Revelstoke Idea Factory Safety Policy

All members are required to undertake safety orientation and equipment training

To view the training schedule or book online check out the Learn section on our site.

At any point during your time here, if any unsafe condition is observed, immediately report it to the lab supervisor before proceeding. Safety in the lab is everyone’s business. 

ABOVE ALL, THINK BEFORE YOU PERFORM ANY TASK. KNOW THE TOOL'S CAPABILITIES AND THE WORK FOR WHICH  IT IS INTENDED. IF YOU FEEL UNSURE, STOP AND ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. 


GENERAL SAFETY

In order to assure a safe workplace and the safety of all lab occupants, certain basic rules, regulations and work instructions must be in place. Irrespective of the work environment, the following rules and work practices shall be followed:

  • Do not carry out, or request others to carry out, any work process which could create a danger to the safety or health of any person.

  • Do not knowingly or intentionally put yourself or anybody else at risk.

  • Do obey all safety signs. They are there for your protection.

  • Use the correct tools and equipment for the job.

  • Wear and use protective equipment when required. Refer to our PPE policy outlined below. If unsure about how certain PPE is to be worn, contact the lab supervisor for training.

  • Correct all hazardous conditions immediately or secure the area and bring the hazardous condition to the attention of the lab supervisor.

  • Report all accidents or incidents to the lab supervisor and, if injured, to the First Aid attendant 

  • Do not use electrical cords or equipment that are damaged.

  • Do not attempt to lift objects that are obviously too heavy for one person.

  • Review and understand the Emergency Response Plan, and know the location of first aid facilities and the method of obtaining first aid treatment. View our evacuation and emergency map here.

  • Keep floors, aisles and thoroughfares clear of obstructions.

  • Store items in their correct location. Do not place heavy objects on upper shelves.

  • Clean up spills promptly.

  • If you are a witness to an accident or are the first person on the scene of an accident, do the following:

    • Ensure that nobody including yourself is at risk before proceeding.

    • Warn others.

    • Send for help as soon as possible.

    • Collect as much information as you can and write it down as soon as possible (i.e. date and time, location, name of injured person, employer, name of witnesses, type of injury, part of body injured, immediate cause of injury, any damage to equipment). 

Before entering the Idea Factory, be aware of training requirements, and be prepared:

  • Only authorized persons may work in the Idea Factory.

  • An authorized person is an individual who has been trained and confirmed as being competent to work safely on a specific machine, tool or other work related task in the lab.

  • A minimum of two people must be present at all times in the lab.

Dress code, personal entertainment devices and drug use

  • Long hair must be tied back or covered by a cap while operating machinery. 

  • Personal entertainment devices with ear pieces cannot be used while using the equipment.

  • Don’t work in the lab if you are under the influence of anything. Do not work while tired, distracted or upset. Those found under the influence of intoxicating substances will be subject to penalties.

When in the lab

  • Report all accidents immediately to the lab supervisor or your instructor. Get prompt medical treatment (First Aid) for any injuries. 

  • Each machine can only have one operator at a time, unless otherwise instructed by qualified Idea Factory staff.

  • Machine guards provided for a machine must be in place whenever the machine is operated. Guards or shields removed for maintenance, adjustments, must be replaced before the machine can be used. 

  • Ensure guards and guides are operable and adjusted properly. 

  • Before using any tool, you must complete a training session by RIF staff. Additional information on our tools use can by found in the Operational Guidelines for Equipment.

  • Locate and remember where the “OFF” switch is located so you can turn off the machine quickly. 

  • Personal power tools may not be brought from home for use in the Idea Factory.  If having a personally owned power tool is required for a specific task, then it should be approved first by the lab supervisor or your instructor. 

  • Pay attention. Do not talk to other people while operating the machinery and do not fool around with the equipment. 

  • Keep floors free of oil, grease or any other liquid. Clean up spilled liquids immediately; they are slipping hazards.  

  • Store materials so they cannot become tripping hazards. Return all excess material to its proper storage place. 

  • Put tools away when not in use. 

  • Place all scrap in scrap containers. 

  • Never use your bare hands to remove chips, shavings, or other material from your work. Use a brush or push stick. 

  • Food consumption is not permitted in the lab.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)  POLICY 

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital to the health and safety of members. The required personal protective equipment will depend on the operation. Staff should be consulted if a member is unsure about the required PPE. 

  • EYE PROTECTION: Wear safety glasses when working with soldering equipment, CNC machine or sewing equipment, observing another member, or any other task that may endanger your eyes. Be sure you have enough good light to see what you are doing without  straining your eyes. Safety glasses are available for purchase at the Revelstoke Idea factory.

  • EAR PROTECTION: In any procedure which generates loud noises, as defined by the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Standards, hearing protection is strictly enforced. Either/both headphone style hearing protection and earplugs may be used. The use of headphones to play music or other recorded (or broadcast) material is not permitted.

HAZARD AWARENESS

Some of the common hazards in the environment could include: 

  • Faulty electrical cords

  • Cluttered aisles, thoroughfares and exits.

  • Tripping hazards, slippery areas.

  • Improperly set up workstations – they must allow a comfortable working posture.

  • Chemicals – be aware of areas where they are normally used (should be part of an orientation).

  • Toxic gas emissions – be aware of areas where they normally occur (should be part of an orientation). Be aware of pockets of gas that can get trapped in confined spaces.

  • Operating machinery. Do not attempt to work on any device unless trained to do so.

  • Hot materials.

INSPECTIONS & AUDITS

The lab supervisor is responsible for conducting monthly inspections of all work areas. These inspections shall focus on the following items: 

  • Access to exits

  • Access to first aid equipment

  • Access to emergency equipment 

  • Access to equipment

  • Storage of materials 

  • Conditions of electrical cords and equipment

  • General housekeeping

ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION

In the event of a serious accident/incident, the following steps shall be followed:

  • Remove the injured person from the scene, ensuring there is no danger to yourself or others.

  • Rope off the area where the accident/incident occurred.

  • Leave the area undisturbed. Do not move or change anything. Keep the area closed off as follows:

  • For critical injuries: To be re-opened only by the local regulatory agency;

  • For all other accidents / incidents: to be re-opened by the lab supervisor

  • Notify on-site lab supervisor immediately.

Reporting:

  • All lab incidents, accidents, injuries and disease shall be reported to the on-site lab supervisor and immediately after occurrence. No accident is too small and no incident too slight. It must be reported.

  • It is important that we all participate in reporting near hits or close calls. 

  • Reporting and investigating incidents is a proactive approach, as opposed to simply reporting accidents which is a reactive approach. Reporting and investigating incidents will greatly assist in reducing serious accidents.

Procedure for filling out accident/incident reports:

  • If you are involved in, or observe, an accident, incident or witness a substandard condition, bring it to the attention of the lab supervisor in person or by email (info@revelstokeideafactory.ca) within 24 hours of the accident or incident.

  • The purpose of an accident/investigation is not to find fault. It is to determine the immediate and basic causes and the corrective action required to prevent a recurrence. 

  • The following list includes examples of accidents/incidents which must be investigated immediately after occurrence, followed by a written report to be submitted to the lab supervisor:

    • Accident or injury requiring first-aid or medical aid.

    • Inadvertent exposure to harmful concentrations of hazardous materials.

    • Electrical failures 

    • Property damage in excess of $100.

Corrective Action

  • Where corrective action is recommended, a follow-up report shall be issued by the lab supervisor within seven days, detailing the steps taken to prevent a recurrence.

  • Where necessary, an Accident Investigation Report will be submitted to Work Safe BC by Idea Factory staff.