Carpentry Safety Tips
Carpenters are an asset to the construction industry. From constructing frameworks and structures to installing things such as kitchen cabinets, they create the skeleton of what’s to come. According to OSHA statistics, over twenty five thousand non-fatal injuries were recorded from wood product manufacturing in 2014. It’s important to make yourself aware of dangers that surround so that you can learn how to avoid them!
- Dress Appropriately. PPE is a common requirement, it must be taken seriously. While using loud power tools it’s typically recommended to wear ear protection. In the carpentry field, you never want to be without safety glasses! Wood particles can cause serious damage to your eyes. Avoid wearing baggy or loose clothes. This can cause a safety hazard because it can get caught in a tool or machine. With that being said, don’t forget to remove any dangling jewelry before beginning work.
- Handle Power Tools Properly. Always disconnect your power tool from its power source when changing accessories. If you ask someone they may say that its common sense to make sure your equipment is switched off, however it may slip your mind. By removing the power source, it reduces risk of your equipment getting accidentally switched on by 100%. In addition, using one extension cord makes it easier to switch on and off all of your power tools. Correspondingly, using multiple cords can be a tripping hazard and can get very chaotic being connected to tools with blades.
- Minimize Distractions. You want to eliminate all distractions if possible. When using some tools it’s very important to focus all your attention on it, rather than multi-tasking with unrelated tasks. Finish what you’re working on, before gravitating your attention elsewhere.
SOURCES: http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshsum.htm, http://www.woodworkweb.com/woodwork-topics/woodworking-safety/262-the-10-safety-rules-every-woodworker-needs-to-know.html