The Importance Of Running A Safe Workshop

The Importance of Practicing Safety in the Joinery Workshop

At DAB Chic & Vintage, we believe that safety comes first. As a woodworker, a safe workspace is more important than skill and technique. Working with tools and timber is rewarding, but taking safety seriously can avoid any life changing or career ending accidents. Today we’ll explore why practicing safety in the wood shop is critical for professionals and DIY kings alike.

The First Line Of Defence - Protective Equipment & Clothing

Tip: In the workshop, PPE is God. This stands for Personal Protective Equipment and includes aprons, gloves, eye protection such as goggles, hearing protection, dust masks and respirators.

Why? Safety glasses protect your eyes from debris, sawdust or fractured tooling while a respirator prevents you from breathing it all into your lungs. Good hearing protection protects our fragile ears from loud modern power tools. Sometimes damage to our eye, ears and lungs can go under the radar for years, until it is too late.

A Tidy Workshop Is A Safe Workshop

Tip: A cluttered workshop is a dangerous workshop. To minimise risk, organise and store your equipment, materials and projects in an orderly fashion to help prevent accidents.

Why? A clean and tidy workspace can prevent slipping, tripping and injuring yourself. Make sure all of your tools and equipment is properly stored in its correct place when not in use and make sure to sweep dust, shavings and woodchip regularly. 

Proper Tool Use & Maintenance

Tip: Try to keep all of your tools in good working order. Sharp blades, undamaged cables and fully functioning fences and stoppers will help reduce risk. 

Why? Its simple, faulty or incorrect use of tools can lead to accidents. Make a habit of inspecting and maintain your equipment, from your power tools to hammers and chisels. Regularly check the alignment of your tools and make sure any blunt blades are replaced. 

Know Your Tools

Tip: When you buy a new tool, read the instruction manual and watch online tutorials, this will give you a good understanding on how to set up, operate and maintain your equipment.

Why? Understanding how to use your tools properly is essential for keeping yourself and others safe. Inexperience or improper use of equipment is a headache for local A&E departments. Don't be scared to ask for advice from fellow joiners and carpenters. Also, there are thousands of online tutorials from professionals showing how to safely use both hand tools and power tools

Lighting & Ventilation

Tip: Proper lighting and ventilation in your workshop if important, especially when using power tools. Good ventilation is also important when using finishes as most contain some form of toxic substance which can damage the lungs, brain and nervous system.

Why? Bad lighting can lead to disaster as you may struggle to see potential hazards. Ventilation is essential as wood fibres, dust and harmful substances can cause damage to your lungs and body. A well-lit and ventilated workshop increases the safety of your workspace and makes for a more pleasant and comfortable environment to operate in.

Protect Your Body 

Tip: Protect your body when working with awkward or heavy of wood or equipment. Check your stance and posture when operating and lifting to prevent injury. 

Why? Over time bad posture can lead to joint and muscle problems or long-term injuries. As the saying goes, lift with your legs not your back, also keep your body aligned properly when using powerful equipment. Temporary screw, jigs and clamps can take a lot of the strain off your body meaning you can concentrate more energy into doing the job efficiently and safely.

Emergencies

Tip:  Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby and get familiar with basic first aid techniques.

Why? Accidents can and do happen anywhere. Being aware of how to respond and when to seek medical assistance can be the deciding factor on whether an injury turns out to be minor or major. If you do have an accident, stop what you are doing immediately and follow professional advice. 

Focus & Avoid Distractions

Tip: Avoid talking or distracting yourself when using any tools. Take your time to concentrate and focus on the job in hand.

Why? When working with sharp tools or machinery, distractions can be dangerous. Many injuries occur when somebody operating equipment takes their attention away from the job mid operation. Maintain focus and ensure that you’re fully aware of your surroundings to reduce the risk of unfortunate mishaps.

At DAB Chic & Vintage our team take good care take all precautions when working. Look out for each other and most importantly, look out for yourself.