Safety in woodworking almost goes without saying. But you know, when standing behind that table saw or carving hard with a carvers knife or performing almost any shop work, one slip could mean serious injury. Always think about safety in your shop or workplace. One of the top 10 leading causes of injury in the U.S. are accidents involving tools. We have some general safety information
below and we'll add lots more as time permits. LC Woodworkers Club
 
     
  "Working wood is inherently dangerous. Using hand or power tools improperly or ignoring standard safety practices can lead to permanent injury or even death. Don't try to perform operations you learn about here (or elsewhere) until you're certain they are safe for you. If something about an operation doesn't feel right, don't do it. Look for another way. We want you to enjoy the craft, so please keep safety foremost in your mind whenever you're in the shop. "

--Timothy D. Schreiner,
editor of Fine Woodworking magazine
 
   Here are some excellent safety tips from the Skill folks.  
 

Work Area

Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Keep by-standers, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.


Electrical Safety

Double Insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

Double Insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system. Before plugging in the tool, be certain the outlet voltage supplied is within10% of the voltage marked on the nameplate. Do not use "AC only" rated tools with a DC power supply. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.

There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded. If operating the power tool in damp locations is unavoidable, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter must be used to supply the power to your tool. Electrician's rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety. Don't expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tools or pull the plug from an
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.

When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or "W." These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock. Refer to "Recommended sizes of Extension Cords" in the Accessory section of this manual.

A battery operated tool with integral batteries or a separate battery pack must be recharged only with the specified charger for the battery. A charger that may be suitable for one type of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.

Use battery operated tool only with specifically designated battery pack. Use of any other batteries may create a risk of fire.

Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like: paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause sparks, burns, or a fire.

Personal Safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.  Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.

Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is "OFF" before plugging in. Carrying tools
with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch "ON" invites accidents.

Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool "ON". A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and
balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

Tool Use and Care

Use clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the work piece to a stable
platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.

Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

Do not use tool if switch does not turn it "ON" or "OFF". Any tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.

Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools, with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Any alteration or modification is a misuse and may result in a dangerous condition.

Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tools operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools. Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool.

Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used on another tool.

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