Impact Robotics League Safety Procedures

1.1 General Shop Safety

• 🦺Mandatory PPE: Safety glasses and closed-toe shoes are required at all times. Gloves and hearing protection are recommended when using power tools.
• 🧹Keep Your Area Clean: No clutter, no food/drinks near electronics. Maintain a clear workbench and proper cord management.
• 🛠️Tool Use: Use soldering irons, rotary tools, and saws only under supervision if you're new. Keep all tools in good condition.

1.2 Robot-Specific Safety

• 🤖Always assume a robot is dangerous unless visibly powered off.
• 🔒Weapon Lock: Must use a clearly visible weapon lock (bright color, solid pin/block). Remove only in arena or test box.
• 🔌Main Power Disconnect: Required. Must be accessible without tools. Examples: XT60 plug, removable link, or toggle switch.

1.3 LiPo Battery Safety: The "Golden Rules"

• 📦Handling & Storage: Never puncture or drop LiPos. Store at 3.7–3.85V per cell for long periods. Keep in fireproof containers.
• ⚡Charging: Always use a LiPo balance charger and a fireproof bag. Never charge unattended. Never indoors at school events.
• 🔥Damaged Batteries: Puffy, pierced, or burned = unsafe. Place in a sand bucket or fire-safe bin immediately.

Examples of damaged LiPo batteries

Emergency: LiPo Fire?

• Shout: "BATTERY FIRE"
• Use Class D or ABC fire extinguisher — NEVER water!
• Evacuate others and call 911 if needed

Fire response procedure diagram

1.4 Testing Procedures

• 🧪Test Box Required: All active weapon tests must happen inside a secured polycarbonate test box.
• ✅Power-Up Sequence:
  • Place robot in test box
  • Ensure weapon lock is engaged
  • Power on transmitter ➡️ connect robot power ➡️ check failsafe
• 🛑Shutdown Sequence:
  • Power off robot
  • Re-engage weapon lock
  • Power off transmitter

Step-by-step robot power-up & testing