Wood Shop Safety

General safety rules

1. Safety glasses must be worn at all times when in the shop. Ear protection and plugs suggested at all times. Particle and dust mask should be worn at all times. Do not cut any woods that are toxic, composite, or coated with carcinogens that become airborne in dust particles. See MSDS information before using any woods in shop.
2. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair that is not restrained.
3. Do not operate machinery while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not operate machinery when fatigued, ill, emotionally taxed or distracted for any reason.
4. Always turn on tool before feeding wood or other stock into the blade. Never turn on a blade when it is touching your wood or stock.
5. Do not “rush” or try to work fast, slow down!
6. Only operate equipment you have been trained on. If you have questions consult studio technician before proceeding
7. Clamp or secure all wood or stock before working on it with power tools.
8. Always set up your cut before turning on equipment. Walk through it step by step. Examine your position and your wood/stock in relationship to the tool. Analyze where your hands will be throughout the entire operation. Have push sticks ready if needed. Make sure you are in a balanced position and comfortable. Make sure your stock/wood has clearance as it goes through the tool.
9. Never stack your wood/stock next to equipment or on the floor near you while you are working or someone else is working. Place all cut stock out in the main lab before proceeding on the equipment.
10. Do not distract others using machines. Do not talk to operator while machine is running.
11. When carrying tools, carry a comfortable amount to avoid dropping tools that may damage the tool or injure others. When carrying tools with cutting edges or sharp points make sure that the edges or points are away or protected to avoid injuries.
12. Make sure all tools and work pieces are placed on the working surface so they won’t fall. Cutting edges should be placed facing the center of the surface.
13. Keep machines and shop clean. Never brush off benches or machines by hand. Use a brush to prevent injuries.
14. Do not use any damaged or broken tools. Report any problems with equipment to the studio technician.
15. Clean up after yourself. Return tools to tool room, brush off equipment, and sweep area. Leave workspace completely clean and ready for the next person to use.
16. Keep shirt cuffs buttoned or rolled above elbows. Never roll the cuffs just one or two turns as this causes them to loosen and the may catch in machinery. Remove outer garments such as sweaters and coats before working in the shop.
17. When carrying a long piece of material, have one person carry each end. This will give better control of the piece, therefore avoiding an accident.
18. Never try to work with a tool or machine when standing in an unbalanced position.
19. Report any unsafe practices that are being performed in the shop.
20. Jewelry, such as a wrist watch or rings can be dangerous. They can catch in machinery. Rings can be smashed on the finger. Watches and rings should be removed before working on machines.