Heartland Directory - Woodworking Supplies 2012 Issue | Page 18

10 Safety Tips for the Work Shop 1. State of Mind. Don’t operate power equipment if you are ill, tired, taking strong medications or if you have been drinking. 2. Protect Yourself. Always wear proper eye protection. Also wear ear protection and dust masks when needed. 3. Avoid Distraction. Always stay focused on your project. Turn off machinery and let it come to a complete stop before looking away or talking to someone. 4. Keep Tools in Good Repair. Make sure blades are sharp and the machinery is working properly before using. sticks and other aids when cutting small strips. 7. Know The Machines. Read the manuals that come with the machinery to make sure you are using it properly and safely. 8. Store Materials Safely. Make sure any potential fire hazards are stored properly and safely. Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher in close reach. 9. Respect Electricity. Make sure all outlets and cords are properly grounded. Replace frayed or damaged cords. Do not overload outlets. 10. First Aid. Keep a properly stocked first aid kit easily accessible. 5. Disconnect the Power. Always unplug the machine before changing blades or doing maintenance. Power switches can be accidentally bumped into the on position. 6. Keep Your Hands Away. Never reach across or near a spinning blade to remove cutoffs or scraps. Use push 18 Heartland Directory of Woodworking Supplies 2012 First aid kit essentialseasy Keep a good first aid kit in reach. Quick treatment of an injury can reduce the severity, speed healing and get you back to work quicker. Hopefully you won’t need it, but here are some items it should contain: • Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes • Butterfly closures • Knuckle bandages • Gauze pads and gauze roll • Waterproof first aid tape • Antiseptic ointment • Eye wash cup • Bottle of clean water for flushing eyes • Fine-point tweezers • Scissors • Small mirror for viewing facial areas • Instant cold pack and gallon zip bag for preserving and transporting severed appendages