Health & Safety In A Workshop

Looking to set up your own jewellers’ workshop? In need of a knowledge refresh on health and safety in a workshop? You’ve come to the right place.

We’ll talk you through all the types of workshop health and safety you’ll need to consider, including the top 10 workshop safety rules. Plus, we’ve outlined all the workshop safety equipment you’ll need to have on hand. Discover more below.

10 workshop health and safety rules

Sharing your workshop with other jewellers? To be completely safe while working on your designs, you’ll need to provide an induction for your employees or fellow designers. To get you started, we’ve provided a list of 10 rules for health and safety in a workshop:

1. Consider your clothing: Wearing appropriate clothing in a jewellery workshop is essential for keeping safe. Avoid wearing tops with long, loose sleeves that could get caught in your equipment. Also if you have long hair, keep it tied back for the same reason.
2. Use safety goggles: Protecting your eyes is a must in a jewellery workshop, and the easiest way to do so is to wear a pair of safety glasses.
3. Wear a face mask: Not only do face masks help to prevent the spread of viruses, they also mean you don’t have to breathe in any harmful dust or particles while working.
4. Protect your fingers: Avoid any nasty scuffs and scratches when polishing your designs by using finger protection skins.
5. Keep your workspace clear: This is especially important if you frequently use chemicals. So be sure to utilise storage to prevent any accidents or spills.
6. Make sure you’re not working in the dark: Ensure you have enough light in your workspace so that you don’t strain your eyes and can see exactly what you’re doing.
7. Use a magnifier: This is especially important when it comes to small, intricate pieces. Much like the above, a magnifier can help to prevent eye strain when working – and even increase the quality of your designs.
8. Use an extractor fan: Even when you’re alone in the workshop, it is vital that there is good ventilation in the room. This helps to keep you from breathing in any harmful particles while creating your designs.
9. Create a process for identifying risks: Take the time to highlight any potential workshop safety hazards and note down how you can ensure your own safety, and that of your employees.
10. Take regular breaks: Especially when completing any activities that require you to stay focused and alert, regular breaks can help you to feel motivated and focused for longer!

Essential workshop safety equipment

Now you know our top 10 rules for health and safety in a workshop, discover the different pieces of equipment you’ll need to maintain these standards.  These items are vital for adhering to jewellery workshop safety rules.

• PPE: Make sure you’ve got extras for inevitable spills, rips or stains. You’ll need plenty for yourself, other creators in the jewellery workshop and enough for any customers who may attend classes. PPE includes protective glasses, dust masks, gloves, finger covers and heat-proof aprons
• An extractor fan/dust extractor: Like mentioned previously, ventilation is key in any jewellery workshop. So if your workspace doesn’t have many windows (if any), it’s definitely worth investing in an extractor fan.
• A first aid kit: Unfortunately accidents do happen, so make sure you’re prepared (just in case) with a full first aid kit on hand.
• Workspace lamps: To ensure you’ve got suitable lighting at every workstation, make sure to provide each workbench with an individual lamp.

And we’re done! Now you know everything you need to about health and safety in a workshop, you’re ready to assess your own space. For more advice on workshops, classes and growing your business, check out our business advice hub today.

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