Page 74 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

Chapter 4

Safety First (and Always)

obotics is a safe and sane hobby, but only if you practice it with caution and respect. It
Rcan involve working with soldering tools that can burn, saws that can remove bits of
flesh, and household current that can electrocute.
Any dangers involved in robot building are easily minimized by taking a few simple steps to
practice safe working habits. Take your time and think things through; you may never have to
burn yourself with a soldering iron, cut yourself with a knife or saw, or shock yourself with an
exposed electrical wire.

Project Safety

If you plan on constructing the bodies and frames of your robots, you’ll need to work with
saws, drills, and other building tools. Use all tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use tools only in well- lighted and well- ventilated areas. Wear proper clothing and shoes.
Power saws are especially dangerous, even those with safety guards and mechanisms.
Never defeat them! Don’t allow children in the work area. More:
• Wear eye protection at all times, especially when cutting and drilling material.
The glasses or goggles should wrap around your temples to prevent stray debris
from striking your eyes from the side.
• Make sure that saw blades and drill bits are sharp. If they’re dull, sharpen or
replace them.
• Some project plans require the use of sharp knives for cutting— making robot bases out of
foamboard, for example. Use a sharp knife, and cut on an appropriate surface. Don’t use
your free hand to hold down the board; if the knife slips, you could get badly cut. Hold
down the board with a straightedge.
• Wear ear protection when using saws or any other power tools.

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