Workshop Emergency Necessities

The workshop is perhaps the most accident-prone area of your home.

Sharp blades, heavy objects, dangerous chemicals and flammable materials are just a few of the factors that increase the risk of accidents in the shop.

While good housekeeping, respect for your tools and common sense will go a long way toward reducing the risk of accidents, you should still be prepared in the event an accident occurs.

Designate part of your shop as an emergency center.

Equip it with a fully stocked first aid kit, fire extinguisher and leave your cell phone there in case of emergency.

Well-Equipped First Aid Kit:
Should contain (at a minimum) plenty of gauze and bandages, antiseptic first aid ointment, latex gloves, a cold compress, rubbing alcohol swabs, a disinfectant such as iodine, and a first aid guidebook.

Face Protection:
– Particle Mask is a disposable item to be worn when doing general shop work.
– Dust Mask has replaceable filters and flexible face piece to keep out finer particles, like sawdust and insulation fibers.
– Respirator can be fitted with filters and cartridges to protect against fumes and very fine particles, especially when working with chemicals.

Eye Protection:
– Face shield is worn when doing very hazardous work, such as operating a lathe.
– Safety goggles and glasses should have shatterproof poly-carbonate lenses.

Ear Protection:
When operating power tools or performing other loud activities. Ear muffs offer the best protection followed by expandable foam earplugs and corded ear inserts.

The ABC’s of Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are rated by their ability to combat fires of varying causes. An extinguisher rated “A” is effective against trash, wood, and paper fires.  “B” will extinguish flammable liquid and grease fires. “C” can be used on electrical fires. For the workshop, choose a dry chemical extinguisher with an “ABC” rating.

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The Most Important Workshop Safety Video

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This is the most important workshop safety video I will ever make. If you’re an adult who’s an amateur woodworker please watch this. If you’re under 18 please also get your parents to watch this.

First Aid in a Small Workshop – Workshop Safety

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If you work in a small joinery workshop then first aid and your own safety is something you need to take VERY seriously. If something goes wrong it could easily result in a life threatening injury and if you’re on your own you need a plan for how to fix yourself and get help.

Workshop Safety

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In part 1 of this series we looked at the importance of first aid in a small workshop and having a plan for when things go wrong. Today we’re looking at how to avoid workshop accidents in the first place.

We’re having a look at basic health & safety gear I use from safety glasses through to kneed pads and boots. I’m also telling you about my number one tips that I use for not getting injured in a joinery / carpentry workshop. Stay safe folks!

11 Table Saw Safety Tips

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I run a little joinery workshop and have been using my trusty DeWalt DW745 table saw for around 5 years. In this video I’m telling you what goes through my mind to keep myself safe with my table saw in my small workshop.

Please bear in mind this is only 11 tips and there are MANY more things you need to consider before using a saw like this. Sorry this video is so long – there’s really nothing I can leave out. Believe me, I tried!

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