What is the first rule of safety in the Model Shop?

The first rule of safety in the Model Shop is to always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This is crucial because PPE is designed to protect an individual from potential hazards in the environment. In a model shop setting, various tools, materials, and processes can pose risks such as sharp objects, flying debris, exposure to chemicals, or hazardous noise levels. Wearing proper PPE—such as safety glasses, gloves, dust masks, and hearing protection—ensures that you are taking essential precautions to safeguard your health and well-being while working.

By prioritizing the use of PPE, you create a fundamental layer of defense against injuries that could occur during shop activities. This foundational aspect of safety sets the stage for understanding and incorporating additional safety practices, such as having a partner present, reading instruction manuals, or using gloves, which complement the protection that PPE provides but do not supersede its importance.