Start the year right.
This is the time of year when we make resolutions, so why not resolve to not lose any body parts this year?
It’s a fact of life that working around your home and in your workshop involves potentially hazardous tools. Here’s a quick illustration: a typical tablesaw blade runs at 2,400 RPM. That means that each tooth completes one revolution 40 times per second. If you are using an 80 tooth blade, that’s 3,200 carbide teeth tearing through your work-piece every second. Let your fingers get in the way and… well, you get the idea.
While your hand tools may look more benign than power tools, they have sharp steel edges and pinch points. Hand tools really don’t care what they cut or crush. Plus, there are all the things that can damage your eyes, ears and lungs.
How do you stay safe? It has everything to do with your attitude about safety. In my experience managing safety programs, I’ve never seen an incident that could not have been prevented. Usually it is carelessness, inattention or haste. You must put safety first – ahead of everything else, including deadlines and budgets.
Here is a short checklist to consider:
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Wear safety glasses or a face shield.
They may be annoying but they beat a trip to the ER. Get good, comfortable safety glasses so you will wear them.
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Protect your hearing.
Use ear plugs or a headset. The decibel level in a workshop can do long-term damage.
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Control the space.
Prepare for unexpected guests. A distraction in the middle of using a power tool is a recipe for disaster.
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Control your attitude.
Never work with power tools when you are angry or upset. If you have an argument with a tool you will lose every time.
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Don’t use chemicals to help control your emotions.
Intoxicating substances and woodworking don’t mix. And beware the dangerous side-effects of chemicals like glues and solvents. It can be really bad medicine.
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Control dust.
Invest in appropriate vacuum and filter equipment and use it. It’s hard to work when you are constantly coughing.
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Wear appropriate clothing.
Avoid loose-fitting clothing and dangling jewelry – you wouldn’t want any of your attire entangled in a saw blade or cutting head.
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Disconnect the power.
Always disconnect the electricity to the power tool before servicing it. Don’t depend on the switch!
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Keep your work area clean.
Organize and clean on a daily basis. And bonus – you will find your projects go faster.
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Use sharp tools.
A dull cutting tool is a dangerous tool. If it has to work harder it will be more likely to kick-back, slip or bind. Bonus: sharp tools produce cleaner cuts.
The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain. Think before you start. Visualize yourself doing the job safely before you begin. Thinking is the best way to protect yourself and make less scrap. Let’s be safe out there.
