TechnoDogs Knowledge Base

The prerequisite to attending build sessions, working on robots, and working with equipment is to fully absorb and commit to safety procedures that protect everyone involved. Safety First!

• Safety Glasses - Safety glasses are glasses that are rated for protecting against flying debris and impact. Eyeglasses are not safety glasses.
• Build Zone - Build zones are rooms or areas within rooms where specific safety protocols must be adhered to, including the wearing of safety glasses. Build Zones are locations with activities that are known to involve dangers. An example of a build zone would be a room where electrical soldering is taking place. An example of a Non-Build-Zone would be the auto-tech meeting room where a general meeting is taking place.
  • Class A - 3D Printers, general electronics, and storage areas
  • Class B - Robots - Hand Tools - DC Electrical - Soldering and Crimping
  • Class C - Heavy Machinery
• S/P2 - Safety and Pollution Prevention. S/P2 is an important and comprehensive online Safety Training System that serves a broad variety of industries. It is an automotive industry standard.
• CAN-DO Card - portable card assigned to each student that tracks their training in both safety and skills. Please visit CAN-DO Card.

• Location - Everywhere (applies to every location, build or non-build)

All members shall treat each other with complete respect. Any behavior short of that contributes to an unsafe work environment where emotions may lead to mistakes that can harm people. Bullying, ridicule, or harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Individuals must take great care to understand their teammates and handle disagreements with courtesy and professionalism.

Safety is about measuring the consequences of ones actions and then making the correct decision. We encourage a little play and we want our team members to have fun. However, Safety First!.

• Listen More - Speak Less
  • Keep conversations at an indoor level
  • No yelling or loud outbursts
• Follow the School's Physical Contact policy
  • No wrestling or rough play
• Do not toss or throw things to team members - hand items over or place items on surfaces for retrieval
• Do not stack or store items such that they are in danger of tipping or being knocked over
• Avoid running
• Do not slam doors
• Seek out and eliminate hazards
  • Tripping / Slip hazards
  • Items protruding from shelves or tables that may come in contact with a passerby
  • Spill Hazards (any liquids)

Here we describe the online training

A “Class A” Build Zone is one where basic electronics are used requiring careful routing of cords and proper inspection of equipment. Basic 3d printers are included in this zone.

"A" Zone Safety Rules:

• All efforts should be made to ensure that equipment cords:
  • Have no damage
  • Cannot be tripped over
  • Are fully seated in their sockets on both ends
• Equipment shall not be taken apart or used in a manner other than its intended purpose
• Large equipment shall not be lifted without adult supervision
• Hands shall remain away from all equipment while it is in operation
• 3D printing
  • Printers to be operated by trained students only
  • Extruders are always assumed to be hot and hands must be kept away
• Storage Areas and Material Handling
  • Ladders shall only be used on firm footing and fully opened in the case of step ladders
  • All warnings on ladders shall be headed and a ladder cannot be used outside of its intended purpose

A “Class B” Build Zone is one where light to heavy robot work takes place. Rules for Class B build zones include all rules above plus the ones included in this section. Characteristics of a “Class B” zone:

• Working with and around motors, gears, chains, and large moving parts.
• Using basic motorized hand tools - Drills, Sanders, Jig saws.
• Using basic hand tools - hammers, saws, wrenches, etc.
• Using basic chemicals - lubricants, glue, etc.
• Working with Batteries
• Soldering and Crimping
• Programming, Testing, and Driving Robots

Students must have completed

Class B Zone Work Safety Training

"B" Zone Safety Rules:

• Safety Glasses must be worn at all times
• All rules from above must be followed
• Prior to Beginning any Work
  • Mentor or Coach must be present
  • Student must present proof of completion for Class B Zone Work Safety Training
  • The task to be accomplished is understood by all and approved by Mentor
• During Work
  • Mentor may move around from work zone to work zone
    • If a mentor has not been present for over 25 min, stop work and re-establish connection with Mentor
  • Do not attempt work outside your training unless advice/assistance is obtained from Mentors or Coaches
  • Do not deviate from agreed upon work
• After Work
  • Avoid rushing during clean up
  • Make sure all electronics are powered down and robot breaker is tripped
  • Put tools away
  • Vacuum up debris / chips
  • Securely store all project materials in proper place and out of main aisles
  • Notify Mentor of any deviations to rules and any safety concerns
  • Double check your work area and the work area of others

A “Class C” Build Zone is one that involves heavy machinery that can pose danger to life and limb. The entire Autotech service area and Build Rooms are Class C build zones. Rules for Class C build zones include all rules above plus the ones included in this section.