Safety
Safety of participants is a major concern at a robotics event, both within the venue and beyond its doors. As always, common sense should prevail. Below are just a few of the safety practices participants and guests should follow.
Outside the Venue
- It is always a good practice for students to travel in groups, never alone.
- Have a basic understanding of entrances and exits to the building. If a map is available, keep it on hand.
- Be aware of the traffic flow and walking hazards to and from your transportation.
- Keep your vehicles locked.
Inside the Venue
- If you have physical limitations, contact the Event Partner for possible accommodations.
- Always know where First Aid and safety devices are located.
- Assign a person to monitor safety for your team at the event.
- Keep your pit area clean and neat.
- Avoid trip hazards by keeping the floor in your pit area clear.
- Store all tools and sharp objects when they're not in use.
- Check with the Event Partner on where to connect your battery chargers.
- Work on your robot in your pit area. Do not work on your robot in aisles.
- Do not create any structures in your work area that may fall over.
- When testing your robot, be aware of your surroundings and people who are standing nearby.
- Always wear appropriate shoes. Open-toed shoes and sandals are highly discouraged.
- Running, pushing, shoving, and other aggressive behavior must be avoided.
- Keep trash and other debris picked up.
- Report any safety concern to the Event Partner.
V5 Robot Safety
- When working on your robot, be careful of pinch points and sharp edges.
- Power tools such as die grinders, reciprocating saws, and lathes are generally not allowed. Check with the Event Partner before bringing them to an event.
- Any tool that creates sparks should not be used. I.e. A Dremel should be operated at speeds that do not create sparks.
- Appropriate eye protection is recommended anytime a tool that has rotational motion is powered on and when working on or driving a robot.
- Safety glasses are required for all drive team members on the field and are highly recommended in the pit areas.