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1) Think Before You
Cut – The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain, use it.
Thinking your cuts and movements through before acting can help save
both fingers and scrap wood.
2) Keep a Clean
Shop – A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping
your
shop clean will help protect you, and your tools, from tripping
hazards.
3) Avoid
Distractions – Pay attention to your actions. Looking up to watch
the shop TV or visitor can result in your hand contacting the blade.
Always wait until you have
completed your cut before you take your eyes off the blade.
4) Don't Rush –
Keep in mind that this is work and you should take a break when you
feel rushed or frustrated with a project. Mistakes happen when we
rush to complete a job.
5) Don't Force It
– If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what's wrong. A
misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes
cause a board to get
stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause
kickback or contact with the blade. Take a moment to evaluate the
situation and determine the problem.
6) Protect
Yourself – Wearing the proper shop protection is an important part
of safe tool
operation. Goggles,
Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when operating
power tools. Use push sticks when working close to the blade and
make sure the tool's safety features are in place.
7) Let the Tool Stop
– Giving the power tool time to wind down after a cut is an often
overlooked safety mistake. Even without power, the spinning blade
can still do a lot of
damage.
8) Fumes and Dust
– Solvent fumes and airborne dust can present health and explosion
hazards. Care should be taken to ensure a supply of fresh air and
use only explosion proof vent fans.
9) Wear
Appropriate Clothing – Loose clothing or hair can get caught in
power tools and
cause severe injury.
10) No Alcohol
– Too many woodworkers have been injured because alcohol clouded their
judgment. Avoid their mistakes and wait until after you're done in
the shop. |