Order as organisation

Order as organisation not only means a clean environment in which everything is in its place.

In our usual place of business, where we are familiar with the environment and the arrangement of the instruments, it is quick and easy to carry out different operations; but when  operating in a new and unknown environment, even when they are clean and tidy, the same operations require a longer time. The difference is that in our environment we  have a more complete and clearer view of the work and  higher concentration, which allow us to mentally encompass all the steps that we have to follow.

Undoubtedly it is easier to find a tool in a labelled drawers rather than amongst a  pile of tools on a bench, but that is not enough.

The order in question is a mental order, which allows  improvement in the way work is conducted and consequently in security.

It is rather like sitting at a desk to write some important notes: in the tranquillity of the room everything necessary is at hand. After a short time, the mind reaches the maximum concentration level and begins a process that leads to the estrangement from everything that does not affect the operation: this process is referred to as “flow”. In this condition there is optimal performance, while minimizing execution times and the margin for error.

If in the  same situation however there is a noisy environment in which there are distractions every few minutes, to take a pen, to answer the telephone, to consult a document away from the desk, definitely the success of the operation is less compared to the previous situation.

If the two examples are transferred to the  delicate phase of restoration, concentration could be  the difference between a good job and an injury.

To reduce to a minimum the loss of concentration, the following indications should be followed:

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• Working in an orderly environment. This means an environment in which the operator is able to retrieve all the tools needed without loss of time; this refers to an operator’s mental order, not the order of the tools themselves.
• The laboratory must be laid out as best as possible, thus avoiding unnecessary barriers and cramped spaces. The walkable parts must be smooth and clean from residues, also as much as possible placing of electrical cables on  the ground must be avoided as they may cause slipping. In general, constant walking on uneven surfaces greatly increases fatigue, and causes significant distractions. In work places where much time is spent, e.g. in front of the workbench, it is advisable to place a wooden platform at a slight angle, to off load  the weight of the body from the spine.
• Working in comfortable positions. 5-minute extra may suffice to devote to the preparation of the working phase to carry out the activity more simply and quicker, for example: placing the work piece at a height suitable to ours.
• Plan the steps mentally prior to the beginning. This has a twofold benefit: first, you can evaluate all the moments of the job step, step by step; second, it allows to place at hand all the tools that are used to perform the operation. Having all that is necessary is of great importance as the time savings is significant and the concentration is at a maximum.
• Put away instruments which are no longer useful. After every phase it is recommended to put away tools that are no longer useful, and which would only create obstacle for the later stages.
• Minimize external distractions. Distractions must be absent particularly during risky phases , e.g. by cutting with the circular saw (in this case, attention must not be paid to anything external). The rule equally applies of not disturbing anyone who is  carrying out these steps.
• The tools must work properly: hammers with heads which are solid and smooth, sharp chisels, power tools complete. As for tools the rule is that those who spend more spend less; the quality amply repays the higher costs and ensures greater ease of use thereby increasing safety at work.
• Lighting is essential. The light must be as extensive as possible and ensure a good illumination; the best lighting is natural: in a work environment the windows should constitute  at least one eighth of the floor space. Avoid halogen lighting as much as possible as it is harmful.

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There is no doubt that the greatest risks are those that are not perceived.

There are factors that lead to risks not being perceived, or at least  to their  potential being underestimated:

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• IGNORANCE of possible dynamics of moving parts of machinery. Ignoring the possibility that moving parts can sudden move out of place, or that the working pieces can suddenly be ejected, can lead to serious consequences. A circular saw in action, without a top cover, can hurl cutting fragments or real pieces of wood with considerable force against the operator. The sudden rupture of a band saw may cause it to exit from the flywheel and, in the absence of adequate protective barriers (in band saws of lesser quality the barriers are made of plastic which is the same of not having one at all) fly towards the operator; a knot  can throw off  a plank being worked on an electric planer and if at that time the operator has his hands over the blades, as many often do, it will result in serious injury. Pieces that are being worked on must always be placed properly in the machines, they must be of sufficient size so as not to increase risks (for example planing a plank which is too short), if the distance of the hands from the blades involves a risk then the pushing or advancement of these pieces must always be carried out with the aid of suitable push-piece (supplied with the machines, but a handmade stick with the concave V-shaped end will do): the distance is never too great, but it is a good rule of thumb to stay at least 20 cm from band saws and 40 cms from circular saws and electric planers.
• CONFIDENCE with machines and hazardous substances. A topic that is linked to the previous point, machines can make suddenly play tricks even after years of  owning and operating them, and being convinced of knowing all their secrets. There is an inverse correlation between security measures and the habit  of  carrying out an operation: the more an operation is familiar, because of frequently being performed, the more security is overlooked; for example  when making mouldings with a milling machine , an infrequent operation, much attentions is paid to safety and protection, whereas when using the circular saw, often operators will position themselves at  2 cm. from the blade as it is an operation they have performed hundreds of times (the same is true when handling solvents). It may seem obvious but it should be underlined that it is a very risky mental process.
• FATIGUE. A topic that is seemingly evident, but which requires clarification: the main issue centres around being aware of fatigue. Sometimes deadlines can make work rhythms frenetic.  Adrenaline (as well as coffee and will power) allow the organism to support these rhythms for some time, but there can be sudden drops in energy that result in decreased attention without necessarily being  aware of the fact. It is therefore important to be vigilant and at the first symptoms, to take a needed break.
• DISTRACTION. As mentioned above, it is important to be concentrated in operations that are being carried out. If the necessary concentration is not attained it is better to postpone the operation for a more opportune time.
• HASTE. Another factor that bears a high risk. A single consideration: in a job like this, which is basically fuelled by passion, haste should never be a factor, as a job completed one day earlier will never repay an injury.

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