| For most woodworkers, the home workshop is a | | | | rubber apron are good standard attire for any |
| peaceful refuge, where craft gives shape to | | | | finishing job, especially if you are spraying a finish |
| creative ideas. It is also the place where accidents | | | | or mixing and applying caustic chemicals. |
| may occur,owing to the very nature of the | | | | Fire is another shop hazard. Smoke detectors are |
| activity. But the likelihood of mishap can be | | | | an invaluable defence, providing valuable time for |
| reduced by a few simple precautions.First, an | | | | you to control the blaze. Keep a fire extinguisher |
| informed woodworker is a safe woodworker. | | | | rated ABC in your shop and know how to use it. |
| Read the owner's manuals supplied with all your | | | | One of the leading causes of fire is improper |
| tools. Before starting a job, make sure you know | | | | wiring. Whether you are building a shop from |
| how to use the safety accessories that are | | | | scratch or revamping an existing space, electrical |
| designed to protect you from injury while working | | | | safety should be a priority. |
| with a tool. | | | | No shop should be without the personal safety |
| Most accidents are the result of carelessness or | | | | gear illustrated. You can easily make some safety |
| inattention-failure to use a safety guard when | | | | devices, such as push sticks, push blocls, and |
| cutting a board on a table saw, face jointing stock | | | | featherboards.But do not become complacent |
| with bare hands (rather than with a push block),or | | | | about the security they will provide. All the safety |
| using a router without safety goggles. Refer to | | | | equipment in the world cannot make a shop |
| the safety tips on manuals for ways of avoiding | | | | accident-free. Safety is foremost a matter of |
| some of the more common accidents in the shop. | | | | attitude-a confidence in using the machines |
| Although the big stationary machines receive | | | | combined with a healthy respect for the power |
| most of the attention from safety-conscious | | | | these tools wield. |
| woodworkers, there are other potential sources | | | | Even with the best efforts at prevention, |
| of danger that, though less apparent, cannot be | | | | accidents still occur. Bits may break, boards split, |
| ignored. Many finishing products, particularly those | | | | shavings fly and all too often find a victim. Being |
| containing solvents, can be toxic, although their | | | | prepared and taking prompt action can help |
| effects may only become apparent after years | | | | minimize further damage. Take a first-aid course, |
| of prolonged exposure. Certain species of wood | | | | keep a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand in the |
| can cause allergic or toxic reactions in some | | | | shop and be ready to administer medical aid when |
| people. Safety goggles, rubber gloves, and a | | | | necessary. |