Specifications

15
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Before commencing any of the construction or completed design of any of the
electronic or mechanical components, it was necessary to undertake some certain
analysis. A safety analysis and a resource requirements and acquisition table was
completed to fully understand the background, direction and precautions to consider
whilst the project was under design and analysis.
3.1 Safety Issues
Safety is a relatively low concern in this project. While various factors require some
attention, there are no large definite risks such as chemical handling. Saying this
however does not mean that there is no cause for concern along the duration of this
project. The following risk assessment outlines the primary hazards and methods of
reducing the risk.
Constructing anything mechanical brings with it some risks. The construction of this
mechanical unit involves cutting, grinding, drilling and using other power tools on
products such as aluminium and timber. Bushes are also to be made from industrial
grade plastics on a lathe. On the electrical side of this project a lot of soldering and
drilling/screwing will also take place. The possible hazards and risks of these
operations are listed below.
3.1.1 Mechanical Safety Issues
Cutting aluminium with drop-saw or similar
Hazard
Occurrence
likelihood
Consequence
H/M/L
Controls to
avoid injury
Risk after
controls
Loud Noise
High- Aluminium
is a noisy material
to work with
H – Hearing
Damage will occur
for multiple cuts
Hearing protection
must be worn
L – Small amount
of cuts no problem.
Flying debris
High – Hot spatter
from saw blade
will fly
H – Blinding if
caught in eyes,
minor burns
possible on skin
Eye protection to
be worn, Face
mask preferable,
non-loose – long
sleeved clothes
L – Adequately
protected
Saw jamb
Medium – If work
not secured piece
may fly
H- possible loss of
fingers in blade or
pinching of skin
Clamp work piece
when cutting
L – If clamped no
problem
Table 3.1: Cutting aluminium safety