Occupational Safety, Hygiene and Workplace Practices
What this domain tests
Occupational Safety, Hygiene and Workplace Practices tests safe machine use, electrical precautions, posture, housekeeping, personal hygiene, and first aid in a tailoring room. Questions ask you to identify hazards and the correct control.
Core rules
- Keep machine guards in place and never reach under the needle while the machine is running. Switch off and unplug before threading the bobbin case, cleaning, or changing a needle.
- Wear close-fitting clothes, tie back long hair, and remove dangling jewellery near the flywheel and belt.
- Do not sew over pins. Use a magnetic pin holder, keep pins out of the machine bed, and dispose of broken needles in a closed container.
- Maintain good posture: feet flat, back supported, work at elbow height, and take short pauses. Use adequate light and ventilation; fabric dust and lint affect breathing and eyes.
- Wash hands before handling light-coloured fabric, cover cuts, keep food away from worktables, and clean shared tools.
- Store scissors, blades, and irons safely; wipe oil spills immediately and keep walkways clear.
Worked example
A needle strikes a pin and breaks during stitching. Reasoning: stop and unplug the machine before reaching near the needle. Put on eye protection, remove needle fragments with tweezers and a magnet, and inspect the needle plate and bobbin area. Fit a new needle of the correct size, check that the presser foot is secure, and test on scrap. Record the incident and remind workers not to sew over pins. Never blow lint away with your mouth; use a brush or vacuum.
Traps
Removing a guard for speed; cleaning while plugged in; wearing a loose dupatta or sleeve near moving parts; and leaving hot irons or sharp tools within reach of others.