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Shop Safety is so important and can never be taken for granted. Every year, woodworkers lose limbs, eyes and worse just because they couldn't take a few seconds to put on the proper safety gear. They are the ones who said it couldn't happen to them or just this once. Maybe they remembered half way through a project and didn't want to stop while all was going so well. It's pretty hard to have a shop and never be able to use it again just because you couldn't take a few seconds to put on the safety gear.
Stay Hydrated while working in the shop:
Most adults lose about 10 cups of water every day through normal body functions including perspiration and breathing. To keep your body working properly, you need to replace the water you lose. Here are some tips to stay healthy and hydrated.
How Much and What Should You Drink? Adults need around 8 - 12 cups of water per day depending on activity level. This can come from water itself or from other liquids such as low-fat milk and fruit juices as well as foods.
If you are working a full hard day in the shop, try replenishing fluid loss with sports drinks. These are frequently marketed as power drinks and can be beneficial especially if you are exercising in hot humid conditions. The simple form of carbohydrate in the drinks, called glucose is a good energy source for muscles. Whatever you choose, become a good label reader. Serving sizes, calories and the amount of sugar added can vary greatly. Keep in mind that drinks with caffeine and alcohol can act as a diuretic and increase fluid loss.
The following information and more are found on the OSHA website.
When woodturning, it is important to wear certain personal protective equipment (PPE). Loose clothing should not be worn, all jewelry should be removed, and long hair should be tied back. Wood shavings generated during turning will also need to be periodically removed.
Eye protection is a necessity when woodturning. There are several PPE available for eye protection such as safety goggles, glasses and visors, some of which feature built-in respirators. Although all of these are adequate, for the highest level of protection, a visor that protects the entire head from dust and debris should be worn.
Respiratory equipment is also important when woodturning or doing any type of woodworking that creates dust. This can range from a simple disposable dust mask, to a full face helmet with built in respirator. Most stand alone respiratory equipment will interfere with dust shields and visors, so devices that incorporate both are available. Many woods create dust that is actually a health hazard.
Ear protection Compared to other power tools, a lathe is a relatively quiet machine. Ear protection should be used if noise is excessive, this may be due to motor (fan) noise from a shop dust collector, or the combination of wood and tool being used.
From Woodzone.com:
Woodworking Shop Safety
10 Safety Tips to Post in Your Shop
1) Think Before You Cut – The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain, use it. Thinking your cuts and movements through before acting can help save both fingers and scrapwood.
2) Keep a Clean Shop – A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping your shop clean will help protect you, and your tools, from tripping hazards.
3) Avoid Distractions – Pay attention to your actions. Looking up to watch the shop TV or visitor can result in your hand contacting the blade. Always wait until you have completed your cut before you take your eyes off the blade.
4) Don’t Rush – Keep in mind that this is just a hobby and take a break when you feel rushed or frustrated with a project. Mistakes happen when we rush to complete a job.
5) Don’t Force It – If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what’s wrong. A misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes cause a board to get stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause kickback or contact with the blade. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and determine the problem.
6) Protect Yourself – Wearing the proper shop protection is an important part of safe tool operation. Goggles, Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when operating tools. Use push sticks when working close to the blade and make sure the tool's safety features are in place.
7) Let the Tool Stop – Giving the power tool time to wind down after a cut is an often-overlooked safety mistake. Even without power, the spinning blade can still do a lot of damage.
8) Fumes and Dust – Solvent fumes and airborne dust can present health and explosion hazards. Care should be taken to ensure a supply of fresh air and use only explosion proof vent fans.
9) Wear Appropriate Clothing – Loose clothing or hair can get caught in power tools and cause severe injury.
10) No Alcohol – Too many woodworkers have been injured because Alcohol clouded their judgment. Avoid their mistakes and wait until after you’re done in the shop.
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