Permission (or no permission) to use Power Tools

[Bob Steele]

On our team we have not had to face an administrative/district challenge but then again, we didn't ask....
...better to ask forgiveness when you didn't know there was a rule... than permission....so to speak...

However, incumbent in the process is that we develop a safe way for students to interact with power tools. We have an extensive safety plan which we are implementing.

Next year a student will have to show that they know safe practices to use any tools... a simple shop safety test for most hand tools and specific tests for the smaller hand tools.

We also implemented what we call a "CUT MONITOR" The cut monitor is an adult mentor/parent that observes the set up of the more dangerous power tools including chop saws, band saws, mill, etc.

When a student is ready to make the cut he gets a mentor to observe the cut setup and the cut while it is being made. This helps to insure that someone is observing and commenting on the method and the practice. Setup is crucial.

Of course, cut monitors need to be trained too...

Any team needs to remember that all it takes to lose the privilege of working with power tools is usually ONE mistake and ONE injury.

Coupled with the possible injury and its consequences, which can be devastating to both the team and the individual, the loss of privileges and possible loss of the entire program are very real possibilities in this world of litigation.

Safety must be a PRIME directive in any team....