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Robotics Team 3128 Onboarding & Basic Safety Training

2024 - 2025 Edition

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Welcome!!

Welcome to Robotics Team 3128!

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We Take Safety Seriously

In order to join Robotics Team 3128, you must pass the Basic Safety Quiz with an 85% or higher.

To pass the Basic Safety Quiz, review:

(this is also on our website at Team 3128: Safety)

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FIRST Takes Safety Seriously

Yes, the Basic Safety Quiz is

an open-book Quiz

(If you don’t pass the first time, please take it again until you do)

There is a lot of demographics/information collection at the beginning of the quiz - Why? - So we can contact you, contact your Parents (in case of injury), and demographics that some of our sponsors want. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out.

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Other Documents

Links to these documents are in the Quiz, but here’s a preview:

(estimated time for all documents to review is 2 hours)

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Issues/Problems/Questions

If you run into any problems with this presentation or the quiz

Don’t Panic!

Please contact Chris Low (Team Coach)

chris@team3128.org OR info@team3128.org

You can see a list of our Team Coaches and Mentors at http://team3128.org/about/mentors/

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Issues/Problems/Questions

When you contact us by email….

DON’T use your school-issued email (LastnameA1234@my.sduhsd.net)

You can email out - no one can email in

we CANNOT respond to your school email all outside emails are blocked.

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Safety!!

Our Team has a LOT of Great Tools

Our Tools can, must & will be used Properly & Safely

Every member of our Team must be aware of:

  • What tools we have
  • How to safely use our tools
  • Any potential dangers in the Workshop
  • Safe use, repair and handling of our robots
  • How to keep yourself and others safe!

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FIRST Takes Safety Seriously

Instilling a culture of safety is a value that every individual in the FIRST community must embrace as we pursue the mission and vision of FIRST.” - 2019 FIRST Safety Manual

It’s possible that you have never worked with hand or power tools, heavy machinery, or robots before. Just being around these tools requires some knowledge and care to keep yourself and others safe.

The following safety training will prepare you to work with Hand Tools, handling our Robots, and how to safely be in the workshop while Power Tools are being used.

If you have been accepted into the Mechanical or Controls Divisions, then additional safety training is required (should be in your acceptance email).

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Where Safety Matters

Much of the following material covers Team 3128’s workshop and tools on the CCA Campus

And at Robotics competitions:

  • 1 local Competition in San Diego
  • 2 Regional Competitions (somewhere)
  • World Championships in Houston, Texas (Hopefully!)

Safety is a Big Deal at Competitions, even for Spectators

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Some Basic Info…..

Where:

Robotics workshop is in the Admin Building

(under the Learning commons)

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Training Starts here

This stuff will be on the Quiz

(start paying attention now)

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Team Terminology

Workshop: In the Admin building, before you go through the tall CCA fence. Under the Learning Commons

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Team Terminology

Patio: The fenced off area outside the Workshop, but inside the beige fence.

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Team Terminology

Cage: Large conference room in the Admin building, inside the CCA gate (we use it a lot).

Swarf: Chips of metal, wood or plastic, debris, dust, generally the byproduct of working with tools which can destroy tools and electronics, or cause injury to humans. Swarf is evil and should be cleaned up immediately.

Visitor Safety glasses: Stash of safety glasses for visitors between the workshop small & garage doors.

Hearing protection: Industrial ear muffs stored near the garage door.

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When the Workshop is Open

The small Workshop door must remain open at all times when the Workshop is open.

The large Workshop “garage door” should be open (usually is) but a Coach/Mentor may determine there is a reason to close it.

For safety reasons, a Mentor or Coach CANNOT be alone in the Workshop with a student who is not their child/relative.

When enough students leave that it’s down to 1 student and 1 Mentor/Coach - the workshop will be closed.

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When the Workshop is Open

  • Keep fenced area (aka “Patio”) gates open

  • Open both windows inside the workshop
    • Last person out - Close them

  • Keep interior doors CLOSED (to the Admin area)
    • We are loud
    • Do not use the Admin bathrooms (unless you get injured, stuff in your eyes, emergencies)

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Tools and Terminology

“What is a POWER TOOL”?

Why does this matter?

You need a Coach or Mentor IN the workshop to operate Power Tools (not just nearby, IN the workshop)

If it is a Power Tool OR a Hand Tool capable of throwing chips/swarf/hazards, you must wear Safety Glasses while using it, or within 5 feet of it being used.

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Terminology

  • TOOL or HAND TOOL: Mechanical or construction hand tools with no power component– saw, hammer, wrench, etc.�
  • POWER TOOL: Any tool that has a power cord or battery – Lathe, milling machine, CNC Router, belt sander, hand drill, Impact driver, drill press, chop/miter saw, bandsaw, grinder, table saw, soldering iron, compressor, Laser, etc.
  • Exceptions - NOT a Power tool by decree: Computer, 2D and 3D printer, sewing machine, shop-vac, vacuum cleaner
  • NEAR: Within 5 feet of you (capable of throwing scrap/chips)
  • “Patio”: the fenced area outside the workshop

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Rules of Thumb

  • When using any Power Tools - wear Safety Glasses
  • When using Hand Tools that could throw swarf/cause hazards - wear Safety Glasses
  • When within 5 feet of Power Tools/Hand Tools being used - wear Safety Glasses
  • When working on the Robot - wear Safety Glasses
  • Even if you already wear glasses - wear Safety Glasses
    • Exceptions: 3D or 2D printers, sewing machines, computers, shop vac - no safety glasses required
  • When in doubt: ASK a Mentor or Department Head (and the answer will usually be…… wear Safety Glasses)

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Rules of Thumb

  • Never underestimate common sense
    • if you have none, get some
  • Be aware of your surroundings:
    • Is the floor wet? (yes, that’s a problem)
    • Are there thunderstorms?
    • Is there potential close fire danger?
    • What’s the condition of the tools I’m using?
    • If it looks questionable, it’s probably UNSAFE

  • First aid kits - we have several in the workshop, use them! Band aids, disinfectant, splinter removal…

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Everyday Workshop Rules Pt. 1

NOTE: These are MANDATORY rules when in the workshop:

  1. Every team member has passed the Basic Safety Quiz and earned safety glasses. Mentors, Coaches and Students.
  2. A Mentor is IN THE WORKSHOP while any Power Tools are being used.
  3. Wear safety glasses when you are within 5ft. of Power Tools, hand tools that can throw swarf, or the robot if it is being operated or worked on. Even if you aren’t operating them/working with them.
  4. Visitors: If Power Tools are being operated, provide visitors with safety glasses and escort them through the workshop.
  5. Closed toed shoes ONLY in the workshop at all times.
  6. If you have any questions or problems, ASK a trained member, Division Head, or Mentor.
  7. DON’T distract people who are working with power tools.

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Everyday Workshop Rules Pt. 2

  1. For all Power Tools, complete required training for each tool. THIS is not that training.
  2. Turn off and unplug tools before adjusting them.
  3. If anything gets sucked into a machine, let it go and get out of the way. When it is safe to do so, turn the machine off and retrieve it. Finally, check that the tool is safe to use again.
  4. Avoid creating tripping hazards: don't run power cords or anything else across walkways. Walkways should be clear at all times.
  5. When performing a task, have adequate lighting and space.
  6. Clean up your work area after EACH use!
    1. There can be consequences for forgetting (aka “The Job Jar”)
  7. Clean up any spilled liquids IMMEDIATELY.

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Safety Glasses - Types

Regular

Side Shields

Over Prescription Glasses

Fancy

Goggles

Full Face

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Safety Glasses - Storage

Once you complete all this stuff (quizzes, forms, STIMS, etc.) you will be issued (by your department coordinator) a pair of safety glasses and a storage pouch in the workshop.

  1. Put your name on your safety glasses
  2. Store your safety glasses in your pouch
  3. DO NOT take them home (you WILL forget to bring them back)
  4. If you lose or “forget” your safety glasses, YOU must go buy yourself another pair

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Gloves

Minimal glove use in the workshop

  • Latex and form-fitting gloves available
  • Primarily used for cleaning/food handling
  • Heavy gloves available (2 pairs)

Do NOT wear gloves when operating tools unless instructed to do so

  • Wearing heavy gloves on some power tools can be a safety hazard

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Food & Trash

Yes, you can eat in the Workshop

Do NOT eat near computers or power tools (spilled soda + crumbs + electronics is BAD)

Please put all food waste in the trash cans on the Patio or Outside the Patio

  • Food attracts rats (eww) and makes the school angry at us
  • If you put it in the fridge, CLEAN IT OUT

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Food & Trash

If you leave a mess/don’t clean up…

…then Food will be BANNED in the workshop

You have been warned

Please put all food waste in the trash cans on the Patio or Outside the Patio

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Workshop Closing Practices

  1. 100% make sure that your work area and the entire workshop is cleaned up before you leave
    • Even if it isn’t your mess, help clean it up
    • ‘cause if you don’t, there can be consequences
  2. Make sure all tools are brought in from outside/Patio
  3. Make sure robot is inside the workshop
  4. Make sure all machines are Completely turned off
  5. Make sure you have a way to get home before the workshop closes

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Workshop No Nos

NEVER EVER (EVER)...

  • … Be in the Workshop ALONE
  • Operate tools...
    • … if you are tired or feel ill
    • … if you have recently taken medication that can impair your thinking i.e cold and/or cough medication
  • Use a tool without inspecting it first. Ensure the tool is in good condition; otherwise, report it to a Mentor or Division Head
  • ...Use a Power Tool unless a Mentor is IN THE WORKSHOP
  • … Leave a workspace messy: clean up after EACH use.

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Dress Code Don'ts

While working with workshop tools...

  • Don’t wear loose articles of�clothing i.e jewelry, scarves,�etc.; stow these away in a�backpack prior to entering�the shop
  • Don’t wear open toed�shoes
  • Don’t wear hoodies,�particularly those with�drawstrings
  • Tie back long hair

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Basic Workshop Tools

  • The following slides will go over basic workshop tools, both Hand and Power, and safety precautions to take when utilizing said tool(s)

  • This list is NOT all-inclusive, however, gives a good overview of basic tool safety
  • When in doubt: ASK!

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Hand Tools vs. Power Tools

Hand Tools are powered by your hands

  • hammer, screwdriver, chisel, saw, etc.

Once you pass BASIC Safety Quiz (& earn

your Safety glasses) you may use all the

Hand Tools, computers & sewing

machines in the Workshop

Power Tools - uses a Power Cord or Battery

Additional training is required to use Power Tools & 3D printers in our workshop

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Basic Workshop Hand Tools

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Basic Hand Tool Safety

  • Do NOT use a tool if the handle surface has splinters, burrs, cracks or splits
  • Do NOT carry sharp/ pointed hand tools such as screwdrivers, drill bits, saws or files in your pocket
    • Carry all sharp tools in sheaths�or holsters
  • Do NOT throw tools from one location to another
    • Carefully hand off tools to another person, directing sharp points and cutting edges away from yourself and the other person
  • Do NOT use hand tools if your hands are greasy, wet or injured

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What is a Power Tool?

GENERALLY:

  • if it has a power cord or battery, it’s a power tool
  • if it could eject shrapnel, it’s definitely a power tool
  • DO NOT plug a power tool into an extension cord which is then plugged into a power strip (also called "Daisy-chaining")

Power Tools: Lathe, Milling Machine, CNC Router, belt sander, hand drill, Impact driver, drill press, chop saw, bandsaw, grinder, table saw, soldering iron, laser, compressor.

By decree, the following are not power tools:

  • Printer (2D or 3D)
  • Sewing Machine
  • Computer
  • Shop Vac

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Workshop Power Tools

The following are simple descriptions of workshop power tools for information only, so you recognize them.

The Mechanical and Controls Departments require training in power tools. Tool certification training, and additional safety training are required. Some tool training for members of other Departments may be available (if time allows).

You may OBSERVE a trained student operating a Power Tool if you are in training, while obeying all the rules around Power Tools

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Workshop Power Tools

Drill Press

Lathe (have 2, this is the new one)

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Workshop Power Tools

CNC Router

Chop Saw/Miter saw

Grinder

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Workshop Power Tools

Saber Saw

Soldering iron/pencil

Hand Drill

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Workshop Power Tools

Band Saw

Compressor

Impact Driver

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Workshop Power Tools

Table saw

Belt Sander

Laser (completely separate training)

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Per FIRE CODE:

  1. Tools may be plugged directly into the wall, or
  2. Tools may be plugged into a power strip which is plugged into the wall.

ILLEGAL:

Anything that is permanently connected to a wall plug with an extension cord. Don’t do it!!

You can TEMPORARILY use an extension cord, but must put it away when you are done.

Power Strips & Extension Cords

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Power Strips are generally rated for 12 Amps (at 120 V)

(Some have a circuit breaker that will cut power if you go over their limit)

If a power strip seems to be “turning itself off”

OR

if the plug is getting hot

...then it’s a good bet that you have exceeded the safe amperage of the power strip.

You can easily start a fire/melt your power strip/destroy your equipment if you overload your power strip

So for Goodness Sake Don’t Do this!

Know your current limit, and what your power strip can handle

Power Strips & Extension Cords

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HD orange power cords: 13 Amps @ 120V

(HD = Home Depot)

Random power strip (HD): 15 Amps @ 125V

HDX extension cord(HD): 10 Amps @ 125V

12-Outlet Aluminum Power Strip:

12 AC outlets rated at 15 Amp each

(now THAT is a power strip!!)

Power Strips & Extension Cords

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A waffle iron uses an average of ~1150 Watts (800-1500 W typical)

  • at 120 V (wall voltage), that’s 9.6 Amps (Power= Volts * Amps)

A power strip is generally rated for 12 Amps (at 120 V)

  • So 2 waffle irons will draw (9.6 Amps *2) = 19.2 Amps

If you run 2 or more waffle irons through one power strip, you will greatly exceed the safe amperage of a power strip - which could:

  • start a fire
  • permanently damage the power strip
  • permanently damage the waffle iron

Therefore, a waffle iron should always be used with it’s own power cord, or ONE waffle iron per power strip.

Power Strips & Extension Cords

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Working on the Robot

Most students who directly handle the Robot are part of the Mechanical or Controls Departments

    • they have extra required safety training

But - at any time you could be asked to participate or help!

Make sure to wear your safety glasses when working on any FIRST Robot

The next slide shows the basic safety precautions for working on a Robot

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Working on the Robot

Before you work on a Robot:

  1. Put on your Safety Glasses
  2. Disconnect the robot battery
  3. Discharge/vent all pneumatics and make sure all pneumatics gages read 0 (zero)
  4. If you are going to connect a battery, make sure no one is still touching it (CLEAR!!)
  5. Lifting a robot takes at least 3 (three) people - 2 to lift, and a lookout to clear the way
  6. Before you lift a robot, make sure all parts are secure, and no one is still working on it!
  7. After a competition round, INSPECT the battery for damage

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When to Wear Safety Glasses

Requires Safety glasses

Does Not Require Safety Glasses

Power tools (have power cord)

Example:

  • CNC
  • Laser
  • Lathe
  • Hand Drill

Hand tools that produce swarf

Example:

  • Chisel
  • Saw
  • Tap
  • File

While working on the robot

Example:

When working on the robot

Things that have power cords but are not considered power tools

Example:

  • Computer
  • Shop Vac
  • 3D and 2D printer
  • Sewing Machine

hand tools that should not produce shrapnel

Example:

  • Scissors
  • Wrench
  • Screwdriver

Safety glasses are required while working on the Robot. Period.

Even if you are using a Hand tool.

Before using any tools, please inspect the general area, the machine tool, and any cutting blades to make sure the tool is safe to use

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Robot Battery

Our robot is powered by a 12V battery

Care and handling of these batteries is crucial - a dead battery will leave us dead on the field.

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Battery

How to carry a battery:

  1. Wear Safety Glasses
  2. Inspect the battery for damage or leaks - if you find any, get a Mentor/Coach
  3. Pick it up and support it from the BOTTOM
  4. Use 2 hands to carry it
  5. Do NOT grasp or lift a battery by the Cables!
  6. Only carry 1 (one) battery at a time

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Battery - Disaster Kit

Batteries can leak acid…

  • If you see drops of clear liquid on a battery OR
  • Any liquid leaking from, near or under a battery OR
  • A lot of rust under a battery

IMMEDIATELY notify the “adult on deck”

(Mentor or Coach)

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Battery - Disaster Kit

Find the “ Battery Disaster Pack” (Controls has custody)

Put on SAFETY GLASSES and gloves

  • Bring the Disaster Pack to the battery
  • Put the battery IN the plastic container
  • Pour baking soda on the spilled fluids and on the inside of the bin to absorb the leaking fluids.

Once soda-ized, the acid will be in two less acidic components and can be cleaned up with the paper towels.

Still don’t touch with bare skin!

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Accidents, Boo-boos & Ouchies

Team 3128 Workshop has a First Aid Kit and people trained in First Aid

  • Know where the First Aid Kit is in the Workshop
    • Hint - near the microwave & fridge

  • Report all accidents and injuries NO MATTER HOW SMALL to the Mentor/Coach on Duty
    • If serious, we will notify parents and the school
    • If very serious, we will call 911

Don’t come in the workshop if you feel unwell

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Parents and Visiting the Workshop

Parents - may visit the workshop IF CCA rules allow

  • For their safety, always escort any visitor in and introduce them to the Mentor on Duty, or Team President, who can escort them from there.
    • even if no power tools are used, they shouldn’t just walk in

  • If Power Tools are in operation, get them a pair of Visitor safety glasses and make sure they follow all safety rules while escorting them.

We occasionally have visits from Faculty or School Board - please use the above rules and ensure their safety at all times.

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Dangerous Conditions

If you at any point witness any dangerous or hazardous conditions, or at any point feel unsafe in the workshop….

PLEASE report it right away to a Coach or Mentor!

We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time in the workshop

We want everyone to feel safe in the workshop.

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A Few Other Robotics Notes

The Head organization for FRC Robotics is FIRST - they design the game, organize the competitions worldwide, control the rules - basically everything https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc

Additional websites with information and discussion about FRC:

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Some Basic Info…..

Where:

Our Robotics workshop is in the Admin Building

(under the Learning commons)

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Team Calendar

Team Google Calendar: Team 3128: Calendar

  • Training season (fall): generally M, Tu, F
  • Build Season: Jan. 4 2025 through mid-April 2025
  • Summer Camp: July (?) 2025

Mandatory Attendance Days

(warn your parents now)

  • Saturday Jan. 4 through Tuesday Jan. 7 2025 (9 AM - 5 PM)

(YES, the last 4 days of winter break)

  • Monday Jan. 20 2025 (9 AM - 5 PM)
  • Monday Feb. 17 & Tuesday Feb. 18 2025 (9 AM - 5 PM)

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Some Basic Info…..

Team 3128 Coaches:

Christine Low Pat Maynard Garrison Price

Team 3128 Mentors:

Fred Chen Lisa Saam Paul Saam Wendy Dimmock Mike Brown Daniel Rothfusz

Cole Reiner Sylvia Chan Ningze Sun Aaron Dolgin Sam Kleinberg Chad Sweet

  • Coach: (glorified mentor) has Keys!!! SDUHSD employee
  • Mentor: Officially vetted District volunteer

Per CCA rules, a Coach MUST be on Campus for the Workshop to open/tools to be used.

The words Coach and Mentor are used interchangeably, unless we need to differentiate.

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Issues/Problems/Questions

If you run into any problems with this presentation or the quiz

Don’t Panic!

Please contact Chris Low (Team Coach)

chris@team3128.org OR info@team3128.org

(do NOT use your school email !!!)

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Now What?

Congratulations, you have reviewed the Basic Safety Presentation!

Now, Go back to the email that linked to this presentation, and find the other links to the video and Basic Safety Quiz

    • View the 7 minute Video
    • Go pass the quiz (85% to pass) that was linked in your �Team acceptance email
    • Yes, it is an open-book test.