Saturday, January 24, 2009

Essential Safety Precautions for Woodworking

Woodworking is a popular activity because it's both enjoyable and practical. However, it's a hobby that obviously has more risks involved than something like scrapbooking or collecting stamps. You need to use caution when working with power tools and sharp instruments in order to avoid injury. Neglecting proper safety measures isn't worth the loss of a limb. Here are some woodworking tips to keep you safe.

Safety features are pretty much standard on the power tools sold today. For example, they feature guards on the blades and emergency shutdown switches. However, you still must be alert to potential accidents. It's important that you follow the directions when using any power tool. Use extra caution when you're getting used to a new piece of equipment. Simply using your common sense can go a long way to keeping you safe.

The eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of your body. The small wood particles that are produced while drilling travel at very high speeds. If you're not wearing protective eyewear, you can easily be injured. So it's essential that you wear a protective covering for your eyes every time you're working with wood. This is a very inexpensive option for protecting yourself from injury.

Your eardrums are another potential site of injury when you're using power tools for woodworking. This equipment can easily produce sounds at a decibel level that can damage your eardrums. It's unlikely that any project you're making is worth the cost of not being able to hear. When you're using tools that produce a lot of noise, make sure you wear ear muffs or ear plugs for protection.

Tools aren't the only potential hazards in your woodworking shop. You also need to consider your respiratory system. Constant exposure to irritants such as the dust and fumes that are found in a woodworking shop can be toxic over time. It's been shown that you can develop serious respiratory illness if you continually breathe in wood dust. Always use a dust mask. They don't cost a lot, but they provide excellent protection for your lungs.

Keeping your work area well organized and clean is yet another important safety measure. If your workshop isn't cluttered and untidy, your chances of having an accident or becoming distracted are much lower. Good lighting is important not only so you can see properly to work but also to illuminate any potentially hazardous situations. When you're finished working, unplug all your equipment and cover it up. This will help to avoid injury to other people in your household, particularly children.

Never rush a DIY woodworking job. Make sure you have everything you need and all precautions are in place before you begin. If you are alert and prepared, you're much more likely to avoid injury. And you'll be more relaxed and able to enjoy this pleasurable pastime.

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