be electrical or human. Tools or apparatus have three locations where mechanical hazards can exist: the point of operation the point of power transmission the area of moving parts The point of operation is where the action is taking placea drill bit, the sandpaper on a palm sander, or the vibrating tine on a string vibrator. The point of power transmission is where the applied energy is converted to work; two examples of the point of power transmission are the pulleys and belt on a centripetal force apparatus and the axle on a motor-driven rotator. The area of moving parts involves any actions between the point of operation and the point of power transmission. Examples of moving parts are the gears or pulleys on an apparatus, the sharp or protruding points or hardware on pulleys, and shafts or arms. Apparatus or tools that rotate Rotating apparatus or tools can be dangerous because they can catch and twist a students clothing, hair, or jewelry and can cause serious damage to the student. Even slowly rotating objects can snag something on a student and force an arm or hand into a precarious position. A few examples of rotation hazards are drill bits gears in Wimshurst machines centrifuge rotors governors for demonstrating centrifugal force

 electric motor shafts rotators for spinning discs, wheels, centrifugal forces rotors, or other equipment projections (nuts, set screws, nicks, and abrasions) from rotating parts Hand centrifuges Hand centrifuges are serious potential hazards. Cranked by hand and clamped to the edge of a table, hand centrifuges spin two glass centrifuge tubes at speeds of up to 2,000 rpm. As purchased, the tubes are not shielded in any way. If a neighboring student is not careful,CHAPTER 4 LA B O R ATO R Y M A N A G E R S P R O F E S S I O N A L R E F E R E N C E 31 Copyright by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. Mechanical Hazards, continued he or she could turn into or back into the whirling tubes. The tubes may not break completely as a result of a student backing into them, and the jagged edges of the newly broken glass tubes can injure the student. Regardless of whether the tubes break completely, a good possibility exists for broken glass to fly about the classroom and injure students. Precautions for working with hand and power tools Some projects, such as those for science fairs, require a degree of advanced object-shaping, which is accomplished by using tools or apparatus that can cut, punch, shear, or bend sturdy materials. Tools and apparatus that can manipulate or cut sturdy material can, of course, also seriously injure a student. Hazards are usually found at the point of operation on such devices. An associated hazard that may arise is flying chips or shavings from the material while it is

being cut. Emphasize to students that work with these types of tools should be done only under direct adult supervision. In addition, make sure the students are capable of safely using the necessary tools. Listed below are some safety tips and precautions to bear in mind when using various hand and power tools. General Make sure the project area is well lighted and uncluttered. Visually inspect tools, power cords, and accessories before allowing students to use them. Ensure that machine and work area guards and shields are in place and are being used. Include appropriate warning notices at the project area and in instructional materials. Ensure that projects are commensurate with the age and sophistication of the students. Demonstrate the safe use of tools, and discuss any concerns that students may have about operating equipment. Always have students wear impact-resistant goggles. Do not permit students to wear loose clothing or jewelry when using power tools. Make students tie back long hair. Limit the use of gloves when using hand toolsgloves can be too bulky for a good grip, and they limit the feel for the tool. Make sure that students focus on the task at hand; eliminate distractions.Copyright by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

32 H O LT S C I E N C E Mechanical Hazards, continued Enforce the rule of using the proper tool for the task. Never leave a running tool unattended. In addition, tell students that they may never leave a running tool unattended. Keep the project area clean and free of scraps. Knives Do not allow students to use dull or notched blades