D&T equipment maintenance isn’t something to overlook or forget about; it’s a key part of ensuring design and technology workshop safety. When you prioritise D&T equipment maintenance, it’s a lot easier to stay on top of safety, compliance and student satisfaction.
Why D&T Equipment Maintenance is Non-Negotiable
Faulty equipment can put staff and students at risk, and it’s not something to be left to chance. Servicing equipment is also a cost-effective way to manage maintenance, as preventive maintenance tends to be cheaper than emergency repairs and last minute equipment replacements.
There’s also the benefit of properly maintained tools working better and lasting longer. Not only does this ensure you get more out of your investment, but it enables students to use high quality equipment, providing everything they need to create high quality work. Plus, schools are legally obligated to inspect and maintain equipment to ensure its safety. Without D&T equipment maintenance, there’s no guarantee that machines are safe to use.
School Equipment Servicing Frequency
Not all school equipment needs to be serviced at the same time, which is why it’s a good idea to have a checklist of what needs servicing and when. This helps to ensure design and technology workshop safety, and also makes sure small issues are found before they turn into bigger, more costly and harder to fix problems.
Sewing Machines and Textile Equipment
Lint can build up, causing overheating, poor quality stitching and even the breakdown of machines. This is why it’s important to clean lint and dust weekly, as well as checking needles and thread tension. For a more in-depth inspection, schedule a full service by a qualified technician annually, and oil moving parts as needed.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems
LEV systems protect staff and students from hazardous dust and fumes, and poor function can lead to long-term health risks and non-compliance with legal regulations. This is why it’s important to visually check for obstructions and airflow issues weekly. Schools have a legal requirement to have LEV systems checked by a certified engineer at least every 14 months, and records of the inspection need to be kept.
Woodwork and Metalwork Machinery
You should check cleanliness and guard positioning on a daily basis, and conduct a safety check before every use. Lubrication, blade sharpening and belt tensions are also important, but these can be looked at on a monthly basis. As is the case with all D&T equipment maintenance, woodwork and metalwork machinery should be thoroughly inspected and serviced by an expert once a year. Faulty guards, worn parts and damaged machinery can lead to severe injuries, but regular servicing picks up on any potential problems.
Art Kilns
To ensure kilns continue to work to the best of their ability, and to reduce the risk of incomplete firings and damage student work, inspect shelves and elements after each use to ensure there’s no visible damage. Wiring and plugs should be looked at monthly, and a full service should be scheduled annually. This includes checking everything from element resistance to controller calibration.
Hand Tools and Power Tools
D&T workshops use a lot of hand tools and power tools, and these need to be visually checked before use. This means checking cables, blades and safety switches, and organising repairs if anything looks amiss. If hand tools and power tools are electric, they need to be PAT tested by an engineer and have their motors serviced annually. As these tools are in frequent use, they’re at risk of degrading quicker than other equipment. Maintenance keeps them safe and effective.
Maintaining D&T equipment isn’t just a case of ticking boxes, it’s about ensuring staff and student safety, boosting machine reliability, and making sure you get long-term value out of your workshop. Faulty machines can lead to downtime, wasted materials and serious accidents, not to mention the risk of the school breaching compliance regulations. Whether you’re managing a large high-tech workshop or smaller space, prioritising equipment servicing is key. Get in touch to find out more.