While manufacturing or wood crafting, woodworkers need to keep safety in mind. Woodworkers use power tools such as saws, drills, routers, planers, sanders, and lathes along with CNC machinery, hand tools etc. to shape wood into functional and artistic objects.
We at Vexor care about your safety!
Below are some guidelines for you and your employees to follow to
help you stay safe!
While manufacturing or wood crafting, woodworkers need to keep
safety in mind. Woodworkers use power tools such as saws, drills,
routers, planers, sanders, and lathes along with CNC machinery, hand
tools etc. to shape wood into functional and artistic objects.
Get training on the power and hand tools that you work with on the
job. Read the power tool manuals and make sure that you understand
and follow the instructions.
Always inspect tools before each use. Make sure that power cords are
in good shape with proper grounding. Tag-out, discard, or repair the
tools if they are not in good working order. Make sure that cutting
blades and surfaces are clean and sharp to give you the best
control.
Conduct periodic maintenance on the tools and machines depending on
the amount of use they get.
Wear appropriate, close-fitting clothing and tie back long hair for
woodworking. Avoid jewelry and loose clothing that could be pulled
into moving and rotating parts. Wear slip-resistant footwear to
prevent falls.
Dust masks and a well-ventilated work area will protect your lungs
from inhaling small wood particles. Hearing protection will protect
your ears from the noise of the shop and safety glasses will protect
your eyes from sawdust and flying objects.
Close-fitting work gloves, when appropriate, can protect your hands
when handling materials.
Use safe work practices when woodworking. Think first before you
place your materials or your hands near the cutting blade. Pay
attention to the cutting blade the entire time until your cut is
completed. A distraction while listening to the radio or talking to
a coworker or customer can lead to a lost finger or hand. Keep your
hands away from the blade or moving parts by using push sticks or
other guides to move materials into the cutting area.
Always remove nails, burls, or other imperfections and additives
that could cause the materials to jam or “kick-back.” Secure your
materials to the work surface to avoid having the material and/or
the cutting blade slip when you apply pressure to it. If your saw or
other machine is resisting the cut, don’t force the material
through. Stop and investigate the problem. Always give the power
tool time to run down and the blade to completely stop before you
try to handle it. Turn the power off completely and lockout-tagout
before you clear a jam or clean a machine. Never leave power cutting
equipment running while unattended.
Keep your woodworking shop a safe place from slips and bumps with
good housekeeping. Make sure that power cords are coiled neatly and
out of pathways. Keep your work area clean and clutter-free. Clean
up spills immediately. Keep sawdust to a minimum by cleaning
regularly through the day.
Use neutral postures and avoid awkward reaches or positions to avoid
ergonomic injuries. Rotate your tasks throughout the day and take
frequent rest breaks to give your body a rest. If necessary, wear
anti-vibration gloves to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Here are some helpful links to additional information on shop safety
and supplies.
