As mom always says, “We're here to have fun, not to get hurt.” Nowhere is that more important than when you step into the workshop. Protecting yourself from common issues is the first step to a safe shop.
First, know your equipment. Read the manual and be confident that you know how the machine works before you begin.
Based on what equipment you'll be using, you may need a variety of safety equipment to protect yourself properly. Generally, you'll need these four types of safety equipment to be covered.
Hearing protection:
Any time you have a machine running – especially for a length of time – you’ll need to cover your ears. While short amounts of high noise levels don’t immediately register a problem, long term exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing permanently. Use ear muffs, earbuds or other approved hearing protection to dampen the sound and preserve your hearing.
Eye protection:
Woodworking machines produce dust, shards, sticks and more, all of which can be a danger to your eyesight. Keeping your eyes – and in some cases your face – covered is an easy way to prevent injury. Using safety goggles when running most machines is plenty. In the case of a lathe or some saws, you may need the greater protection of a full face shield to keep dust and debris out of your eyes.
Lung protection:
Did I mention woodworking machines produce dust? Not only is dust an eye irritant, it can irritate your lungs, nose and sinus passages too. And the dust of some wood and composite material is more of an issue than others. Covering your nose and mouth with a basic dust mask will take care of most exposure. Keep in mind, dust isn’t the only irritant to your lungs. Finishes and other shop chemicals can let off fumes that can cause your body problems as well. In these cases, you may need a more robust mask with replaceable filters. If you are using finishes and shop chemicals, be sure you are in a well ventilated area.
Hand protection:
Ensuring that you don’t become a bleeding mess in the workshop is important too. Even something as small as a splinter can become an issue if left untreated, and sharp things are all over the shop. Wearing a safety glove when handling materials can help. If you’re carving, look for a safety glove designed for the task that prevents the tool from cutting through the glove material. Disposable gloves can protect your hands when gluing or finishing materials as well.
Keeping safe in the shop starts with these basic protection devices. With ears, eyes, lungs and hands all covered and some tool specific safety items, like featherboards and pushsticks, you will be all set to work in your shop safely and have a good time too.
