The FIRST Safety Manual provides safety guidelines, responsibilities, and procedures for participants, mentors, and spectators in the FIRST Robotics…
This safety manual outlines the culture of safety, participant responsibilities, and general safety requirements for the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge. It covers topics such as electrical and pneumatic energy, hand tools, battery handling, chemical safety, and personal protective equipment.
The document also includes detailed procedures for handling leaking batteries, proper use of PPE, and guidance for safe robot lifting, handling, and transportation, as well as COVID‑19 safety measures for events.
All PPE must be ANSI‑approved, UL‑Listed, CE EN166 rated, AS/NZS certified or CSA rated, and participants must wear eye protection, hand protection, hearing protection, and appropriate foot protection.
Participants must be familiar with the manual, follow all safety requirements, use PPE, report unsafe conditions, and encourage safe behavior in others.
Disconnect the power source, de‑energize the robot by opening the main circuit breaker, and unplug the batteries before performing any repairs.