Hello Teams

This information is to remind you of the major safety rules at tournaments and when working on your robot at meetings. Be safe, good luck at your tournament, and have fun!

FIRST things first
We all know how important safety is to the FIRST community. Everyone is responsible for safety during team meetings and the design, build, travel, and event phases of the competition. FIRST believes that teams that take the lead in developing safety policies have a positive and lasting impact on each team member and mentor, in addition to their communities and present and future work places.

Be safe while working on your robot
Here are important safety tips you need to know while working on your robot at team meetings and at tournaments:

• Work in a safe and responsible manner. Maintain a healthy attitude regarding safety.
• Make sure before working on the robot, that it is turned off and the battery is unplugged.
• Keep full control of your robot at all times.
• Use protective equipment properly – eye protection, ear protection when needed, gloves, and wear closed-toed shoes.
• Use safety glasses (or face shield) when doing any work on the robot including grinding, drilling, soldering, cutting, welding, etc.
• Use safety glasses when there is a risk of exposure to flying particles.
• Before using any hand tool, check to see if it is in good condition. DO NOT use any defective, dull or broken tools.
• Use all electrical tools properly and safely according to guidelines.
• DO NOT use any battery that is visibly damaged in any way. It is dangerous!
• Keep a first aid kit on hand, in case of injury.

At tournaments
When at a tournament, it is important to remember these few safety tips:

• Properly use power strips (do not daisy chain – plug one power strip into another).
• Keep work area neat and orderly.
• All participants must be wearing safety glasses at all times in the pit, the playing field, practice field area, or any area posted requiring eye protection, such as machine shop.
• Wear appropriate footwear, that covers entire foot (no open toes).
• Report any unsafe or hazardous conditions to FIRST volunteers.

Make sure to have fun, but be safe, and show gracious professionalism!