Tying back hair in the pits at competition

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by robochick1319

Yes, you are absolutely right. I was just surprised that a debate over ponytails vs. buns was getting so much attention when other more dangerous and common issues go ignored.

OSHA does recommend tying hair back but does say that ponytails are acceptable. Like I said earlier, I don't see the problem with letting people (with hair longer than 4 inches) tie their hair in a ponytail most of the time and then opt for a bun for more up-close, high-risk situations.

From my perspective the other issues that you reference are not being ignored, they just aren't being discussed on CD at the moment.

If you think that it is a discussion worth having, start a thread! Don't wait for someone else to start the thread if you feel strongly about it.

[SousVide]

I completely agree that carts should be safe, tools should be used in a safe manner. I think that's the trade-offs with what-ifs. We can indeed bubble-wrap every single person and tool in a shop and still someone will get hurt - completely true.

We try to instill a mindset that if something can go wrong in a shop, on a machine, in a program - in fact, it will, and it will do so at the most inopportune time. #1, how likely is it to happen; #2, how can you prevent it from happening; #3, how can you safeguard against the likelihood of damage/injuries/death from this type of failure.

The most important thing is what can the single person do to make it safe for their own person; and then we can move forward with looking at how we can make the rest of the shop safe - as a group. To me, the personal stuff is the easiest - it only takes you and it doesn't take a superhuman effort or cost anything. Start with the low-hanging fruits and move up.

The other thing is that we have a mix of all different types of teenagers and young adults working with us. Some more mindful than others. I really don't want a moment of inattention to leave any permanent marks on them. We have boys and girls who have long hair, who tries to come into shop with long dangly sleeves, jewelry, long coats. We do try to prepare them that it is the shop policy - it's not about alienation or hurt feelings. It is about making sure that they come out from this experience empowered about what they can do and with all of their body parts intact.

Yes, I do show pictures of people with bits of metal shards stuck in their eyeball, fingers degloved, lacerations from sharp edges, hair ripped out and scalped, people entrapped under heavy equipment - those along with proper tool usage and safety training. It's like the old-school "Red Asphalt" driving school videos. It works for the majority of them. The ones who repeatedly and willfully violate shop policies are removed from the team.

[IronicDeadBird]

Originally Posted by GreyingJay

Agreed, they should always be up on blocks anywhere outside the field or a practice area. Even then, everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings... I was at a practice field at one point where another team was trying to control their robot and it was driving erratically and nearly mowing down his own teammates. I stepped well back...

I'm new to FIRST and the FRC experience so I am very much learning by "trial by fire" but one thing I do really appreciate is all the attention to safety and cleanliness.

That happens to be the most fun way to learn, if you want to be on the safe side you can learn by asking questions though. Generally speaking I don't think having a robot driving around in a pit is a smiled upon action.

[robochick1319]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

From my perspective the other issues that you reference are not being ignored, they just aren't being discussed on CD at the moment.

If you think that it is a discussion worth having, start a thread! Don't wait for someone else to start the thread if you feel strongly about it.

You're right, I should. I guess I'm just a CD lurker who only posts now and then. #mybad

In my area, the robots running on the ground issue seems to be ignored. Because the incident I referenced happened in 2013, was immediately reported, and STILL happens at the regionals we attend and in increasing numbers.

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by robochick1319

You're right, I should. I guess I'm just a CD lurker who only posts now and then. #mybad

In my area, the robots running on the ground issue seems to be ignored. Because the incident I referenced happened in 2013, was immediately reported, and STILL happens at the regionals we attend and in increasing numbers.

Please do start that thread, I think you might be interested by some of the responses, including mine.

[gblake]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

just because there are other safety measures that should be in place doesn't mean you can ignore the ones about hair. Yes, these scenarios are unlikely and (hopefully) preventable, but that doesn't excuse you from taking proper precautions. These recommendations regarding hair are not being made up. They match with OSHA's suggestions and just about every professional environment involving tools or machinery. I say this as someone who sports hair past my shoulders.

Everyone,

Ask any person who has had jewelry, clothing, hair, hands, feet, eyes, or anything else become entangled with, or damaged by, a machine whether they thought they were going to pay enough attention to that machine (and others), and to all other activity around themselves, to stay out of trouble.

I'll bet you a very nice dinner that their answer will be, "Yes." If you find someone who says "No, I was inattentive on purpose.", separate yourself from them ASAP.

Like Sean says,
- ANY time you are in an area containing hazards, *actually* protect yourself.

- AND (I'll add this), telling yourself/others that you will protect yourself by being alert, and by paying enough attention (in all directions) to avoid danger; for any non-trivial period, or when dangerous stuff can fly far or fast; is DUMB (see above).

As they say, "Don't cut your nose off to spite your face."

Everyone, please don't enter a hazardous area, and then try to only be as safe as is necessary for someone with your amazing powers of concentration and clairvoyance.

Instead, just be safe. It's really not that hard, and you will set a good example for the lesser mortals around you.

Blake