Digital Storytelling Project

For this assignment, I decided to create a media clip that my welding classes could use for years to come.  Safety is the first priority in a welding lab, especially in a school setting.  This was an excellent end-of-semester project for my experienced welders.  It allowed for some great higher-order thinking skills.  We had a great time creating the story, prepping the script and storyboard, and prepping the scenes for filming.  The video is supposed to be a bit campy, in the style of old safety videos from the sixties and seventies.   The kids got tickled during filming, and it was a bit hard to stay in character.  I hope you enjoy the story of Steve the Safety Officer.  Click on the "Welding Safety Video" to check it out!

Danny Robb

Digital Storytelling Project

Steve the Safety Officer

Script for narration

This is Steve.  He’s going to do some welding today.  His first priority is to minimize personal risk to himself and others .  Doing the job in an unsafe manner is not doing the job.

Steve’s first step for safety is to check his outer clothing and P.P.E.  (Personal Protective Equipment).  All clothing should be made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, or leather.  Man-made materials such as rayon, nylon, and polyester are petroleum-based and will catch fire easily.  Clothing should not be frayed or extremely loose-fitting, and should cover from the neck to the ankles.  Leather boots at least eight inches tall should be worn while welding.  This keeps sparks out of the socks and shoes, and keeps Steve from getting a “hot foot”.

            Next, Steve will check his PPE for proper function and wear it at all times while he is in the welding area.  PPE includes gloves, safety glasses, leather jacket (or cape and apron) and a welding hood.  When used in conjunction with proper clothing there should be no skin exposed to the welding flash.   PPE should be inspected daily for rips, tears, and cracked lenses.  The headgear on the hood should be comfortable and free-working.  Once Steve is certain that he is properly outfitted,  he should check his welding area for any possible hazards.  These may include flammable materials,  combustible liquids, exposed electrical wires,  sharp edges, and/or slippery or uneven floors.  The work area should also be free of unnecessary clutter and have easily accessible routes to an exit.  (Always have an exit strategy.)  Knowledge of fire extinguisher and first aid stations is also recommended. 

            Now that his pre-check list is satisfied, Steve can enter his booth and begin welding.   But wait a minute!  There is a small fire burning in welding booth #3.   This could turn into a serious problem quickly.  However, Steve has been trained in how to respond to such a situation.  He immediately alerts his supervisors and co-workers of the incident and grabs a fire extinguisher.  The fire is quickly put out.  Proper training saves the day!  Remember, in the welding shop, everyone is a safety officer.  Closely monitor your work area and the areas around you to check for unsafe situations.

Story Map

Narrative (Voice)	Images (Media)
This is Steve.  He’s going to do some welding today.  His first priority is to minimize personal risk to himself and others .  Doing the job in an unsafe manner is not doing the job.	Shot of actor in safety gear, preparing to weld in welding shop
Steve’s first step for safety is to check his outer clothing and P.P.E.  (Personal Protective Equipment).  All clothing should be made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, or leather.	Shot of actor checking his clothing and gear-zoom in on clothing.
Man-made materials such as rayon, nylon, and polyester are petroleum-based and will catch fire easily.	Shot of synthetic clothing going up in flames.
.  Clothing should not be frayed or extremely loose-fitting, and should cover from the neck to the ankles.  Leather boots at least eight inches tall should be worn while welding.  This keeps sparks out of the socks and shoes, and keeps Steve from getting a “hot foot”.	Slow head-to-toe pan of clothing, close-up of boots, zoom out for “hot foot” jumping shot
Next, Steve will check his PPE for proper function and wear it at all times while he is in the welding area.  PPE includes gloves, safety glasses, leather jacket (or cape and apron) and a welding hood.  When used in conjunction with proper clothing there should be no skin exposed to the welding flash.	Shot of actor checking eyewear, headgear, etc.
PPE should be inspected daily for rips, tears, and cracked lenses.  The headgear on the hood should be comfortable and free-working.	Close-up shots of PPE items
Once Steve is certain that he is properly outfitted,  he should check his welding area for any possible hazards.  These may include flammable materials,  combustible liquids, exposed electrical wires,  sharp edges, and/or slippery or uneven floors.  The work area should also be free of unnecessary clutter and have easily accessible routes to an exit.  (Always have an exit strategy.)	Shot of actor entering welding bay, checking all areas. Shots of exits, close-up on exit sign
Knowledge of fire extinguisher and first aid stations is also recommended.	Shots of these items in the shop if available, otherwise we can insert stock photos
Now that his pre-check list is satisfied, Steve can enter his booth and begin welding.   But wait a minute!	Shot of actor entering welding bay, with sudden surprise appearing on his face
There is a small fire burning in welding booth #3.   This could turn into a serious problem quickly.	Close up shot of a fire (pulled from internet?)  Smoke coming from welding bay
However, Steve has been trained in how to respond to such a situation.  He immediately alerts his supervisors and co-workers of the incident and grabs a fire extinguisher.	Shot of actor calling to teacher, class, pointing to fire. Shot of actor grabbing extinguisher
The fire is quickly put out.  Proper training saves the day!	Shot of actor extinguishing fire
Remember, in the welding shop, everyone is a safety officer.  Closely monitor your work area and the areas around you to check for unsafe situations, for safety’s sake!	Shot of Steve, in PPE, arms crossed and smiling.  Zoom out slowly to show entire welding class, with instructor, outfitted in PPE with arms crossed and smiling.