Grade 7 Pre-technical FOUNDATIONS OF PRE-TECHNICAL STUDIES – Safety in the work environment Notes
FOUNDATIONS OF PRE-TECHNICAL STUDIES
Learning objectives
- Know why safety is important in workshops and classrooms.
- Identify common hazards and how to prevent them.
- Learn basic personal protective equipment (PPE) and first-aid steps.
- Understand emergency actions and the Kenyan emergency numbers.
Why safety matters
Safety keeps you and your friends healthy and able to learn. A safe work area prevents injuries like cuts, burns, electric shock and falls. When everyone follows safety rules, the classroom and workshop are calm and useful for learning new skills.
Common hazards in the school workshop
- Sharp tools: knives, saws and chisels can cut skin.
- Electric equipment: frayed wires or wet hands can cause shocks.
- Chemicals: glue, paint or cleaning liquids can irritate skin or eyes.
- Hot surfaces: irons or soldering tools can burn.
- Slips, trips and falls: tools or spills on the floor cause accidents.
Basic safety rules (Do's and Don'ts)
- Wear the right PPE (helmet, goggles, gloves, apron).
- Ask teacher permission before using tools or machines.
- Keep your workspace clean and tidy.
- Read labels on chemical containers before use.
- Tell an adult about hazards or accidents immediately.
- Don't run in the workshop or carry sharp tools while running.
- Don't use wet hands on electrical equipment.
- Don't play with tools or switches.
- Don't mix chemicals unless a teacher says so.
- Don't leave tools on the floor where others can trip.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always use PPE that fits. PPE protects the body from cuts, dust, chemicals and heat. Replace damaged PPE and clean reusable items after use.
Basic first aid for small accidents
- Stay calm and call for the teacher or first aider.
- For small cuts: wash with clean water, apply gentle pressure, and cover with a clean dressing.
- For burns: cool the burnt area with clean cool water for 10–20 minutes (do not use ice).
- For chemical splashes in the eye: rinse the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek help.
- For electric shock: do NOT touch the person if still in contact with the electricity—switch off power first, then help and call emergency services.
Emergency procedures & signage
Know where exits, fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are. Signs are important — learn these:
Safe handling of tools and machines
- Use the right tool for the job and keep it sharp and clean.
- Hold tools firmly and cut away from your body.
- Turn off machines and unplug before cleaning or adjusting.
- Never reach under a running machine; wait for it to stop.
Keeping the workspace tidy
A clean workplace reduces accidents. Put tools back in their place, wipe spills immediately, and keep floors and walkways clear.
- Machines switched off and unplugged
- Tools stored safely
- Work area swept and free of scraps
- PPE returned or cleaned
Class activity (5–10 minutes)
In pairs, students list five hazards they can find in the classroom or workshop and write one way to make each hazard safer. Share answers with the class.
Mini quiz (for learners)
- Give two reasons why PPE is important.
- What should you do if someone gets an electric shock?
- Name a safe way to carry a sharp tool.
Notes for the teacher
- Start lessons with safety rules and a short demonstration of correct PPE use.
- Keep a visible chart of local emergency contacts and the location of safety equipment.
- Practice an emergency drill each term so students know where to go and what to do.