There should be ample space around the work benches in the technology area. This page discusses few important points that should be considered in this regard, whistle installation and use of a technology area in a school. The PDF file for safe working spaces can be downloaded here

 

Initial assessment

The following should be assessed in the order of priority

• Enough bench space to cater for maximum number of students allowed in the classroom
• Benches 1200 mm apart
• Space to enter the various doorways
• Operating zones and traffic-ways as described below.

It is highly likely that the outcome of this review process will require the removal of some equipment from the room. The type of equipment to remain (if indeed this is the outcome) should be determined by the school (taking into account the condition and safety level of each piece of equipment).

 

Planning Considerations:

To minimise the risk of injury, it is important to ensure that machinery and work areas are laid out in a safe and useable manner. This includes allowing enough space for

• Student circulation
• Instruction by teacher
• Machine maintenance
• Occasional larger projects

 

Space Requirements

1. Operator positions
   1. is considered an integral part of the machine
   2. minimum 600 mm (mandatory) safe space for operating zone
2. Operator Zones
   1. Minimum clearance required to another operator zone or traffic-way (no overlapping - see specific diagrams)
3. Traffic-way zones
   1. These zones are frequently used  and provide safe access between and to all operators
   2. 600 mm mandatory minimum safe space for traffic-ways
4. Machine Zone
   1. minimum clearance (see specific diagrams) to
      1. wall or screen (without traffic-way)
      2. Another machine (non operating side)
      3. Fixture at 'work-plane' level
5. Minor adjustment positions
   1. Indicates machine parts requiring space during adjustment or maintenance

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The diagrams were made using SketchUp and an extension called "Construction Line" to make dotted lines

 

Guide to space management around benches

(Note that these are the minimum requirements for space around the equipment and also the dimensions of the equipment can be different)

 

 

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Guide to space management around CNC milling machine / 3D Printer / Laser Cutter

(Note that these are the minimum requirements for space around the equipment and also the dimensions of the equipment can be different)

 

 

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Guide to space management around bench drill machine / Scroll Saw / Plastic Strip Heater / Plastic forming Machine

(Note that these are the minimum requirements for space around the equipment and also the dimensions of the equipment can be different)

 

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