SEWING LAB SAFETY CONTRACT
Family and Consumer Sciences sewing labs are a hands-on experience.
Although there is constant supervision, the sewing lab presents potential hazards
due to some of the equipment. As part of the teaching instruction, students are
instructed how to use them and then pass a safety test in order to use and operate
them in class. Below is a list of the equipment that students may use and will be
required to pass a safety test in class by the instructor. Please sign below to indicate
you have read and understand the aforementioned information and that you have
read and will abide by the rules on the back of this sheet. Students will not be
allowed to participate in the sewing lab until this contract is signed by both the
student and the parent/guardian.
Student signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______________
Parent signature: ______________________________________ Date: ______________
Emergency contact phone number(s): ___________________
Safety Performance Log
Equipment used: Date of safety test:
Sewing machines
Irons
Rotary cutter
Lab Safety Rules
Students will abide by the following rules to maintain a safe sewing experience:
Equipment and Tools
● Students will have to use the following tools and equipment in the sewing lab:
scissors and shears, pins, needles, pin cushion, sewing machine, fabric, irons,
measuring tape, seam ripper,and a rotary cutter.
● As the safety performance log indicates, students will be required to demonstrate
safe use of the sewing machine, iron, and rotary cutter in the classroom in order to
be used in the lab as supervised by the teacher. They will be trained in class on using
the rotary cutter and then the iron. The sewing machines will also require training
by the teacher, and this will first be instructed by identifying the parts of the
machine, the function of each part, and then they can practice using it.
Pins and Needles
● Keep pins and needles out of the mouth and off of the table and ground.
● Keep unused pins in the pincushion.
● Remove pins from fabric when going through the sewing machine. Do not sew over pins.
Scissors
● Pass the scissors with the handles toward the other person.
● Avoid gestures including swinging, throwing, or “sword fighting” with scissors around peers.
Iron
● Keep the iron standing up and not flat on the ironing board.
● Do not test iron temperature with your fingers.
Sewing Machine
● Keep fingers and clothing away from the needle in the sewing machine.
● Students must report any damaged cords and parts of the sewing machine to the teacher.
Chemicals
● As part of the learning instruction, students will perform some chemical tests to
identify the fibers and characteristics of the textiles. Bleach is a chemical that can
permanently stain or damage your personal clothes and burn your skin, eyes, nose,
and throat. THIS SHOULD NEVER COME IN CONTACT WITH OR AROUND YOUR
FACE.
● Students will perform a burn lab with textile fibers which they will be required to
pull back their hair, use tweezers, and nonflammable plates or pans.
● Another test students will perform is a chemical test including bleach. Bleach will be
stored in an isolated cupboard away from the workstations and only put out by the
teacher in small portions that each workstation will need to do their test.
○ Students will wear gloves while handling this chemical.
○ Students should only handle pipettes with bleach while applying it to the
textile.
○ Students must avoid contact with their clothes while handling bleach to
prevent stains.
○ Do not touch your face including your mouth and eyes. If your eyes or mouth
do come in contact with bleach, then immediately go to the sink and rinse out
with water under a running faucet.
○ This chemical should be diluted with water in a cup and then slowly poured
down the sink to prevent any splashes.
● Any student that misuses bleach will be dismissed from the lab and have to
complete the assignment of fiber and textile properties through research instead.
Student Behavior
● Do not enter another student’s workstation and distract or mess around with them.
● You are responsible for whatever equipment you use and return it to its rightful
place.
● Any misuse of the lab equipment will result in a zero for that day, and the student
will be required to demonstrate appropriate use of that equipment to the teacher
before being allowed to use it in the lab again.
● Stay in your assigned seat and use only your assigned machine.
Waste Materials
● Any scraps or leftover fabric will be disposed of in open plastic crates in the back of
the room to use for practice and samples.
● The teacher will have a container for bent or broken needles for students to dispose
of.
