Demonstrator Safety Requirements

[Ken Vasko]

The Nittany Valley Woodturners had a demonstrator at this month's meeting who would not wear a face shield stating that he had safety glasses with side shields and the piece was small, 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 9. Since the club doesn't have any written requirements for safety equipment he was allowed to proceed.
Is there any AAW requirements about safety and club insurance coverage for demonstrators at a club sponsored event? How do other clubs handle demo safety?
Thanks...Ken

 

[Bill Boehme]

The AAW has requirements for demonstrators at AAW symposia and makes recommendations for affiliated clubs, but local turning clubs are independent organizations, and the AAW can't mandate safety requirements for them. I believe that most clubs incorporate AAW recommendations in their safety requirements. Your club's insurance company needs to be aware of your club's written safety requirements designed to mitigate unsafe practices that run the risk of injury. I'm surprised that your club doesn't have any written safety requirements.

 

[Ken Vasko]

The AAW has requirements for demonstrators at AAW symposia and makes recommendations for affiliated clubs, but local turning clubs are independent organizations, and the AAW can't mandate safety requirements for them. I believe that most clubs incorporate AAW recommendations in their safety requirements. Your club's insurance company needs to be aware of your club's written safety requirements designed to mitigate unsafe practices that run the risk of injury. I'm surprised that your club doesn't have any written safety requirements.

Up to this point, all demonstrators have used facemasks so there was never any questions.
Is there a recommended or example document offered by the AAW?

 

[Bill Boehme]

Log in to the AAW website. On the menu bar, click on Chapters. Then select Chapter Officer Toolkit. Here you will find a very large list of topics. Scroll down to near the bottom of the page, and you will see "Sample Demonstrator Contract". If you still have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the AAW office by phone.

 

[Ken Vasko]

It's in "Best Practices". This is what I don't like about our website, it is very obtuse.

 

[Ken Vasko]

Our demonstrator was a club member. This contract is for external demonstrators.
Does a club member have to be a member of AAW to demonstrate at his or her own club meeting? It is already hard enough get demonstrators.

 

[hockenbery]

Our demonstrator was a club member. This contract is for external demonstrators.
Does a club member have to be a member of AAW to demonstrate at his or her own club meeting? It is already hard enough get demonstrators.

It can be tough with a club member.

If your club has a written policy of wearing a face shield - then it’s a bit easier. The demonstrator coordinator can say.
“ our policy requires a face shield if you want to turn in the lathe you need to be wearing one”
That’s pretty clear cut and it isn’t personality against personality.

You can even put a little sign on the lathe near the switch.

Without a written policy the potential exists for creating a division within the club if it become personality against personality.


I have a vague memory of an AAW demonstrator not wearing a face shield because doctors letter said he shouldn’t because of a claustrophobic or anxiety issue that the face shield would trigger.

 

[Wyatt Holm]

I don't understand why you would mandate a face shield. I have watched many demonstrate at symposiums and club meetings. I only recall one demonstrator wear a face shield. If you're concerned enough about the demonstrator needing a face shield, the audience should wear them as well. I think mandatory safety gear is a very dangerous practice. If you require someone to wear a face shield or safety glasses when they are nor necessary, they won't take you seriously when they really need to wear them. Take a beekeeper for example, most beginners will dress up in full gear, gloves, coveralls, and veil. Whereas an experienced beekeeper will often only wear a veil with standard clothing. The beginners will be terrified of being stung, but the experienced one will understand the situation and take other precautions. Working without gloves is necessary for dexterity needed in advanced beekeeping operation. Too many people overlook training for safety. Yes safety gear is needed, but I think it should only be used if there are no other options to safety perform your work.

 

[robo hippy]

Like Grandma used to say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" For me, that ounce is standing out of the line of fire.

robo hippy