The Most Important Woodworking Safety Rules That Every Woodworker Should Always Follow

Posted by Woodgeek on Thursday, March 18th 2010

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Make Safety a habit, and you’ll be much less likely to encounter a problem. Here are the most important safety rules that every woodworker should always follow.

GENERAL:

1.Make sure workshop lighting and ventilation are adequate.
2.Keep children, onlookers, and pets away from the work area.
3.Concentrate on the job; do not rush or take shortcuts. Never work when you are tired, stressed, or have been drinking alcohol or using medications that induce drowsiness.
4.Find a comfortable stance: avoid overreaching.
5.Keep your work area clean and tidy; clutter can lead to accidents.

HAND TOOTS

1.Use the appropriate tool for the job; do not try to make a tool do something for which it was not designed.
2.When possible, cut away from yourself rather than toward your body.
3.Keep tools clean and sharp.

POWER TOOTS

1.Wear appropriate safety gear: safety glasses or face shield and hearing protection. If there is no dust collection system, wear a dust mask. For allergenic woods, such as ebony, use a respirator.
2.Read your owner’s manual carefully before operating any tool.
3.Tie back long hair and avoid loose-fitting clothing. Remove rings and other jewelry that can catch in moving parts.
4.Unplug a tool before performing setup or installation operations.
5.Whenever possible, clamp down the workpiece, leaving both hands free to perform an operation.
6.Keep your hands well away from a turning blade or bit.
7.Turn off a tool if it produces an unfamiliar vibration or noise: have the tool serviced before resuming operations.
8 Do not use a tool if any part of it is worn or damaged.

FINISH

1.Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using finishing products.
2.Avoid exposure to organic solvents if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
3.Install at least one smoke detector on the ceiling of your shop above potential fire hazards; keep a fully charged ABC fire extinguisher nearby.
4.Never store solvents or chemicals in unmarked containers. Chemical solutions should always be stored in dark glass jars to shield them from light, which may change their composition.
5.Store finishing products in a locked cabinet.
6.To prevent eye injury, wear safety goggles, and don rubber gloves when working with caustic or toxic finishing products.
7.Do not flush used solvents down the drain. Consult the Yellow Pages to find out who handles chemical disposal in your area, or check with your local fire department.

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