School Woodshop Safety

Woodshop class can be a fun and interesting way to learn the art of wood craftsmanship. Due to the fact that woodshop classes work with a number of different tools, it is important to understand the elements of woodshop safety.

Common Sense

• Most workshop injuries occur because someone didn't use common sense. If you are uncertain of a tool or proper use of that tool, it is better to ask questions. Using a tool for something it was not designed to do can result in injury.

General Safety

• Following general safety rules like wearing protective eye or face shields, as well as understanding proper footwear and clothing will help deter a majority of basic workshop injuries.

Power Tool Safety

• Understanding how a band saw, table saw, miter saw, router, lathe, jointer and other power equipment work is key to workshop safety. Using any of these tools improperly could easily result in a workshop injury.

Wood Defects

• Before working on a particular project, be sure to inspect the wood or material you will be using for defects. Defects such as knots can make the wood unsafe to use.

Adjustments

• If a project needs an adjustment, wait until the tool has stopped running and is unplugged before making adjustments. Never adjust material or the power tool while it is still running.