Woodshop SafetyWoodshop Safety

  

Think Before You CutThink Before You Cut – The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain, use it. – The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain, use it. Thinking your cuts and movements through before acting can help save both fingers Thinking your cuts and movements through before acting can help save both fingers and scrap wood.and scrap wood.

Keep a Clean ShopKeep a Clean Shop – A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping – A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping your shop clean will help protect you, and your tools, from tripping hazards.your shop clean will help protect you, and your tools, from tripping hazards.

Avoid DistractionsAvoid Distractions – Pay attention to your actions. Looking up to watch the shop – Pay attention to your actions. Looking up to watch the shop TV or visitor can result in your hand contacting the blade. Always wait until you have TV or visitor can result in your hand contacting the blade. Always wait until you have completed your cut before you take your eyes off the blade.completed your cut before you take your eyes off the blade.

Don’t RushDon’t Rush – Keep in mind that this is just a hobby and take a break when you feel – Keep in mind that this is just a hobby and take a break when you feel rushed or frustrated with a project. Mistakes happen when we rush to complete a rushed or frustrated with a project. Mistakes happen when we rush to complete a job.job.

Don’t Force It Don’t Force It – If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what’s wrong. A – If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what’s wrong. A misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes cause a board misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes cause a board to get stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause kickback or to get stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause kickback or contact with the blade. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and determine the contact with the blade. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and determine the problem.problem.

Protect YourselfProtect Yourself – Wearing the proper shop protection is an important part of safe – Wearing the proper shop protection is an important part of safe tool operation. Goggles, Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when tool operation. Goggles, Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when operating tools. Use push sticks when working close to the blade and make sure the operating tools. Use push sticks when working close to the blade and make sure the tool's safety features are in place.tool's safety features are in place.

Let the Tool StopLet the Tool Stop – Giving the power tool time to wind down after a cut is an – Giving the power tool time to wind down after a cut is an often-overlooked safety mistake. Even without power, the spinning blade can still do often-overlooked safety mistake. Even without power, the spinning blade can still do a lot of damage.a lot of damage.

Fumes and DustFumes and Dust – Solvent fumes and airborne dust can present health and – Solvent fumes and airborne dust can present health and explosion hazards. Care should be taken to ensure a supply of fresh air and use only explosion hazards. Care should be taken to ensure a supply of fresh air and use only explosion proof vent fans.explosion proof vent fans.

Wear Appropriate ClothingWear Appropriate Clothing – Loose clothing or hair can get caught in power tools – Loose clothing or hair can get caught in power tools and cause severe injuryand cause severe injury

Woodworking Shop Woodworking Shop SafetySafety

Did you know?Did you know?

Did you know that if you are exposed Did you know that if you are exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels or to a noise level of 90 decibels or higher for more than 15 minutes at higher for more than 15 minutes at anytime during the day, you should anytime during the day, you should be using ear protection.be using ear protection.

Woodworking Machine Woodworking Machine General SafetyGeneral Safety

Machinery TipsMachinery Tips

OSHAOSHA

OSHA's MissionOSHA's Mission

Over 100 Million Workers Count On OSHAOver 100 Million Workers Count On OSHAThe mission of the Occupational Safety and The mission of the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) is to save lives, Health Administration (OSHA) is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of prevent injuries and protect the health of

America's workers. To accomplish this, federal America's workers. To accomplish this, federal and state governments must work in partnership and state governments must work in partnership with the more than 100 million working men and with the more than 100 million working men and women and their six and a half million employers women and their six and a half million employers

who are covered by thewho are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970..

OSHA ServicesOSHA Services

OSHA and its state partners have OSHA and its state partners have approximately 2100 inspectors, plus approximately 2100 inspectors, plus complaint discrimination investigators, complaint discrimination investigators, engineers, physicians, educators, standards engineers, physicians, educators, standards writers, and other technical and support writers, and other technical and support personnel spread over more than 200 offices personnel spread over more than 200 offices throughout the country. This staff throughout the country. This staff establishes protective standards, enforces establishes protective standards, enforces those standards, and reaches out to those standards, and reaches out to employers and employees through technical employers and employees through technical assistance and consultation programs.assistance and consultation programs.

OSHA RightsOSHA RightsInspections, Investigations, and RecordkeepingInspections, Investigations, and Recordkeeping  (a)(a) In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary, upon presenting appropriate credentials to Secretary, upon presenting appropriate credentials to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, is authorized the owner, operator, or agent in charge, is authorized -- -- 29 USC 657.29 USC 657.  (1)(1) to enter without delay and at to enter without delay and at reasonable times any factory, plant, establishment, reasonable times any factory, plant, establishment, construction site, or other area, workplace or construction site, or other area, workplace or environment where work is performed by an environment where work is performed by an employee of an employer; and       employee of an employer; and       (2)(2) to inspect and to inspect and investigate during regular working hours and at other investigate during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner, any such place of employment a reasonable manner, any such place of employment and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment, and materials apparatus, devices, equipment, and materials therein, and to question privately any such employer, therein, and to question privately any such employer, owner, operator, agent or employee.owner, operator, agent or employee.

Individual Machinery Individual Machinery SafetySafety

Pay attention to and ask questions Pay attention to and ask questions about the individual safety rules about the individual safety rules regarding to following machines. You regarding to following machines. You will have a safety test at the end of will have a safety test at the end of this unit and must score a 90% or this unit and must score a 90% or higher to use the machines.higher to use the machines.

BandsawBandsawWhen set-up and used properly, the Bandsaw can When set-up and used properly, the Bandsaw can be one of the safest machines in a machine shop. be one of the safest machines in a machine shop.

Here are rules to follow: Here are rules to follow: Balance yourself in front of the BandsawBalance yourself in front of the Bandsaw

Your posture is very important. You should let the Your posture is very important. You should let the machine do the work. Stand squarely in front of the machine do the work. Stand squarely in front of the machine, balanced on your feet, with your hands machine, balanced on your feet, with your hands firmly on the bed of the machine. Often you'll see firmly on the bed of the machine. Often you'll see

people not with their hands on the bed of the people not with their hands on the bed of the machine, but rather holding on to the part and machine, but rather holding on to the part and

leaning into the cut. This is dangerous: when you leaning into the cut. This is dangerous: when you complete the cut, you can fall forward, pushing complete the cut, you can fall forward, pushing

parts of clothing or parts of yourself into the parts of clothing or parts of yourself into the machine. machine.

Hold your fingers spread out on the table Hold your fingers spread out on the table Much of shop safety is like wearing seat belts: You Much of shop safety is like wearing seat belts: You may be safe but you can't be sure of those around may be safe but you can't be sure of those around you. Somebody else can come through the shop, you. Somebody else can come through the shop,

bump you slightly, and push your hand through the bump you slightly, and push your hand through the machine. Keep your fingers spread out and your machine. Keep your fingers spread out and your

hands down firmly, and you'll be safe from hands down firmly, and you'll be safe from disturbances.disturbances.

Another thing to beware of is starting the machine Another thing to beware of is starting the machine while your hand is on the table. People will often while your hand is on the table. People will often

reach down with one hand to turn on the machine reach down with one hand to turn on the machine without watching how close their other hand is to without watching how close their other hand is to

the blade. the blade. Lower the guard to the height of the pieceLower the guard to the height of the piece This makes it harder to get your fingers near the This makes it harder to get your fingers near the

blade. blade.

Drill PressDrill Press Approved eye protection must be worn.

Long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry must be appropriately confined.

Examine the setup and guards before turning on the machine.

Never leave the key in the chuck.

Properly secure and support the material to be drilled.

Use the proper speed for the cutting tool and material.

Keep the drill sharp! Stop if it smokes or binds.!

Select the correct type of cutting tool bit for the machine and job.

Keep your fingers away from the drill and path of cut.

Avoid overloading the machine by feeding too fast. Clear the drill often.

Stop the machine before cleaning, adjusting or leaving it unattended.

Chop SawChop Saw Wear safety glasses or a face shield. If work is dusty, Wear safety glasses or a face shield. If work is dusty,

use a respirator or dust mask. use a respirator or dust mask. Wear appropriate hearing protection. Wear appropriate hearing protection. Keep one hand on the trigger switch and handle and Keep one hand on the trigger switch and handle and

use the other hand to hold the stock against the use the other hand to hold the stock against the fence. fence.

Keep hands out of the path of the blade. Keep hands out of the path of the blade. Keep guards in place and in working order. Keep guards in place and in working order. Use a crosscut or combination blade. Use a crosscut or combination blade. Ensure that the blade and arbor collars are secure Ensure that the blade and arbor collars are secure

and clean. Recessed sides of collars should be and clean. Recessed sides of collars should be against blade. against blade.

Keep blade tight, clean, sharp and properly set so Keep blade tight, clean, sharp and properly set so that it cuts freely and easily. that it cuts freely and easily.

Allow motor to reach full speed before cutting. Allow motor to reach full speed before cutting. Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas and Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas and

benches invite accidents. benches invite accidents. Keep the work area well lit. Keep the work area well lit. Unplug tools before servicing and when not in use. Unplug tools before servicing and when not in use. Check for damage. Repair or replace damaged parts. Check for damage. Repair or replace damaged parts. Keep motor air slots clean and free of chips. Keep motor air slots clean and free of chips. Use only the accessories designed for the specific Use only the accessories designed for the specific

saw and job. saw and job.

PlanerPlaner Our 18” Planer has the following working parts: Our 18” Planer has the following working parts:

Infeed & Outfeed table, Feed Rolls, Chip Breaker, Infeed & Outfeed table, Feed Rolls, Chip Breaker, 3 knife Cutter head, Back Pressure bar, Hand 3 knife Cutter head, Back Pressure bar, Hand wheel and Thickness gauge.wheel and Thickness gauge.

Make sure to turn on the dust collector before Make sure to turn on the dust collector before operating Planer.operating Planer.

Measure the thickness of your stock with a tape Measure the thickness of your stock with a tape measure and use the hand wheel to set the measure and use the hand wheel to set the planer to the appropriate thickness.planer to the appropriate thickness.

DO NOT adjust the wheel more than 1 turn DO NOT adjust the wheel more than 1 turn clockwise (1/16”) when readjusting the thickness clockwise (1/16”) when readjusting the thickness gauge.gauge.

Do Not stand directly behind the planer when it is Do Not stand directly behind the planer when it is in use.in use.

DO NOT look into or put your hands in the planer DO NOT look into or put your hands in the planer while it is on.while it is on.

If a piece of stock gets stuck immediately shut off If a piece of stock gets stuck immediately shut off the power and lower the infeed table, after the the power and lower the infeed table, after the knives have stopped turning.knives have stopped turning.

Use a backer board for stock less than 3/8” thick.Use a backer board for stock less than 3/8” thick.

JointerJointer Check depth of cut before turning machine on. Check depth of cut before turning machine on. Keep knives sharp and machine adjusted Keep knives sharp and machine adjusted

properly. properly. Use hold down push blocks for material less Use hold down push blocks for material less

than 3" wide or 3" thick than 3" wide or 3" thick Stand to one side of machine, not directly Stand to one side of machine, not directly

behind it. behind it. Never edge joint material less than 1/4" thick, Never edge joint material less than 1/4" thick,

3/4" wide or 12" long. 3/4" wide or 12" long. Never face joint material less than 3/8" thick, Never face joint material less than 3/8" thick,

3/4"wide or 12"long. 3/4"wide or 12"long. Adjust depth of cut to less than 1/32" for Adjust depth of cut to less than 1/32" for

material with knots, 1/16" for clear material. material with knots, 1/16" for clear material. Allow cutter head to reach full speed before Allow cutter head to reach full speed before

starting cut. starting cut. Keep your eyes and undivided attention on the Keep your eyes and undivided attention on the

machine while using it. machine while using it. Never feed material with your thumb or Never feed material with your thumb or

fingers on the end of it, keep them on top of fingers on the end of it, keep them on top of the material or use a push stick. the material or use a push stick.

Always have the blade guard in place. Always have the blade guard in place. DO NOT joint the end grain of stock.DO NOT joint the end grain of stock.

Belt & Disc Belt & Disc SanderSander

ALWAYS wear eye protection (safety glasses or a face shield).

REMOVE tie, rings, watch and other jewelry and roll up sleeves.

MAINTAIN minimum clearance between table and sanding belt or disc.

MAKE SURE belt is tracking correctly and properly installed on the belt finishing machine.

MAKE SURE the belt or disc is not torn or loose. Always keep your hands away from the

abrasive surfaces. Never use gloves or hold the work with a rag

when sanding. When using the disc sander, always use the

downward side of the disc. Shut off the power when finished and don’t

leave the machine until it has come to a complete stop.

Use a dust mask with this machine or hook the vacuum up to it.

Table SawTable Saw Only operators trained in the safe operation of Only operators trained in the safe operation of

a table saw are allowed to use the saw. a table saw are allowed to use the saw. Operator must wear safety glasses Operator must wear safety glasses If the material chips severely, a face shield If the material chips severely, a face shield

should be used should be used in addition toin addition to safety glasses safety glasses Blade should be checked for tightness Blade should be checked for tightness Check the hood guard and anti-kickback Check the hood guard and anti-kickback

devices for proper operation devices for proper operation Verify location of off switch and/or emergency Verify location of off switch and/or emergency

power disconnect power disconnect If used, check to ensure the fence is set If used, check to ensure the fence is set

properly and tight properly and tight Ensure that the table is clear of materials, Ensure that the table is clear of materials,

tools, and debris.tools, and debris. All table saws must have a hood guard, All table saws must have a hood guard,

splitter, and anti-kickback device installed. splitter, and anti-kickback device installed. One or more of these devices may be One or more of these devices may be removed ONLY if absolutely necessary to removed ONLY if absolutely necessary to perform a specific cut (e.g. dado or rabbet) perform a specific cut (e.g. dado or rabbet) and only with the approval of a shop and only with the approval of a shop supervisor. These safety devices must be re-supervisor. These safety devices must be re-installed immediately after completing the installed immediately after completing the cut(s). cut(s).

Table Saw Cont….Table Saw Cont…. The fence and miter gauge should never be used together. Use The fence and miter gauge should never be used together. Use

the the fence for rippingfence for ripping and the and the miter gauge for cross-cutting. miter gauge for cross-cutting. Push sticks, feather boards, hold-downs, etc. must be used Push sticks, feather boards, hold-downs, etc. must be used

whenever an operation is performed that would require the whenever an operation is performed that would require the operator's hands to pass within 6 inches of the saw blade. operator's hands to pass within 6 inches of the saw blade.

When boards over 3 feet in any dimension are cut, a helper should When boards over 3 feet in any dimension are cut, a helper should be used to assist in supporting the work. be used to assist in supporting the work.

Blade height should be set so that the top of the teeth extend no Blade height should be set so that the top of the teeth extend no more than 1/4 inch above the wood. more than 1/4 inch above the wood.

The operator should stand to the side of the wood while it is being The operator should stand to the side of the wood while it is being fed through the saw. fed through the saw.

After completing work, the saw blade should be lowered below the After completing work, the saw blade should be lowered below the table. table.

A two foot perimeter around the saw should be kept clear of A two foot perimeter around the saw should be kept clear of debris and sawdust. debris and sawdust.

When changing the blade or servicing the saw, the power When changing the blade or servicing the saw, the power disconnect must be locked in the "off" position. For saws with a disconnect must be locked in the "off" position. For saws with a cord and plug, the saw must be unplugged. The saw must be cord and plug, the saw must be unplugged. The saw must be tested after disconnecting power and before beginning service. tested after disconnecting power and before beginning service.

Wobble blades are not permitted on table saws. Wobble blades are not permitted on table saws.

LatheLathe Always wear eye protection - preferably Always wear eye protection - preferably

industrial quality safety glasses with side-industrial quality safety glasses with side-shields. shields.

Wear short sleeve shirts, if possible, or shirts Wear short sleeve shirts, if possible, or shirts with tightly fitting cuffs if long sleeve. Loose with tightly fitting cuffs if long sleeve. Loose sleeves can catch on rotating work and quickly sleeves can catch on rotating work and quickly pull your hand or arm into harm's way. pull your hand or arm into harm's way.

Wear shoes - preferably leather work shoes Wear shoes - preferably leather work shoes Remove wrist watches, necklaces, chains and Remove wrist watches, necklaces, chains and

other jewelry.   other jewelry.   Tie back long hair so it can't get caught in the Tie back long hair so it can't get caught in the

rotating work. Think about what happens to rotating work. Think about what happens to your face if your hair gets entangled. your face if your hair gets entangled.

Always double check to make sure your work is Always double check to make sure your work is securely clamped in the chuck or between securely clamped in the chuck or between centers before starting the lathe. Start the lathe centers before starting the lathe. Start the lathe at low speed and increase the speed gradually. at low speed and increase the speed gradually.

Get in the habit of removing the chuck key Get in the habit of removing the chuck key immediately after use. Some users recommend immediately after use. Some users recommend never removing your hand from the chuck key never removing your hand from the chuck key when it is in the chuck. when it is in the chuck.

Keep your fingers clear of the rotating work and Keep your fingers clear of the rotating work and cutting tools. Avoid reaching over the spinning cutting tools. Avoid reaching over the spinning chuck. chuck.

Never use a file with a bare tang - the tang Never use a file with a bare tang - the tang could be forced back into your wrist or palm. could be forced back into your wrist or palm.

Useful LinksUseful Links

Woodworking.comWoodworking.com

Fine Woodworking.comFine Woodworking.com

Rockler.comRockler.com

Wood Magazine.comWood Magazine.com

Woodworking for WomenWoodworking for Women

Woodworking SuppliesWoodworking Supplies