Health and Safety Evaluation in Design and Technology

Designers have an obligation to ensure their creations not only function as intended but also safeguard the well-being of manufacturers, workers, and users throughout the product’s entire lifecycle. This article guides students through the process of assessing a product in terms of health and safety, identifying potential hazards and risks at each stage in the lifecycle.

Risks during construction

• Will workers have to wear personal protective equipment (masks, goggles, earmuffs, gloves and so on) to construct this product? What does this PPE protect from (toxic fumes, heat, loud noise, bright light from welding, dust, airborne particles)?
• Are there any ventilation requirements for fumes or dust?
• Are there any hazardous materials or processes that could be replaced with safer alternatives?
• Will sheets of material be too heavy for individuals to easily move or manoeuvre? Are there any manual handling risks when moving materials or components? Will forklifts or other machinery be required?
• What are the specific risks associated with each tool?
• Are there risks associated with automated machinery (hair getting caught, overheating/fire)?
• Is it possible to organise the workspace and construction sequence to minimise accidents and injuries?
• Does assembling the product pose harm to users (pinched fingers, or sharp parts that could cause injury while doing up bolts etc)?
• Does the consumer assemble any part of the product (such as flat-packed furniture)?
• Could the product become dangerous if assembled incorrectly?
• Is it likely that supervision of staff is required to ensure that safety protocols are followed?
• Are there any legal requirements or safety standards that must be met during the construction process (such as the use of non-toxic paints on toys, electrical safety for appliances, or wheelchair access, for example)?

Risks during transport and shipping

• Is the product lightweight enough for safe manual handling?
• Is it easy to grip and carry without awkward positions?
• Could the product become unstable during transport?
• Are there any sharp edges that could injure handlers?
• Can the product be stacked safely without toppling?
• Is special lifting equipment required for safe movement?
• Are fragile components adequately protected and could breakage cause harm to shipping staff?
• Is the weight distribution balanced for safe handling?
• Does the packaging protect handlers from any hazardous materials?
• Are there any temperature or pressure considerations during transport?
• Are there components that could become loose or move during transit and create hazards?
• Are there any special storage requirements to maintain safety during transit (temperature, humidity etc)?
• Does the product need specific orientation during transport to remain safe?

Risks during use

• Does the product have any specific safety features that are designed to reduce the risk of injury (such as ergonomic features such as rounded corners)?
• Is the product stable, or could it tip over?
• Does the product move with wind or vibration – and risk falling or causing other problems?
• Do any safety hazards emerge in certain weather conditions? For example, might electrical components get wet in the rain or surfaces become slippery?
• Do any safety hazards emerge at certain times of day, as lighting conditions change?
• Are safety instructions clear and easy to understand?
• Could the product become hazardous if it malfunctions?
• Does the product become unsafe after a certain period of time (such as child car seats)?
• Is ongoing testing or certification required to ensure the product meets safety standards?
• Are warning labels needed and properly placed?
• What are the potential risks for different user groups (children, elderly, disabled)? Are there any age restrictions for use of the product?

Risks during maintenance and repair

• Is it possible to replace certain components if they rust, degrade, or need repair?
• What safety procedures should be followed during maintenance? Are these procedures clearly explained?
• Can parts be safely accessed for maintenance?
• Are there any electrical hazards when servicing the product?
• Is it clear which parts can be safely repaired by users vs. requiring professional service?

Risks during disposal

• Are there any hazardous materials that require special disposal procedures (such as batteries)?
• Is there a risk of chemical exposure when the product is broken down?
• What safety equipment is needed when disassembling the product?
• Is the product to large or bulky to be thrown away?
• Could any materials become dangerous if incinerated?
• – Are there components that need professional disposal services?
• Are disposal instructions clearly communicated to the end user?
• Could the product become unstable or dangerous during disassembly?
• Will the materials naturally degrade? (This discussion can lead on to discussions about sustainability.)