Safety Page | BluejacketRobotics

1. Core Safety Documents & Policies

Team Safety Manual: A downloadable or viewable version of the team's specific safety rules and procedures.

Link to Official FIRST Safety Manual: A direct link to the current season’s official safety manual.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS):

Information or links to SDS for chemicals used (e.g., grease, Loctite, cleaners).

Batteries: Duracell, Milwaukee
Lead Free Solder Wire and Spheres: Chip Quik
Grease: IDEALind.com
Hand Sanitizer: Purell
Disinfecting Wipes: Clorox
Aerosol Lubricant: WD40
Thread locker: Loctite
Cleaning Paste: GooGone Erase Paste
PVC Cement: Oatey HD PVC Cement

2. Workshop and Build Season Safety

Proper Attire (PPE): Requirements for safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and hair/clothing safety. Required PPE for FIRST Robotics (FRC/FTC) includes ANSI Z87.1+ certified safety glasses Essential safety gear also includes gloves for handling raw materials and robots, ear protection, and hair ties for long hair to prevent entanglement.

Tool Safety Guidelines: Procedures for using hand tools and power tools. Emphasize mandatory safety glasses, proper training before tool use, securing workpieces with clamps, and avoiding loose clothing/jewelry. Key procedures include inspecting tools for damage, using the correct tool for the task, keeping work areas clean, and never working alone.

Machine Guarding: Rules regarding safety guards on equipment. Machine guarding regulations, mandated by OSHA standard 1910.212(a)(1) and applied to FIRST Robotics, require physical barriers to prevent operator contact with dangerous machine parts (pinch points, rotating components, flying debris)

Electrical/Battery Safety: Proper handling of batteries, charging stations, and wiring. -Proper FIRST Robotics battery safety requires and charging in cool, ventilated areas, using authorized chargers, and never lifting by the wires to avoid internal damage.

Emergency Procedures: What to do in case of injury, fire, or other emergencies.

3. Competition Safety (Pit & Event)

Pit Safety Checklist: A list of items to keep in the pit (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, battery spill kit).-Fire extinguisher, Safety bin (Filled with first aid kit components), Battery Spill kit, Extra Safety Glasses, Hand sanitizer, Gloves, Tissue/Paper towels.

Robot Cart Safety: Guidelines for safe transportation of the robot.

Robot must be lifted with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 3-4 people.
Make sure the robot is secured/balanced on the cart before moving.

Inspection Preparedness: Tips for pre-inspecting the robot to ensure it meets safety standards.

Make sure there are no tools overly close to the robot
Make sure there are no loose screws/make sure every aspect of the robot is fully secured
Make sure there is no loose wiring
Stand clear of any flammable substances

Eating and drinking: must be done on the VERY OUTSKIRTS of the pit away from tools, technology, and the robot. Food may not be kept or stored in the area, and beverages must not be kept/stored in or around the pit unless in a tight, secure bottle.

The pit must be kept as clean as possible, with cleaning periods taking place while the robot is competing.

All tools must be kept nice, clean, and organized.

Behavioral Expectations: Rules against running or horseplay in the pits:

No horseplay of any kind, which includes roughhousing or reckless play of any kind, ESPECIALLY by the robot and tools/technology electronics.
No running whatsoever (Can be negotiated ONLY when a real emergency)
There will be no more than the drive team and selected team members/mentors to fit the number criteria of the drive team(5)[Does not count as people against safety criteria risk], and the pit crew lead, Pit crew(2), and 3 Mentors

4. Safety Leadership & Training

Meet the Safety Captain: A section highlighting the team's Safety Captain(s).

Our Safety Captain (Isaiah Clay) is currently a sophomore at Cambridge-Isanti High, with this being his first year in FRC and a year of background prior in (FTC) robotics. So far, he has taken the role of Safety captain very seriously, implementing great change to help as much as possible and to provide a safe environment.

Training Modules: Information on safety training, such as the UL & FIRST Safety Learning Portal.

Safety Quiz/Quiz Answers: A way to test members' knowledge of the safety manual.

As precautions, we also play jeopardy every Saturday to enhance the learning experience for our team members!

5. Awards & Recognition

Safety Animation Award: Information on the annual safety animation contest.

The Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL Solutions is an annual FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) contest that challenges teams to create a maximum 30-40 second, animated video highlighting safety, typically focusing on themes like sustainability, teamwork, or technical safety. Submissions usually open in October on the FIRST Dashboard, requiring creative, original, animated content.

Safety Recognition Program: Information on how the team recognizes safe behavior.

FIRST Robotics teams foster a culture of safety by implementing recognition programs that reward proactive safe behaviors, such as wearing proper PPE, maintaining clean work areas, and proper tool usage. Recognition often includes "Safety Champion" awards, peer-to-peer shout-outs, and milestone celebrations for accident-free days during build season and competitions.

6. Resources for Parents/Mentors