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Textiles Health and Safety

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Lea

rnin

g o

bje

ctiv

es

To understand the importance of adhering to health and safety guidelines at school and in the workplace.

To understand the importance of producing products that are safe for the end user.

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Health and safety needs to be considered in terms of the manufacturer and the end user.

Health and safety in the workplace/school

Health and safety now plays a major part in all industries. As a worker/student you expect your employer/school to adhere to all aspects of relevant health and safety regulations. As an employee or student you should work in a safe manner at all times.

Health and safety for the end user

As a consumer you expect the product you buy to be safe to use, and to be informed of any potential risks.

Introduction

This clothing label warns the wearer to keep the garment away from fire.

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Prior to starting any work or project you should assess any risks or hazards, and make a note of these in your workbook.

Health and safety in the classroom

It is important that you know and understand all the government guidelines and legislation surrounding health and safety.Familiarize yourself with all the symbols and signs relating to health and safety.

Risk/Hazard Action Sign Symbol

Iron and board could get knocked over

Put up poster alerting people to the risk

Danger !

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Health and safety signs

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All companies have a health and safety officer.He or she will deal with all issues relating to health and safety. His or her job is to create a safe working environment and working practices.They will look around the workplace, identify any risks and then recommend appropriate safety measures.

Health and safety in the workplace

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carry out a health and safety audit, noting potential hazards and risksdraw up a health and safety manualissue safety wear to the relevant staffensure safety equipment is accessible where it is required for a particular piece of machinerycheck equipment is calibrated, tested and has labels fixed displaying relevant informationensure necessary health and safety signs are displayedmake sure that medical points are highlighted and fully stockedmake sure that any new staff are trained and fully aware of the Health and Safety regulations.

The role of the health and safety officer

The health and safety officer will:

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The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) requires employers to identify potential hazards in the workplace and reduce risks to employees.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992) require European countries to comply with a common code of practice to make workplaces safe for all employees.

Laws and guidelines are in place to protect workers. These are regulated by the UK and European Safety Laws.

Health and safety laws

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Are there any risks involved when using this equipment?

Are there any risks involved when using these materials?

Do I need to wear any protective clothing?

Do my health and safety considerations need to change if my product is batch or mass produced?

Will my end product be safe for its intended user?

There are health and safety guidelines in place for your textiles rooms and workshops. When you are working on practical items you will need to identify and adhere to health and safety guidelines. You should ask yourself a number of questions.

Health and safety guidelines

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Spot the hazards

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Highlight five hazards in your textiles room.

Which signs would you display to alert students to the dangers?

Do you need to provide any protective clothing?

What would you do if an accident occurred?

If you were a health and safety officer in your school, what would you do to make your textiles room or workshop safer?

Health and safety in the classroom

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Health and safety

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The end user

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Risks to the end user

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Key

po

ints

When designing a product, you need to think about whether it will be safe to make and to use.Before starting a project you should carry out a risk assessment, noting potential risks and hazards.All workplaces must conform to safety standards, and signs warning of any hazards must be displayed. A health and safety officer will ensure that regulations are complied with.In the classroom, particular care must be taken when working with machines, sharp tools and dyes. End products must conform to safety standards and not present a risk to the end user.