Woodworking Safety

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There are several hazards that may exist when working with wood. The use of various types of woodworking tools and equipment pose hazards as well. It is important to be aware of safety and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of injury. See the information below for tips to stay safe.

Woodworking Equipment Hazards

  • Lacerations:
    • Amputations.
    • Burns.
    • Blindness.
    • Struck-by.
    • Kickback.
  • Dust.
  • Noise.
  • Electrical.
  • Moving parts.
  • Unguarded blades.
  • Vibration.
  • Fire/explosion.

Dust

  • Should not cover more than 5% of work surface and no thicker than 1/32” (thickness of a paperclip).

Basic Woodworking Rules

  • Always be aware of potential hazards.
  • Follow safe work procedures.
  • Maintain proper housekeeping.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Hearing protection.
  • Eye and face protection.
  • Hand protection.
  • Dust masks and respirators.

Clothing Should Fit Snuggly

  • Tie hair back.
  • Remove jewelry.

Foot Protection

  • No open-toed shoes.
  • Steel-toed shoes.
  • Anti-skid soles.

Basic Woodworking Equipment Requirements

  • Be able to cut off power from the operator’s station.
  • Power and operating controls readily accessible to the operator.
  • Protect foot pedals against accidental activation.
  • Guard belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, etc.
  • Disconnect switch lockable “off.”
  • Ground equipment.

Cutting and Equipment Safety

  • Ripping = cutting with the wood grain.
  • Cross-Cutting = cutting against/across the grain.
  • Hand-Fed Ripsaws:
    • Use feed sticks.
    • Spreaders.
    • Anti-kickback devices (kickback fingers).
    • Saws should be guarded.
  • Hand-Fed Crosscut Table Saws:
    • Guard by hood.
    • Usually adjustable guard.
    • May adjust the blade height.
    • Kickback likelihood is much less than with a ripsaw.
    • All moving parts should be guarded.
  • Radial Saws:
    • Must have non-kickback fingers.
    • Blade from saw cannot extend beyond the table.
    • When the operator releases the saw, the blade should automatically return to the start position.
    • Do not reach over blade.
  • Vertical and Horizontal Bandsaw:
    • Blades must be guarded.
    • Wheels inside the saw must be guarded.
  • Chopsaw:
    • The top part of the blade must have a fixed guard.
    • The bottom part of the blade must have an adjustable guard.
  • Circular Saw:
    • Do not use your lap as a sawhorse.
    • The blade must be guarded.

Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

  • Treatment beyond first aid is OSHA recordable.
  • Amputations, loss of eye, fatalities, and hospitalizations are Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reportable.

Summary

  • Always be aware.
  • Guard moving parts.
  • Follow safe work procedures.
  • Use PPE
  • Maintain Proper Housekeeping

 

KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, plac,e or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers, or place of business.

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