Introduction​​​​

This guide for teachers is for supervising the BUILD stage of the design thinking process for Level III students in years 7, 8, and 9 of school; that is 12 to 14-year-old students. This basic guide is provided for discussion only, it is not comprehensive. A list of permitted and forbidden items, and safety to do with building is provided. Please note the disclaimer below.

 

Safety for the BUILD stage

​​​​​​​Permitted tools and materials
The students may only use tools and materials intended for their age group, that is, 12 to 14-year-old students. Source your equipment and supplies by recognised brands from trusted retailers.

• Stationery and school supplies.
  • Non-toxic coloured pens, pencils, and paints.
  • Non-toxic modelling clay.
  • Plastic scale/ruler, eraser, pencil sharpener, note pad, adhesive tape, and so forth.
  • Adhesives.
  • Scissors and other implements.
• Hand tools:
  • Training in the safe use of hand tools is mandatory.
  • Hammers and mallets, screwdrivers, handsaws, chisels, carving tools, pliers, spanners, knives, files and rasps, surform planes, clamps, vices, hand planes, sanding blocks, staple gun, pop riveter.
• Cutter knives:
  • Training in the safe use of cutter knives is mandatory.
  • Use only stainless steel rulers with cutter knives.
  • Cutter knives must be safely stored by the teachers and requested from them and returned to them after every use.
• Power tools:
  • Training in the safe use of power tools is mandatory.
  • Glue gun, cordless screwdriver, electric drill, orbital sander, cordless screwdriver, jig saw, hot air blower, soldering iron, hobby rotary tool.
• Floor-mounted and table-top machines:
  • Training in the safe use of floor-mounted and table-top machines is mandatory.
  • Disk sander, belt sander, pillar drill, scroll saw.
• Working with low-power electronics:
  • Training in the safe use of electronics is mandatory.
  • Students of Level III will be able to safely work with low-power electronics.
• Electricity and electric-powered tools and devices have the following hazards:
  • electric shock and burns from contact with live parts;
  • injury from exposure to arcing (when electricity jumps from one circuit to another);
  • fire from faulty electrical equipment or installations;
  • explosion caused by unsuitable electrical apparatus;
  • static electricity igniting flammable vapours or dusts, for example from spray-paint;
  • electric shocks can also lead to other types of injury, for example by causing a fall when working from ladders or scaffolds, and so forth;
  • incorrectly wiring a plug can be dangerous and lead to fatal accidents or fires;
  • other devices to do with electricity are hazardous: soldering irons must be handled with care because they are electric and get hot, they expose you to lead solder which is a carcinogen, and the fumes emitted by the flux are a respiratory irritant.

​​​​​​Forbidden tools and materials

• Power tools other than those listed above are forbidden for students of this age group.
• Floor-mounted and table-top machines other than those listed above are forbidden for students of this age group.
• Materials:
  • Glass, sheet metal, metal profiles, solid metals, heavy things.
  • PVC and other hazardous plastics. Heating or burning of plastics.
• Processes, substances, and chemicals:
  • Fire or the use of a naked flame.
  • Industrial chemicals, such as oil-based paints and solvents.
• Working from ladders, or at height (standing on a chair or table).
• Working with mains electricity:
  • Mains voltage electrical work is too dangerous to be worked with by Level III students. Rather, have that type of work done by a professional contractor.

Notes

• Do a risk assessment before allowing students to build things using tools.
  • Do individual risk assessments for students or groups working on unique design topics. For example, beware of the danger of students making structures that might collapse.
• The work environment should be protected from the weather, with a comfortable climate (temperature and humidity), and with adequate ventilation and lighting.
  • Noise must be controlled.
• Teachers must supervise at all times when students are building.
• Students may only use tools and machines for which they have been trained, when permitted and overseen by the teacher.
  • Demonstrate the safe use of hand tools, cutter knives, permitted power tools and machines to the students.
  • Tools must be used with their safety features in place.
  • Dust extractors and collectors must be installed for machines and processes that emit dust.
  • Fume extractors must be installed for machines and processes that emit fumes.
  • Vibrating power tools, such as orbital sanders, may only be used by a student for up to 15 minutes a day.
• Students must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when building, including goggles, respirators, and ear plugs.
  • Pay attention to the danger of poking eyes with wires and sticks.
  • Mandate the use of ear plugs in noisy environments.
• Students must wear appropriate dress when building.
  • Lab coats or overalls are recommended.
  • Closed shoes are mandatory. No open shoes such as sandals.
  • No loose fitting clothes, no jewellery, and long hair must be tied back.
• First-aid kit to be kept at hand.
  • It is recommended to have a nurse or medic on standby when the students are working.
• Keep the area clean and the floor free of obstructions.
  • Clean spills immediately.
• Maintain class discipline, and prevent disorderly conduct.
  • No rushing and running within class.
  • No horseplay, play fighting, dares, or practical jokes.
• All tools to be accounted for and stored safely after each session.
• Faulty or broken equipment must be disabled or removed immediately.
• Investigate and report accidents and near-misses (events that nearly result in accidents), in the event that one has taken place.
  • Teachers and students must endeavour to learn from accidents and near-misses to avoid repeating them.

​​​​​​​Disclaimer
Building physical models is potentially dangerous. Verify this guide with the responsible authorities at your institution. First consult your national, state, and municipal regulations; and your school’s or district’s guidelines — they take precedence over this guide. Also verify that your school has adequate insurance coverage for students and staff engaged in working with their hands, using hand tools, power tools, and machines. The Design Thinking for Schools website provides no warranties nor guarantees, neither stated nor implied, with the use of the information posted on this website. The Design Thinking for Schools website is not responsible for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information on this website.