Conduct & Safety Policy

Purpose:
The Conduct & Safety Policy establishes the expectations for professional behavior and safe participation in the Welding Foundations & Industrial Safety program. Welding is a high‑risk trade, and maintaining a safe, respectful learning environment is essential for the well‑being of all students and staff. Compliance with safety rules is a condition of enrollment. This policy protects students, instructors, and the integrity of the program.

Safety as a Condition of Enrollment

All students must:

  • Follow instructor directions at all times
  • Wear required PPE in designated areas
  • Participate in daily safety briefings
  • Use tools and equipment only as instructed
  • Maintain awareness of hazards in the shop

Failure to follow safety rules may result in removal from the shop or dismissal from the program.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Students must wear:

  • Welding helmet
  • Welding jacket (fire‑rated)
  • Leather work boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Welding gloves
  • Hearing protection as require

Students arriving without required PPE may be sent home for the day. Time missed counts as an absence.

Prohibited Behaviors

Professional Conduct Expectations

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal:

  • Horseplay, pranks, or unsafe actions
  • Threatening, aggressive, or violent behavior
  • Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory conduct
  • Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Tampering with equipment or safety devices
  • Willful disregard of instructor directions
  • Theft or intentional damage to property

These behaviors compromise safety and violate program standards.

Students are expected to:

  • Treat classmates and instructors with respect
  • Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude
  • Use appropriate language
  • Keep the shop clean and organized
  • Follow all posted rules and procedures
  • Participate fully in training activities

Professional conduct mirrors expectations in real industrial workplaces.

Shop Safety Rules

Instructor Authority

Students must comply with all shop safety rules, including:

  • No open‑toed shoes or synthetic clothing
  • No food or drink in the shop
  • No unauthorized use of equipment
  • No cell phone use in the shop area
  • Maintain clear walkways and workspaces
  • Report hazards or injuries immediately

These rules protect everyone in the training environment.

The instructor has full authority to:

  • Stop any unsafe activity
  • Remove a student from the shop
  • Restrict access to equipment
  • Issue warnings for conduct violations
  • Recommend dismissal for serious or repeated violations

Instructor decisions regarding safety are final

Disciplinary Actions

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Depending on the severity of the violation, disciplinary actions may include:

  • Verbal warning
  • Written warning
  • Removal from the shop for the day
  • Suspension from training
  • Dismissal from the program

Severe safety violations may result in immediate dismissal without prior warnings.

Students may not attend class under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If an instructor reasonably believes a student is impaired, the student will be removed from training for the day. Repeated incidents may result in dismissal.

Harassment and Discrimination

Personal Belongings and Tools

FORGE maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior.
Any student engaging in such conduct may be dismissed immediately.

Students are responsible for their personal tools and belongings.
Intentional damage to school property or another student’s property may result in disciplinary action or financial responsibility.

Safety Violations and Graduation

Students must maintain safe conduct throughout the program.
A student who repeatedly violates safety rules or refuses to follow instructions may be dismissed and will not be eligible for graduation.