End Safety Theater

[robochick1319]

Originally Posted by artdutra04

In addition, there are some completely unnecessary things that every now and then a "Safety Advisor" will complain about. Usually it's something like not having a book of MSDS sheets for normal consumer products (seriously, the safety information for rubbing alcohol is on the label on the product) or not having a battery spill clean up kit for non-spillable batteries (never understood this one) or not wearing gloves to pick up the robot (it's entirely possible to design robots that can be lifted without cutting or digging into your skin).

I agree with you until this point here. Do your team members know what to do when Loctite spills all over their hands? If not, that MSDS is pretty handy.

And in my personal experience I have seen two incidents where FIRST batteries have cracked and "spilled" (more like leaked a bit) resulting in the need of the super-handy battery spill kit. At Palmetto last weekend a robot tipped over, launched it's battery onto the floor and resulted in the leads coming loose (yikes). Fortunately all was well but it was a reminder that we put this equipment through a lot, especially in a year when game play is rough. The batteries we use are durable which makes incidents like these uncommon but the possibility for a "spill" or more likely a crack leading to some leakage is always a possibility so why not prepare?

As for gloves, many will attest to the fact that we are already pushing our weight-lifting limit with robots. A 120 lb robot with bumpers and batteries is a pretty heavy thing to be hauled on and off the pit and an on and off the work bench. Pinch points, digs into skin, and the risk of slipping are all real risks. Once again, why risk it?

In the end, posters don't mean much but these essential PPE are always good to have. IMO, safety has always been about preparing and protecting against potential hazards, whether they are likely or not. Forgive me for the cliche, but better safe than sorry.