top of page

Safety

The Wirewolves believe that the emotional safety of our members comes before the technical constraints of the bot. We know that robot safety and personal protective equipment are mandatory. But we encourage team members to take breaks, step away, and decompress when the pressure of competition hits!

Develop a good safety attitude based on:
Good behavior
Good judgement
Following safety rules
NOT taking short cuts

Order of Prevention & Protection:

Eliminate safety hazards: cluttered work areas, out-of-date, pre-safety standard, broken, ill-repaired, jury-rigged, otherwise unsafe tools & equipment.
Substitute change things that aren't currently safe: improve lighting around equipment, replace worn bits/blades/cutters/sanding belts/grinding wheels. Replace worn out equipment with newer, safer models. Inspect and repair/replace worn extension & tool electrical cords.
Engineer Controls maintain equipment keeping it in good repair. Devise better workshop layouts, raw material storage organization, purchase new tools.
Administrative Controls devise new safety procedures, install warning signs, operating instructions, develop a maintenance schedule, train people, track training
Personal Protective Equipment - safety glasses, ear plugs, hard hat, work clothing, foot gear, gloves, welding shields

1000003537_edited.png

Shop Safety

  • Be trained in the proper use of machinery

  • are tools being maintained and kept in good repair? Using sharp tools is actually safer than using dull tools.

  • proper clamping, guides, shields

  • proper lighting to see the work and use tools

  • Welding eye shields, leather long sleave apron & gloves and curtains to guard the casual eyes of passersby.

  • Battery setup, handling, charging, transportation

  • Be aware of site restrictions, e.g., no students in robotics room without advisor supervision

  • Ensure enough space around machinery to safety move and work

Robot Safety

  • Mechanical (gear pinching, sharp edges)

  • Electrical (exposed contacts)

  • Potential/Kinetic energy (springs, elastic, gas shocks, raised arms/elevators, spinning flywheels/shooters, install guards where possible & reasonable)

  • Label main breaker

  • Safe transport of the robot (lifting, secure cart support, cautious movement through crowds)

  • Repeatedly warn people whenever the robot goes live or enabled

Safetly Card

This is Wirewolves safetly card. This is something we hand to other teams as they walk around to scout the basics of our robot. It includes basic human needs that can be located at our pit opened to everyone! Don't be afriad to come by! 

Copy of WellnessPRIME (1).jpg

Safety Captain Responsibilities
At home

  • promote safety and safe practices

  • safety information and tips

  • research new practices

  • proper shop training/track who has been trained

  • safety labeling

  • travel/stay



 

At event

  • Safety Checklist

  • Be aware of site restrictions, e.g., no floor-standing power tools, no flames, no grinding (sparks, unattended hot soldering irons, 10' height limit)

  • Be aware of site specific emergency procedures

  • Remind members to bring and be responsible for their own safety glasses

  • Insure spare safety glasses are available for parents/visitors

  • Safety Captain meeting: Reminder Sheet

  • Interact with Safety Advisors/inspectors. They rate teams on safe behaviors, safe physical conditions, use of proper safety equipment

  • Continuing Pit working conditions (overcrowding, loose trash, safe battery handling, no daisy-chained power strips)

  • Pit trash bag

  • Pit Battery setup, handling, charging, transportation, plan to handle & dispose of damaged batteries

  • Remember that people have the right-of-way, not robots

  • Inspect and correct Pit conditions at the end of each day (neat, clean, orderly)

  • Inspections after teams leave include:

    • The floor in and around your Pit Station

    • Proper tool storage

    • Proper care of batteries and battery chargers

    • Tidy storage of personal belongings and equipment

  • EMTs on-site

  • notify Pit Admin of incidents

  • learn what harzardous materials we use

  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and how to read/use them (battery, chemicals, special materials,e.g., composites/fiberglass, or other hazardous material)

  • MK Battery MSDS

  • Before using any chemical, read the container label and the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs.) They provide the following information:

    • Hazardous ingredients

    • Exposure limits

    • Physical and chemical characteristics, including the boiling point, vapor pressure, color and odor

    • Physical hazards, including the flammability, explosiveness, and reactivity

    • Health hazards, including toxicity and carcinogenicity

    • First-aid procedures

    • Proper leak, spill, and disposal techniques

    • Proper storage and handling procedures

    • Other special provisions

  • Nominate/highlight other teams for safe practices/ideas

Safetly Captains

Our Safety Captains, Whittley Shiffrin and Jonah Kirkpatrick both work together to ensure our team is both mentally and physically well!

Copy of WellnessPRIME (1).jpg
Copy of WellnessPRIME (1).jpg

Safety Captains

Our Safety Captains, Whittley Shiffrin and Jonah Kirkpatrick both work together to ensure our team is both mentally and physically well!

Untitled74_20251112120034.png
Untitled74_20251112120034.png
bottom of page