General Safety Rules Training

Overriding shed safety rules

This procedure sets the core safety expectations for Helensburgh Men’s Shed and applies to every shed member and site visitor.

What members must remember

• Only assessed and approved members may use power tools and equipment.
• These rules support all work areas, not just one machine or activity.
• The document is reviewed every 24 months; version 2.0 was reviewed in May 2026.

Authorised use only

Only members who have been assessed and approved are permitted to use power tools and equipment.

No impairment

Do not operate machines while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.

No distractions

Never distract anyone who is operating a powered machine.

Wear and secure

• Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
• Wear fully enclosed, non-slip footwear.
• Tie back or otherwise secure long hair.
• Remove loose-fitting jewellery.

Protect and avoid

• Approved eye and hearing protection must be worn as required by equipment instructions.
• Gloves are not to be worn while operating equipment, except for heat protection in metal-working operations.

Area and machine checks

• Clear obstructions and trip or slip hazards before starting a machine.
• Ensure guards and safety items are fitted, functional, and clear of the cutter.
• Make sure there is enough feed and exit space for the work piece.
• Turn on dust extraction where applicable.

People and power checks

• Arrange help for large or difficult jobs, and ensure the assisting member is also approved to use the equipment.
• Brief the assisting member on the intended operation.
• For mains-powered tools, make sure the lead is not a trip hazard and the tool has an in-date Test & Tag label.

Before engagement

Warn others about sudden noise, assemble aids such as push sticks or clamps, and confirm your method is the safest way to do the job.

During start-up

Keep clear of cutters and moving parts when turning on, and keep hands at least 100 mm away from moving parts as a general rule.

During the cut

Use the correct bit, blade or cutting device, let the machine reach full speed, and let the tool do the work without forcing it.

Shutdown sequence

• Turn the machine off and wait for the cutter, blade or bit to stop before removing the work piece.
• Always turn off at the machine, not the wall switch.
• Remove bits, lower blades and guards after use.

Housekeeping

• Clean chips, swarf and dust from the machine and surrounding area.
• Leave the machine and work area in a clean and safe condition.

Act immediately

Action all injuries immediately, no matter how minor, and inform the duty manager straight away.

Isolate equipment

Keep equipment isolated until an investigation deems the operation safe; lock it out if needed until procedures or training are changed.

Document every incident

All incidents, including near misses, need to be documented.