Pit Requirements

[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

It would be valuable to have work gloves for handling the robot, a small first-aid kit, hearing protection, (certainly eye protection at all times), and a small fire extinguisher if available. We also keep a small box of baking soda handy in case of battery accidents.

Agreed. ALWAYS have the baking soda on hand... chances are you will not need it but if you do, it will be vital.

Being from a team that won UL Safety at BMR last year, here are my tips:

Last year there was a ban on open flames, flame powered soldering devices, and leaded solder... many teams missed that last year. The same ban exists this year too.

Things that produce sparks (like dremel wheels on steel) are also banned.

Having a well organized pit is vital as well.

Try not to daisy chain power strips. Also on the UL's "naughty list".

Often overlooked: Try to keep the pit sparsely populated; if somone is not doign anything, they need to go to elsewhere (stands, outside, etc.). It is way too easy to get too may chefs in the kitchen.

always have 3 people available to move your robot.

Don't yell "ROBOT!" without good reason. Overdoing it is a serious distraction to other pits. Safety is not confined to your team's personal pit; it applies everywhere at the venue.

Hope this helps.