Safety in the Workplace
The health and safety of our students, staff, and visitors is of the utmost importance at the New Agrarian School. Blacksmithing and associated activities involve certain inherent hazards, and we are committed to conforming to basic safety protocols to minimize the chances of personal injury for all participants.
At the start of each class, the instructor or assistant will review safety information and brief participants on what is required to assure a safe working environment. There are many tools and machines that require specific operating safety rules, some of which will be covered in the general safety information, and some of which will be reviewed in the course of the workshop. All students are required not only to conform with the school’s safety rules, but demonstrate safe practices in all situations.
Hearing, eye, and respiratory protection is required for many activities. Sturdy fire-resistant footwear (typically leather), properly fitting clothing of natural fibers (or synthetic fire resistance fabric, which is not generally necessary) must be worn at all times in the workshop area. Gloves for abrasion and burn protection are required for certain activities.
Students are expected to bring:
- Their own clear protective eyewear. The school will provide shaded eye protection and face shields for activities that require them.
- Gloves for their own general use. Welding gloves, when needed, will be provided by the school.
- Hearing protection. The school will provide foam, disposable earplugs for those who wish to use them.
- Personal respiratory protection they might need, however general purpose dust respirators will be provided by the school.
- Leather apron for use in the forging area. Some leather clothing is available at the school.