Workshop Safety: Accident – JSS1 Basic Technology Lesson Note (First Term)

An accident is an unexpected event that happens to somebody and may cause injury or damage.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define an accident;
2. state the causes of accidents in the workshop;
3. list the rules that help to prevent accidents in the workshop;
4. name the two types of fire that can occur in a workshop and state their causes;
5. state how electrical fire and chemical fire are fought.

What is an accident?

An accident is an unforeseen event, with no apparent cause, that happens to somebody when he does not expect it.

• Source: accidents can be caused by people, by equipment or by both.
• Effects on people: cuts, burns, broken bones, electric shock and, in serious cases, death.
• Effects on property: damaged tools, damaged machines and loss of materials.
• Other effects: loss of working time and cost of treatment or repair.

What causes accidents in the workshop?

Accidents in the workshop have two major causes: unsafe actions and unsafe conditions.

• Unsafe actions: things a person does, or fails to do, that put people at risk.
• Unsafe conditions: faults in the workshop, tools or machines that put people at risk.

What are unsafe actions?

Unsafe actions are careless or wrong behaviours by the worker.

• Lack of concentration: thinking of something else while working with tools or machines.
• Horseplay: running, pushing or playing roughly in the workshop.
• Carelessness with machines: handling machines without care or without knowing how to use them.
• Fatigue or tiredness: working when one is tired or sick, which slows reaction and causes mistakes.
• Failure to use safety devices: not wearing goggles, gloves or other protective items, or removing machine guards.

What are unsafe conditions?

Unsafe conditions are hazards in the workshop environment or equipment.

• Bad or faulty machines: machines with broken parts or loose wiring.
• Slippery or wet floors: spilt water or oil on the floor makes people slip and fall.
• Absence of safety devices: machines without guards, or a workshop without a fire extinguisher or first aid box.
• Non-maintenance of tools: blunt, rusty or loose-handled tools that slip during use.

How can accidents in the workshop be prevented?

Accidents in the workshop are prevented by observing safety rules at all times.

• Keep the workshop clean and tidy: sweep floors, wipe spills and return tools to their places after use.
• Do not engage in horseplay: behave calmly and walk, never run, in the workshop.
• Dress safely for work: wear an overall and safety shoes, tie up long hair and avoid loose clothing.
• Work safely with hand tools: use the right tool for the job and keep tools sharp and in good condition.
• Work safely with machines: use guards, learn how a machine works first and switch it off before cleaning.
• Work safely with electrical tools, machines and appliances: check cables for damage and switch off after use.
• Work safely with hot materials: hold them with tongs or gloves and keep them away from other people.
• Always be very careful: concentrate on the work and obey your teacher’s instructions.

What should you do when an accident happens?

When an accident happens, stay calm and report it to the teacher at once.

1. Stop the work and switch off any machine or power supply.
2. Report the accident to the teacher or workshop supervisor.
3. Give first aid to the injured person, using the first aid box.
4. Take the injured person to a clinic or hospital if the injury is serious.

What types of fire can occur in a workshop?

There are two types of fire that can occur in a workshop: electrical fire and chemical fire.

• Electrical fire: fire that starts from electrical faults or misuse of electrical equipment.
• Chemical fire: fire that starts from chemical substances used or stored in the workshop.

What causes electrical fire?

Electrical fire is caused by faults in electrical equipment or wrong use of it.

• Sparks: produced by a short circuit or partial contact.
• Poor wiring: old or damaged wires that overheat.
• Wrong electrical connections: connections made by untrained people.
• Overloading: connecting too many appliances to one socket or line.
• Leaving appliances on: not switching off electrical appliances after use.

How is electrical fire fought?

Electrical fire is fought with a fire extinguisher or dry sand, and never with water.

• First step: switch off the power supply if it is safe to do so.
• Why not water: water conducts electricity and can give the person an electric shock.

What causes chemical fire?

Chemical fire is caused by chemical substances used or stored in the workshop.

• Gas: leaking cooking or welding gas can catch fire.
• Oil: fuel and engine oil burn easily.
• Grease: grease near heat can ignite.

How is chemical fire fought?

Chemical fire is fought with foam, dry sand or gas from a fire extinguisher, and never with water.

• Foam: covers the burning liquid and cuts off air.
• Dry sand: smothers the fire.
• Gas from a fire extinguisher: reduces the oxygen around the fire.
• Why not water: water can spread burning oil and chemicals.

How do the two types of fire compare?

Evaluation

1. What is an accident?
2. State five causes of accidents.
3. How can we prevent accidents in a workshop?
4. List the two types of fire that can occur in the workshop.
5. Why must water never be used to put out an electrical fire?

Assignment

Answer these three questions in your notebook:

1. State five rules that help to prevent accidents in the workshop.
2. List three causes of electrical fire.
3. Name two things used to fight a chemical fire.