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Woodworking Safety Checklist

Most woodworking machines operate by cutting or shearing. A woodworking safety checklist concentrates on safety and health hazards. Safety hazards include machine operation, material kickbacks, fire and electrical hazards. Health hazards in a woodworking environment include noise, vibration, wood dust and chemical hazards. A comprehensive safety checklist identifies areas where improvements and corrections are needed to reduce the risk of illness or injury to workers.

  1. Machine Safety Devices

    • All woodworking machines are required to have operational safety devices installed, such as emergency stop switches, guard devices to avoid material kickback and electronic eyes to prevent operation if a worker is too close to the blade.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • A safety checklist helps ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is operational and available to all workers and that it is being properly used. Safety goggles or glasses protect workers' eyes from sawdust and wood chips. Ear plugs or ear muffs protect from excessive noise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hearing protection when noise levels exceed 85 decibels. Gloves are used to reduce vibration. Excessive vibration can produce injuries, such as numbness and nerve damage.

    Ventilation

    • Proper ventilation reduces worker exposure to dust and chemical fumes. It also diminishes the risk of fire or explosion. Woodworking equipment is connected to a vacuum system at the point of sawing or cutting to evacuate the majority of the dust. Filtered ventilation is used in areas where solvents, stains or other wood treatments are used. Workers also use respirator systems to further prevent exposure. A safety checklist enhances the proper operation and availability of these ventilation systems.

    Electrical

    • Safety checklist items include ensuring equipment is properly grounded, circuit breakers and circuit breaker boxes are labeled and that electrical cords and plugs are not damaged.

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