SAFETY RULES FOR WOODWORKING

1 - Know all safety rules and obey them.

2 - When in the work area, always wear safety glasses or goggles.

3 - No “horseplay” should ever occur in the shop.

4 - Loud talking or shouting is prohibited because of the danger of startling a person into making an

involuntary movement while he is operating power equipment.

5 - The floor around each machine should be free of scraps of wood or tools.

6 - Be sure the machine reaches full speed before using it.

7 - After the power is cut off, never slow down a machine by running stock into it.

8 - Never have tools, pieces of lumber or any other article on any machine while it is in operation or at any

other time.

9 - Report all injuries, however slight, to the instructor for treatment.

10 - It is bad practice to permit other students or spectators to crowd around you when you are operating a

machine. No one, except the instructor, should be within an arm’s length of the operator. If a safety

area is designated, spectators should be outside that area.

11 - Never use any tool or machine until you have received instruction.

12 - Be sure your sleeves are rolled up above the elbow or securely buttoned. Shirts are to be tucked in and

no jackets or sweaters should be worn. Loose, floppy, unbuttoned clothing must be removed or fastened

securely when working in the shop. No hats will be worn in the shop.

13 - If it is ever necessary to get the operator’s attention when he is running a machine, approach him from the front

and speak in a normal tone or signal to him.

14 - Always examine boards for nails, loose knots, splinters, stones, concrete, old paint and varnish, etc., before

feeding it into machines.

15 - Always utilize the best light available when working in the woodshop.

16 - Do not use tools or machines for purposes other than that for which they were designed.

17 - Learn how a machine sounds when it is running properly and report any unusual sounds to your instructor.

18 - Do not leave a machine that is running.

19 - Avoid hurry when operating machinery or doing any work in the shop.

20 - When changing bits, blades, etc., be sure to cut off the power to the piece of equipment. Pull the plug or throw

the master switch.

21 - Do not pile lumber or place projects in the passageways or aisles.

22 - If machines, tools or equipment need repairs, tell the instructor.

23 - Never oil or clean a machine while it is running or coasting.

24 - Do not work on any material unless it is securely fastened to prevent any twisting or slipping.

25 - Do not operate machines or handle tools before the beginning of class or at any time other than during class

period. Always wait until the instructor is present and is able to supervise.

26 - If the instructor is out and a substitute is in, no work will be done in the shop.

27 - Make every effort to keep all tools in very good operating condition. Do not use tools that are not in operating

condition. Remember that a dull tool is usually more dangerous than a sharp tool.

28 - Arrange tools on your work bench (as far from the edge as possible) so that they will not fall off. Cutting edges

should be arranged to as not to catch on your hands or clothes.

29 - Carry tools with the cutting edges pointed down. When handing a tool to another person, pass it so that they

can grasp the handle and be sure they say “thank you” before releasing the tool.

30 - Remove all jewelry from hands.

31 - Always place dirty and oily rags or paper towels in the special metal containers to prevent fire.

32 - Learn fire drill signals. In a safe manner, stop work immediately when you hear the signal and follow fire drill

instructions.

33 - Know locations and types of fire extinguishers in the shop.

34 - Never use an electric tool when standing on wet or damp ground.

35 - Make sure the electric tool is properly connected in the electric circuit and is safely grounded.

36 - Be sure that the electric cord cannot become fouled in the tool while in operation.

37 - Never use electric tools in an area where there is a presence of gasoline, paint thinner, or other combustible

liquids or gases.

38 - Before using electric power tools, inspect the cord to be sure it not frayed or damaged.

39 - THINK BEFORE YOU ACT! Most accidents are caused by simple thoughtlessness.

40 - If you are uncomfortable about using a certain piece of equipment, don’t use it. Let your instructor help you.