Documentation

Pit Rules

In order to ensure everybody remains safe at the competitions, there are a few rules we require everyone to adhere to whilst in the venue.

To provide a safe environment in which to use tools, we have a dedicated tools area, which offers additional PPE and equipment to clamp down your work.

General Rules

  • No battery charging in the pits. Visit Helpdesk to swap discharged batteries for charged ones
  • No running inside the venue, especially when carrying your robot or anything sharp
  • Keep the floor area in your pits clear, as much as possible, especially when your pit is unattended
  • Avoid blocking or restricting walkways
  • Drinks or other liquids must have lids
  • Do not damage the tables or the venue

Tools Rules

  • Take all necessary precautions and consider your surroundings before using a tool. The use of gloves and eye protection, where appropriate, is strongly encouraged
  • Tools must be made safe when unattended — disconnect power sources, cover sharp edges etc.
  • Robots must have their batteries removed before tools are used
  • Robot batteries are not allowed in the dedicated tools area. These should be left in pits whilst working in the dedicated tools area
  • Only permitted tools may be used in the venue. See below for details on what these are and where these can be used

Permitted tools

For any queries on specific tools, please speak to Helpdesk.

Though not an exhaustive list, you are permitted to use the following tools within your pits:

  • Screwdrivers
  • Hand tools — see below for specific tools that can only be used in the dedicated tools area
  • Electric soldering irons — these must be used with a soldering mat and with suitable eye protection, both of which can be collected from Helpdesk
  • Scalpels/craft knives — these must be sheathed when not in use and only used on a cutting mat
  • 3D printers

Some tools can only be used within the dedicated tools area; these include:

  • Drills
  • Saws
  • Files and sanding tools
  • Chisels
  • Any other tools that produce dust or fumes

Some tools are not permitted to be used anywhere within the venue; these include:

  • Any tools that present a significant hazard to nearby individuals
  • Any tools that are neither manually-powered nor powered by electricity

Robot Rules

  • Robots must be safely immobilised before being carried around the venue
  • The power switch must be on top of your robot and accessible whenever the robot is powered