Emergency Procedures

The safety of all team members is the highest priority. In the event of an emergency, students should remain calm, notify a mentor or team leader immediately, and follow established safety procedures. No student should attempt to handle a serious emergency alone.

Reporting an Emergency

If an injury, fire, or other emergency occurs:

1. Stop all work immediately.
2. Turn off and unplug any operating machinery if it is safe to do so.
3. Alert nearby students and mentors.
4. Contact a mentor, teacher, or designated safety captain.
5. Follow instructions from supervising adults and emergency personnel.

Medical Emergencies

For serious injuries:

• Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
• Notify a mentor or teacher immediately.
• Call emergency services if necessary.
• Keep the area clear to provide space for responders.
• Remain with the injured person until help arrives.

For minor injuries:

• Report the injury to a mentor or safety captain.
• Use the first aid kit as directed by an adult.
• Even small cuts or burns should be cleaned and treated promptly.

Fire Emergencies

If a fire occurs:

• Alert everyone in the shop immediately.
• Activate the building fire alarm if necessary.
• Evacuate the area using designated exits.
• Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been trained and it is safe to do so.
• Move to the designated meeting location outside the building.
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.

Battery Emergencies

Robot batteries contain significant stored energy and can become dangerous if damaged.

• If a battery is smoking, leaking, or overheating, notify a mentor immediately.
• Keep people away from the battery.
• Use appropriate battery handling procedures and approved fire suppression methods if trained to do so.
• Do not touch damaged batteries without proper protection.

Chemical Spills

If lubricants, adhesives, cleaning products, or other chemicals spill:

• Notify a mentor immediately.
• Keep students away from the affected area.
• Follow the instructions for the specific material if available.
• Clean the spill only if authorized and properly equipped.

Evacuation Procedures

When instructed to evacuate:

• Stop work immediately.
• Turn off equipment if it is safe to do so.
• Leave tools and materials behind.
• Walk calmly to the nearest exit.
• Proceed to the designated meeting location.
• Remain with the team until attendance has been taken.

Emergency Equipment Locations

All team members should know the locations of:

• First aid kits
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency exits
• Eye wash stations (if available)
• Emergency contact information

After an Incident

Any injury, near miss, equipment failure, or unsafe condition should be reported to a mentor or safety captain. Reporting incidents helps the team improve safety procedures and prevent future accidents.