The Wood and The Bad : Safety Tips for Woodworking

Woodwork is such a very fulfilling and tiring activity, whether it is a part of the job or just a personal hobby. It requires a lot of skill, patience and hard work that one can only get through experience. With a task that requires a lot of lifting from small wooden boards up to the big and heavy decking boards, cutting and use of machineries, it sure can get messy and dangerous at times. To avoid accidents, here are some tips that can help you avoid being caught in these gruesome situations.

WHAT TO WEAR

Leave the designer clothes inside the closet because there is no place for those in woodworking. Safety is always the priority in woodwork since a simple mistake may lead to an accident. Woodwork must be taken seriously and one must always dress to the “occasion.”

Before beginning the woodworking process, one must prioritise their safety before anything else. Ask those who work in a workshop for their recommendations when it comes to the proper attire for woodworking. They will surely tell you that wearing anything loose is a big no. These loose clothing may get caught during the process. Aside from avoiding loose clothing, one must also wear clothes depending on their location. It is good if one can minimise the exposure of the skin as much as possible, but it doesn’t have to be that way all the time.

Typically, an aware and experienced person that has been on the woodworking business would recommend that one wear fitted shirts or sleeves and pants, a pair of gloves, mask or safety goggles and an apron for the body to avoid accidents and debris coming from the machine. With these, one can minimise accidents.

WHEN USING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERIES

Woodworking will take forever if one follows the traditional way, which is using nothing but one’s bare hands and a saw. Today, technology has allowed woodworkers the availability of different equipment and machineries, making the workload easier and quicker. However, carelessness and arrogance may cause dangers to the workers.

Simple as it seems, a woodworker must always have a clean and organised workspace. Though it seems nearly impossible, it can be done. A neat and well-arranged workspace means easy access to equipment and tools and less rubble that may cause accidents. Another thing that one must note is a routine checking and maintenance of the tools used in working. Woodworking uses a lot of blades that will surely cause harm if not used properly, which is why it is very important to check and change them every now and then. Lastly, always ask for assistance if one has concerns and questions regarding the function of a certain tool. It is alright to ask for help than lose a part of your body.

WHAT NOT TO DO BEFORE AND DURING WOODWORKING

This one does not need to be taught by anyone else since it applies to almost everything. Woodworking is just like any other activity. The only difference is that other activities do not work closely with sharp blades, unlike woodworking.

Do not be easily distracted while working. A simple glance at the back or a turn of the head may cause an accident that may cause varying degrees of injury. Always be focused while working, those sharp and speeding blades cut through the hardest wood and they will cut anything that touches them. Avoid forcing oneself when working. If you’re feeling tired or weak, don’t be afraid or shy to call in sick. The human body can only take so much and if one feels ill, they should tell it in advance to avoid bigger problems.

Being aware and smart is enough to keep one safe from accidents but these tips would help minimise the chances of having an accident to zero. Follow and remember these safety tips and an accident-free work is a sure thing.