Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
Pre-Technical Studies introduces junior school learners to the practical world of workshops, tools and technical drawing. Questions often test safety, correct tool use and drawing conventions, because these are the foundations for technical pathways in senior school. This guide covers those core areas in plain language. Safety, oblique projection drawing and tools each have a place in KICD’s Grade 9 Pre-Technical Studies curriculum design.
On this page
Why Workshop Safety Comes First
A workshop has sharp tools, machines, electricity and materials that can cause injury. Safety rules protect learners, others and equipment. Examiners regularly ask learners to list rules, identify hazards in a picture or describe what to do after an accident.
Common Workshop Safety Rules
- Enter the workshop only with permission and follow the teacher’s instructions.
- Wear protective clothing such as an overall or apron, and safety goggles when needed.
- Tie back long hair and remove loose items like ties or jewellery.
- Use the right tool for each job and report damaged tools.
- Carry sharp tools pointing downwards and never run in the workshop.
- Keep the floor clean and dry, and store tools in their proper place after use.
- Switch off machines before adjusting or cleaning them.
Hazards and Accidents
A hazard is anything that could cause harm, such as an oily floor, a frayed cable or a blunt chisel. Common workshop accidents include cuts, burns, electric shock, falls and eye injuries. Spotting hazards before they cause harm is the best safety skill.
Basic First Aid
Every workshop should have a stocked first aid kit. Simple responses include:
- Small cuts: clean with water, apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a clean dressing.
- Minor burns: cool under clean running water for several minutes; do not apply butter or oil.
- Electric shock: switch off the power first, or move the person away with a dry insulating object, then get help.
- Something in the eye: rinse with clean water and seek help; do not rub.
For anything serious, call a teacher or medical help immediately.
Common Hand Tools and Their Uses
- Measuring and marking: steel rule, tape measure, try square (checking right angles), marking gauge and scriber.
- Cutting: tenon saw for straight cuts in wood, hacksaw for metal, coping saw for curves.
- Shaping: chisels, files and planes.
- Driving and holding: claw hammer, mallet, screwdrivers, pliers and bench vice or G-clamp.
- Boring: hand drill and brace with bits.
Caring for tools matters too: keep cutting edges sharp, oil metal parts to prevent rust and store tools on racks.
Drawing Instruments
Technical drawing uses a drawing board, T-square, set squares (45° and 30°/60°), compasses, protractor, a ruler, an eraser and pencils of different grades. Harder pencils (such as 2H) give fine construction lines; softer ones (such as HB) give darker outlines.
Lines in Technical Drawing
Different line types carry different meanings. Thick continuous lines show visible outlines; thin continuous lines are used for dimensions and construction; dashed lines show hidden edges; and thin chain lines (long dash, short dash) show centre lines. Learners should be able to name and draw each.
Freehand Sketching and Views
Sketching helps communicate ideas quickly. Learners also meet simple views of objects: front, side and top. Practise by sketching everyday items such as a matchbox or a stool from different directions.
Revise Actively
Make flashcards of tools with a picture on one side and the use on the other. Draw each line type and label it. The Grade 9 Pre-Technical Studies page and the Pre-Technical Studies revision papers provide more practice. If you are thinking about senior school, read about the STEM pathway and explore the CBC pathways tool. Full papers with answers are in the Monthly Pass (KSh 500 by M-Pesa).