Safety reminders are good for all of us, even for those who have been doing the same kind of work for years. For those who are new to woodworking, these safety tips we are providing below will be invaluable. To encourage a safe working environment and to keep woodworking as pleasant as possible, we have provided this list of safety guidelines you can refer to.
Wear the Proper Equipment
What should you wear when you are working with wood? If you're going to be doing any kind of cutting or hammering, you definitely want to wear safety goggles. These will protect your eyes from bits of dust and debris that can fly up into the air as you work.
You should also wear heavy work gloves- the heavier the better. You want to be able to work well and use gloves that won't get in the way, but you also want to wear something that will protect your hands from damage. Using work gloves will keep you safe from splinters and the rigors of working with unpolished wood.
Keep a Clean Work Area
A lot of accidents in the workplace happen because of spills or things not being organized well.
If something is out of place or lying on the floor, it can be a tripping hazard. Jenny with Queens NY Maid Service You want to keep your workplace as tidy as possible. Clean it before and after each work session to prevent as many safety hazards as possible. You may also want your work area professionally cleaned every so often.
Doing a little cleaning every now and then may not be enough to keep things under control and keep your workshop as tidy as it ought to be. Hiring professionals can ensure that your workplace is incredibly tidy and a much safer area for you to work in.
Use Familiar Tools
If you're trying to use woodworking tools that you've never used before, you could be putting yourself at risk. It's always a good idea to have new tools demonstrated to you. If you're borrowing them from somebody, ask them to show you how to use it before you take the tool to your house. If you're buying a tool from the hardware store to use in your shop, ask for a demonstration so that you understand exactly what you're doing when you're ready to use it.
You can find tutorials online for how to use unfamiliar woodworking tools. These can help you avoid common safety mistakes and show you the proper use of tools you've not used before.
Also make sure that you take extra precautions when you use unfamiliar tools. When possible, work with tools you feel comfortable using.
Check Power Cords and Power Supplies
Woodworking shops can be very busy areas and prone to damage caused by the work there. As you are chopping, building, slicing, and cutting, you may damage parts of your workshop and even the tools you are using. It's important that before you activate any kind of power tool in your workshop that you check the cords and the power supply. Make sure there is no fraying, loose wiring, or other visible signs of damage. You don't want to accidentally electrocute yourself or cause sparks to fly, particularly in a wood workshop. That is a place where even a small spark can be incredibly dangerous.
Be Ready to Handle Fire
As we just mentioned, even a small spark out of control can be a huge safety risk. In fact, fire is the most serious safety issue in this kind of work area. You want to be ready to put out fire as soon as it starts.
You should have a fire extinguisher close by, and you should check it periodically to make sure it still functions like it should. Also ensure that you have an active smoke alarm and a water source available that you can use to put out fires.
It's a good idea to have someone else working with you so that they can look out for problems that you might not notice over the sound of woodworking tools and your focus on the work you're doing.
Use Sharp Tools
Over time, the blades on your woodworking tools can become dull with use. You'll want to ensure that they are sharp before you use them.
For those who don't know, it may not seem like a big deal to use slightly blunt woodworking tools. They may think it just means that it will take longer to cut the wood. However, there is a serious risk that your dull blade could bounce off the wood and cause a major safety hazard. You will want to check your blades before you use them, frequently sharpening them so that they work efficiently.
Keep the Shop Clear
Your woodworking shop should be a place that is free from distractions as much as possible. You may want to keep the door closed and even locked while you're working. That way, no one can come up behind you and surprise you as you're working with loud tools. While they may not intend to surprise you when they enter, that is a risk you will want to avoid completely.
Another reason you want to keep the shop closed off while you're working in it is the potential for flying debris. While you may be wearing safety equipment that can protect your eyes, hands, and other sensitive areas, anyone coming into the shop may not be prepared to protect themselves adequately from pieces of wood and other particles flying through the air.
Working with wood can be incredibly rewarding, and you can make things that will last for many years. However, you want to make sure you are taking the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others around you. It's certainly worth it to take that extra time to ensure a safe working environment so that you minimize risk and keep your woodworking as enjoyable as possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aleksandra Djurdjevic
Senior Content Creator
Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering jewelry, accessories, and trends. She’s also works with services, home décor. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the environment, crafts and natural products over the years helps her continue to be a top expert at Wooden Earth.
