🦺 Safety Corner

Real engineers are safe engineers! Learn these rules before you build.

✅ Batteries are OK

All our projects use small batteries like AA, AAA or coin cells, or a computer USB port. That's low voltage and safe for building.

🚫 NEVER wall outlets

Never put anything into a wall outlet, and never take apart things that plug into the wall. Wall power is strong enough to seriously hurt you. No exceptions!

🔥 Soldering = adult help

Soldering irons get hot enough to melt metal. Only solder with an adult right beside you, wear safety glasses, and work where there's fresh air.

🪙 Coin cells: keep away from little kids

Coin and button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Keep them (new and used) out of reach of younger kids and pets. If one might have been swallowed, an adult must get emergency medical help right away.

🔋 Lithium battery cautions

Big lithium batteries (from phones, laptops, toys, e-bikes) store lots of energy. Never poke, bend, crush, take apart or short them. If a battery gets hot, swollen or smells funny, stop and tell an adult.

⚡ No short circuits

Never connect a wire straight from + to − with nothing in between. The battery and wire can get very hot. Always have a part (like an LED with a resistor, a buzzer or a motor) in your loop.

✂️ Sharp & spinning things

Wire ends, nails and skewers can be sharp; ask for help cutting. Keep fingers and hair away from spinning motors and propellers.

💧 Keep it dry, keep it tidy

No water near your projects (except lemon juice!). Disconnect batteries when you're done, wash your hands, and put parts away.

🗑️ Recycle batteries

Don't throw batteries in the garbage. Many stores and municipal depots in Ontario take used batteries for recycling.