General Safety Practices in Workshops

General Safety Practices

• PPE: Always wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Avoid Rushing: Do not rush through tasks.
• Seek Help: Ask for assistance if unsure about a task or tool use.
• Proper Training: Ensure proper training for the tools used.
• Clean Workspace: Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Power Tool Distractions: Eliminate distractions when using power tools.
• Mental State: Take breaks if not in the right mental state for shop work.
• No Shortcuts: Do not take shortcuts.
• Malfunctioning Tools: If a tool malfunctions (noise, resistance, burning smell), stop and investigate.

Reasons for Unsafe Work Practices

• Distraction: Lack of attention to surroundings.
• Lack of Training: Inadequate training for the task.
• Rushed Work: Feeling rushed while working.
• Frustration: Trying to force a tool that resists.
• Uncertainty: Hesitancy to ask for help.
• Laziness: Disregard for proper procedures.
• Messy Environment: Working in a cluttered workspace.

Potential Consequences of Unsafe Work

• Personal Injury: Potential for self-harm and harm to others.
• Tool Damage: Damage to tools and equipment.
• Project Damage: Damage to the project or materials.

General Shop and Tool Safety

• Unattended Tools: Never leave a tool running unattended.
• Distractions During Operation: Never distract someone using a power tool.
• Malfunctioning Tools: If a tool sounds improper, shut it off and ask for help.
• Tool Guards: Operate tools with appropriate guards in place.
• Secure Tool Components: Ensure bits, blades, or spindles are secure before use.
• Do Not Force Tools: Apply appropriate force, and stop and inspect if a tool resists.
• Tool Adjustment: Allow tools to fully stop before adjustments.
• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean workspace throughout the work period and clean up after tasks.
• Emergency Preparedness: Know the location of the first aid kit, eye wash station, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
• Workspace Management: Pay attention to surroundings, communicate with peers, and maintain space for others working nearby.

Band Saw Safety

• Feeding Material: Hands/fingers should be clear of the blade when moving material.
• Collecting Cut Pieces: Do not grab cut pieces while the blade is running.
• Most Dangerous Point: The front edge of the cut.
• Blade Guard Height: Keep the blade guard above the workpiece.
• Relief Cuts: Relief cuts are used to relieve material stress when turning tight curves or complex designs. Use before entering a tight curve.
• Blade Kerf: Use the kerf (blade path) for guiding material, especially around sharp turns in the cut direction.
• Blade Flexure: Avoid flexing the blade during sawing.

Scroll Saw Safety

• Blade Direction: Install blades with teeth facing forward along the cut.
• Attention Points: Pay attention to the tension of the blade and the cutting process.
• Blade Tension Adjustment: Adjust blade tension as needed.
• Blade Tension Detection (Low/High): Check for blade chatter (low tension) or blade breakage (high tension) .
• Chattering: If the blade starts chattering stop and investigate.
• Workpiece Application: Apply force in the same direction as the teeth and away from the blade in the cutting direction.

Drill Press Safety

• Workpiece Security: Secure the workpiece in the drill press.
• Material Protection: Use appropriate material between the workpiece and the table.
• Feeding Technique: Use intermittent strokes to feed the drill bit.
• Height Adjustment Procedure: Stop and assess the work surface before and after adjusting the height.
• Feed Handle Release: Release the feed handle only after the drill has come to a complete stop.

Belt and Disk Sander Safety

• Workpiece Position: Use the safest parts of the belt/disk for your workpieces and avoid sanding small objects on a larger surface.
• Belt Tracking: Immediately stop and examine the belt if it starts tracking.
• Small Object Danger: Avoid sanding small objects as they may be picked up and thrown.
• Sanding Pressure: Use appropriate pressure when sanding.
• Gloves: Consider using gloves to minimize contact with the materials.

Oscillating Spindle Sander Safety

• Spindle Retention: Understand the types of threads holding the spindle.
• Sanding Force: Apply appropriate force to the workpiece, not straining the machine.
• Small Workpiece Holding: Use clamps or a vise to secure small workpieces.
• Control Direction: The direction of most control is usually indicated in the machine’s manual but can be clockwise or counterclockwise, check.

Compound Mitre Saw Safety

• Sawing Motion: Use the proper sawing motion for the mitre saw.
• Blade Elevation: Raise the blade after each cut.
• Blade Position at Start: Ensure the blade is in the correct position before starting the saw.
• Rip Cuts: Rip cuts are generally not recommended on a miter saw due to potential safety risks if done incorrectly.
• Hand/Finger Placement: Ensure correct hand/finger placement before, during, and after the cut.
• Long Piece Cutting: Consider cutting longer pieces in sections to avoid undue strain.
• Arm Crossing: Avoid crossing arms across the saw blade.
• Post-Adjustment Check: Double-check the miter and bevel settings after adjusting.
• Small Piece Danger: Avoid cutting small pieces on a mitre saw. A guide must be used to avoid injury risk.
• Warped Board Caution: Be aware of working around warped/irregular surfaces, and plan the support properly.
• Kickback: Be aware of kickback, which can be caused by material binding or improper technique.