Year 9 Metalwork Lesson: Workshop Safety & Risk Management

Curriculum Links

ACTDEK040: Technologies and Society – Understanding safety, risk, and ethical practice in workshop environments.

ACTDEK046: Materials and Technologies – Safe and effective use of tools and processes in metal fabrication.

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework (ACSF): Cultural Responsiveness Standard – Embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge (e.g., traditional tool-making practices shared by SALT and AIEOs) and community expertise in workshop safety; Resources Standard – Sustainable material use and ethical practice.

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures – Explore connections between traditional Kimberley/Pilbara tool-making knowledge and modern metalwork safety in Derby District High School projects (e.g., Fabricated Metal Stand for Filleting Fish).

Reading: Workshop Safety & Risk Management

Workshop safety and risk management are fundamental to successful and ethical practice in metalwork. In the Design and Technology workshop, students must identify hazards such as flying sparks from grinding, harmful fumes from welding, hot metal surfaces, sharp edges, and noise from machinery. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, aprons, ear protection, and welding helmets is essential. Risk management involves assessing risks, implementing controls like ventilation and guards, and following safe procedures.

In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Aboriginal communities have long practiced safe and sustainable tool-making. Traditional knowledge of using fire safely for crafting spears and boomerangs, and hafting stone tools with natural resins, demonstrates deep understanding of material properties and risk. Today, this knowledge informs modern metal fabrication projects, such as creating durable fish filleting stands or scalers at Derby District High School, where precision and safety ensure longevity and cultural relevance. Ethical practice includes respecting traditional land management and minimizing environmental impact through proper waste disposal and recycling metals.

Understanding the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, PPE) is key. Always document safety checks in journals to promote reflective practice. (Word count: 285)

Spelling Bank

Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a longer sentence with context and meaning):

Example Sentences

  1. The word hazard means a potential source of harm. In the lesson, identify hazards such as sparks from grinding.
  2. The word risk means the chance of injury. In the reading, risk management is essential in metalwork.
  3. The word management means planning to control dangers. In the context, risk management follows safe procedures.
  4. The word Kimberley refers to a region in Western Australia. In the lesson, Kimberley traditional knowledge informs workshop safety.
  5. The word sustainable means using resources responsibly. In the reading, sustainable practices minimise environmental impact.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. __________ are potential sources of harm in the workshop.
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2. Personal Protective __________ includes safety glasses and gloves.
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3. __________ knowledge from the Kimberley informs modern safety.
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4. Risk __________ involves assessing dangers and controls.
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5. Projects like fish filleting stands require __________ and safety.
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6. The hierarchy of __________ helps control risks.
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7. Document safety checks in a __________ for reflective practice.
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Multiple Choice Questions
1. PPE stands for?
Attempts remaining: 2
2. Kimberley traditional knowledge relates to?
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3. Risk management includes?
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4. Derby District High School projects include?
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5. Ethical practice in metalwork includes?
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6. The hierarchy of controls helps with?
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7. Safety checks should be documented in?
Attempts remaining: 2
Correct: 0
Wrong: 0
Complete all questions for results

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