Staying Safe
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of safety. Model safe behavior in your own actions, and organize your workspace to be tidy and spacious with enough room to move around freely and without danger. Clear pathways to tools, exits, and safety equipment. Keep the space well-lit and ventilated. To help your camp be a safe and positive place to hang out and create, your campers should have a shared understanding of the safety expectations while at Maker Camp.
As safety becomes second nature to your campers, they’ll feel more at ease when using tools, knowing they’ve done all they can to protect and prepare before lifting a tool or clicking its power switch. Accidents happen when proper steps aren’t taken. Millions of people make with dangerous equipment every day without incident. By taking time to train your campers on the use of tools and equipment as well as safety procedures, you build their skills and keep them safe.
To keep your campers safe, take common-sense steps to establish and maintain a safe environment. Post clear and visible warning signs on all equipment and general safety signs in your work area. Provide personal safety equipment such as goggles, earplugs, gloves, etc. to those who don’t have their own. Lock up equipment when not in use. Keep work areas clean, neat, and organized. Ensure you have proper ventilation and lighting. If appropriate have emergency shut-offs for equipment.Â
Accidents may happen. When and if they do, let’s hope they are all minor. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit visible and easily accessible throughout your space. Other common safety equipment includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and eye wash stations. It can also be helpful to post an emergency action plan with clear procedures to follow in case of fire, medical emergency, intruders, severe weather, utility outages, and chemical spills. Your local Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) or Risk Management department can help with this planning.
Common Safety Rules:
Always follow safety guidelines as well as all written and verbal instructions carefully.
Protect yourself. Dress properly. Use safety gear as instructed. Shield your eyes, hands, and feet.
Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair near machinery.
Use tools correctly. Always use tools as they are intended to be used. Only use tools that you have been trained to use safely. Ask for help when you need it.
Don’t startle or distract anyone using a tool. Appropriate behavior is expected at all times. Please no running/ pushing/ yelling/ fighting, etc.
Keep your work area organized and clean after activities. Put all materials/tools back in storage areas after use.
Report all injuries – no matter how minor – to an adult immediately.
Safety Contracts
Some camps use Safety Contracts to both remind young makers of the importance of following precautions and to protect the Camp Site from liability. You may want to consider using a Camper Safety Contract and/or Parent/Guardian Permission Form as part of your Maker Camp. We’ve created sample contracts that you are free to use.
Want to Learn More?
The ITEEA (International Technology and Engineering Educators Association) provides a free comprehensive e-book entitled Safer Engineering and CTE Instruction: A National STEM Education Imperative authored by Dr. Tyler Love and Dr. Ken Roy. The book provides practitioner friendly safety recommendations with suggested resources.
Final Notes
Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.
