GENERAL LAB SAFETY
1. In any level of the woodworking program, you are under no obligation to use power tools or machinery. Hand tool operations can be substituted for any and/or all machine operations.
2. Wear safety glasses and/or a face shield at all times in the lab to prevent flying particles or corrosive substances from entering your eyes.
3. All work to be done in the lab must have the instructor’s approval.
4. The instructor must check all special setups before any machine is turned on.
5. All accidents and injuries, no matter how slight, must be reported to the instructor immediately.
6. If you feel ill or are on any medication that may affect your ability to operate machinery, inform your instructor.
7. With the exception of special, instructor-approved special setups, only the operator may start and stop a machine. After the machine is turned off, he or she should control the material and stand by until the machine has stopped running.
8. Wear safe clothing when working in the lab. Fasten or remove loose clothing before you operate any machine. Roll long sleeves above the elbows. Apron fastenings should be made such that they will break if the apron becomes entangled in a machine.
9. Long, loose hair can easily be caught in revolving machinery and ripped out, causing serious scalp laceration. Your hair must be tied back or tightly covered when working with machines.
10. Wearing gloves is forbidden while working with machines within the wood lab. Gloves hinder your dexterity and may get caught in moving machinery.
11. Before operating machinery remove jewelry (bracelets, rings, chains, and beads) and other accessories that, in the judgment of the instructor, may be hazardous.
12. Keep machine guards in proper position at all times, unless the instructor has approved their removal for a special setup.
13. Report all breakage or damage to tools or machinery to the instructor immediately.
14. Overloading or forcing any machine is dangerous and is not permitted.
15. Use only material furnished or approved by your instructor.
16. Keep rags away from machines that are in operation.
17. Rags that have absorbed any amount of linseed oil, solvents, or finishing products must be disposed of in an approved covered metal container as a precaution against spontaneous combustion.
18. Hang nothing on fire extinguishers. The area around them should be kept clear so that they may be reached without delay if fire breaks out.
19. If a machine makes an unusual sound, is out of adjustment, or is in need of repair, shut off the power at the machine and report it to your instructor immediately. Only machines in good repair may be operated.
20. Never talk to or distract a student using a machine; likewise, do not allow your attention to be diverted while you are using a machine. Such distractions can cause the operator to make serious mistakes and may lead to injuries.
21. Machines must come to a full stop with the power turned off before cleaning or adjusting.
22. If you see oil, grease, or any other liquid on the floor, wipe it up immediately; you may prevent someone from slipping.
23. Floors, aisles, and passageways should be kept clear of pieces of wood, tools, and materials. Objects on the floor may cause someone to slip or fall.
24. Do not use used materials of any kind in any milling process. They may contain metal or other particles that could cause injury or damage machines.
25. Do not use green or treated lumber in any milling process.
26. Always sweep scraps from your workbench or table with a brush or piece of wood rather than with your hands, as there may be sharp or jagged particles among the scraps.
27. Always carry long objects, such as metal rods and long boards, with the front end high enough to avoid striking someone.
28. Report to your instructor any odor of gas in the room. Gas fumes may make you ill or cause an explosion.
29. All portable electric tools and appliances must be disconnected when not in use, making adjustments, when inserting cutters or bits, or when changing sandpaper.
30. When unplugging an electric tool, pull on the plug instead of the cord.
31. Be sure your hands are dry before touching electrical switches, plugs, or receptacles. If your hands are wet, you may receive a severe shock and serious burns.
32. If it is necessary to use an extension cord, see that it lies flat on the floor.
33. When using air under pressure, make sure the air stream is not directed toward you or any other person.
34. Use the proper tool for the job.
35. It is good safety practice to be courteous and considerate of others.
36. If you have prescription eyeglasses, wear them; eyestrain is a frequent cause of accidents.
37. Notify the instructor if a violation of safety instructions is observed. You may save yourself or someone else from serious injury.
38. If you are in doubt about the use of any tool or machine, or about any lab procedure, ask your instructor for help.
39. Sharp tools are safest: use them whenever possible. Dull tools are dangerous because they are hard to control and require excess pressure by the operator.
40. When entering a lab or class other than your own, request permission to work from all instructors.