Articles
Safety Rules for Woodworkers in order to Reduce Accidents
by Harmeet Kaur Sales Manager at WoodmasterindiaRouter machine woodworking can be an agreeable pastime or profession if woodworkers adhere to some essential safety rules. These rules just require some common sense however, if you do not follow them it increases the possibility of injury when you work with your tools.
Here are some of the rules for a happy yet safe woodworking session:
Wearing Proper Attire is essential: It is always advisable to wear proper fitting attire prior to starting a woodworking session. Loose-fitting clothes run the risk of getting entwined in a cutting head or saw blade. Wear suitable & comfortable clothes which will also safeguard your body from any wayward wooden chips. It is also a good idea to get rid of jewellery such as dangling neck chains for security reasons.
Always opt for a single Extension Cord: Try to use a single heavy-duty extension cord as this offers some distinctive benefits. It enables you to plug as well as unplug the power when you make your way from one tool to the next. This way you will be more focused on when you should disconnect the power particularly during bit or blade changes. A heavy-duty extension cord can effortlessly handle different equipment simultaneously.
Steer clear of Alcohol & Drugs: It is not a good idea to enter the woodshop under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Save the tempting bottle of beer until you have finished the work at hand. Working with power tools requires a lot of focus and intoxicants can interfere with your ability to concentrate on the work. Drugs and alcohol lead to a delayed reaction and in turn, makes you susceptible to accidents and work mistakes under its influence.
Lookout for Screws, Nails & Other Metal objects: Prior to beginning a cut it is advisable to keep an eye out for any metal such as screws, nails and staples from the stock. The combination of fast-spinning saw blades and nails can cause injury to the cutting head and stock. It can also cause an adverse reaction, and lead to an injury. It is advisable to utilize a metal detector for this purpose or thoroughly scrutinize the stock prior to cutting.
Avoid taking out Cut-Offs over the Blade: Ensure that your hands are never near the moving blade when you are dealing with a mitre saw, table saw et cetera. Remove cut-offs or waste only when the blade does not move anymore. Or, you can use a push stick or a portion of scrap to remove the waste. Keep in mind that switches can easily breakdown and can be involuntarily bumped as well.
Power should be disconnected prior to a Blade Change: Always cut off the electricity to the power tool prior to initiating a blade change irrespective of whether you want to adjust a bit of a blade on a power tool. If you do not follow this simple rule you might end up losing your fingers. This rule must be adhered to even if you want to make adjustments to some other electrical tool or wood cutting machine.
Ensure that the work is carried out against the Cutter: The direction in which the wood moves through the tool must always be in the reverse direction of the cutting head`s movements. A saw blade or router bit must never cut with the movement. Power tools function in a way which enables the wood to move in the reverse path of the cutting head.
Use of Safety Equipment is a must: The use of appropriate safety equipment is essential during woodworking. When you are dealing with deafening tools like routers always ensure that you have hearing protection. Always wear latex gloves when you apply finishes. Safety glasses are the first thing you should put on when you enter the room and the last item to take off when you finish your work. Avoid exposing your eyes to risky situations.
Try to diminish distractions: Always finish the cut and then deal with the distraction particularly when you are carrying out an important action using a power tool. Disaster is a certainty when you shift focus from your woodworking tool as well as the project at hand.
A woodworker is a content when he can complete his woodworking project to the best of his ability. Follow these safety rules to ensure that you complete the project unharmed. Look forward to a happy woodworking outcome and reduce the possibility of unwarranted accidents.
Sponsor Ads
About Harmeet Kaur 
Sales Manager at Woodmasterindia
2 connections, 0 recommendations, 21 honor points.Joined APSense since, July 26th, 2019, From Ludhiana, India.
Created on Aug 7th 2019 06:38. Viewed 616 times.
