Safety Issues in a Workshop
A workshop can be a dangerous place. It doesn't matter how experienced you are, there are always safety issues when working with razor sharp blades, fast twisting drills and tools operating at tens of thousand RPMs. But having a variety of safety measures in place can protect you from machines, tools and equipment.
Other People Are Reading
-
Basic Rules
-
Before entering a workshop, you should understand the basic safety issues involving the site. It's imperative that no matter how big or small the project is, you always wear safety goggles, glasses or a face shied. Debris can fly around a workspace, and you don't want to harm or lose your eyesight when a simple precaution can be taken to prevent it.
If you are working around loud pieces of equipment, such as shop vacs or routers, it's essential to wear ear protection, because the high decibels in these machines can cause long-term damage to your hearing.
Safety First
-
Do not rush through your work. If you are using a table saw to saw a piece of wood and are unsure about the reach, shut off the table saw and try pushing the wood through the saw. A workshop is no place to take chances or unnecessary risks. Before operating a machine, go through all the different options and make sure that you are using it the safest way possible. For example, do not wear loose-fitting clothing when operating a drill press, because it can get caught up in the bit and pull you into the a high-speed spindle.
-
Organization
-
It can be easy to trip and fall in a workshop. Being organized and putting items where they belong can go a long way toward preventing accidents and averting injuries. One of the best ways to stay organized is to create a checklist that helps you ensure that nothing is forgotten and everything is in place. It's important to clean the workshop when you leave your area, whether it's for a break, lunch or for the day.
Combustible Materials
-
Combustible materials, such as flammable chemicals or other hazardous items, need to be stored in a private area within a workshop or somewhere outside the workshop. Because a number of machines and pieces of equipment can give off sparks, it's essential that combustible items are not near these types of machines, because one stray spark could cause serious trouble.
Guards
-
Most machines have guards on them to protect you and the people around you from flying debris, sparks and other potential hazards from the point of operation. Before operating a machine, ensure that the guard is in good working condition, and never use a machine if the guard is damaged or missing. If you notice that a guard is damaged or missing, lock down the machine until it has been replaced or until any repairs have been completed.
-
