Shop and Personal Safety

Shop and Personal Safety

Don't let your table saw catch you working unsafely in the workshop.

Shop and Personal Safety:

Being safety conscious should be the priority for everyone whether they are a serious wood worker or just a week-end warrior. Shop safety begins when you buy a new tool, before operating it you should read through and understand the operators manual. This will have important instructions about the safe operation of that particular tool.

Lets face it! All wood working machines are made to remove wood, which is considerably harder than flesh and bone. Some tools are much more dangerous than other. I would say that a table saw is the most dangerous stationary tool and the circular saw the most dangerous hand tool.

Aside from reading the manuals that come with your tools, protecting your hearing and eyes should be high on the safety priorities list. Some people, me included, rely on prescription glasses for protection. This is OK but really doesn't provide full coverage.

If you don't protect your ears you will loose your hearing. This is not debatable! After 25 years of operating power tools without protection my father wears a hearing aid.

One aspect of safe wood working that is often overlooked is dust. Wood dust is a carcinogenic. Recient studies have shown wood workers that don't use dust masks or have a dust collection system have higher rates of nasal cancer.

Make sure you avoid loose clothing and roll up your sleeves. Remove rings, and tie up long hair.

Having sharp tools and blades is important. It takes less force to perform the cut and that reduces the chance of getting injured.

Some safety measure should be no brainers. Don't drink or take drugs and operate power tools!

Part of being safe is to also be prepared. Accidents do happen despite all precautions. Do you have a plan in the event you get injured?

How far away is the phone?

Will somebody hear your call for help?

Do you have a first aid kit in the shop?

Plan now because you won't be thinking too clear after you are injured.

The important thing to remember is to not get complacent. Performing repetative actions can cause one to loose focus and thats when you get hurt.

Remember to read manuals, and if you aren't sure how to do something ask. Go online and learn how to do things properly.
About the author:

Dave Markel is the author of "The All Wood Working Journal". He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site at