Woodworking Safety Part II: Essential Woodshop Safety Supplies

Part I of this series covered safety attire thatKeeping a woodshop clean and free of excessive
should be worn or available for use in a woodshop.sawdust promotes a safe environment and
In Part II, we cover some essential safetyprevents unnecessary injuries. An accumulation of
precautions to help prevent injury or provide firstsawdust and other wood scraps can increase the
aid should an accident occur in the woodshop.danger in the event of a fire. Sawdust and wood
-Fully stocked first aid kit. A first aid kit should bescraps should be cleaned regularly with a broom
available and accessible in the woodshop at allor hand brush, not compressed air which can get
times. Even a small accident such as a minor cutdust into the eyes.
should be treated right away to prevent further-A separate storage area for flammable materials.
injury or infection.Containers holding flammable substances such as
-A working fire extinguisher. Like all electricaloils and stains should be closed immediately after
devices, electrical power tools pose a fire risk.use and returned to their designated storage area.
The risk is increased with power tools due to theRags and brushes that have been used with
possibility of mistakenly sawing through a cord.these substances should be treated with the
Know where fire extinguishers are located in thesame caution. Keeping flammable materials away
woodshop and how to use them.from power tools will help reduce the risk of fire
-Operator manuals for all hand and power tools inin the woodshop.
the shop. Different tools require specific safety-Personal safety attire and gear discussed in
precautions advised by the manufacturer.Woodworking Safety Part I: Appropriate
Adhering to all manufacturer recommendationsWoodshop Attire. An adequate supply of safety
for handling a tool and wearing the recommendedgoggles, hearing protection, work gloves, dust
protective gear during its use will contribute to amasks and respirators should be kept on hand in
safer woodshop environment.every woodshop.
-Broom, hand brush and other cleaning supplies.