A safe workshop is a productive one. An injury or a fire costs far more than any job is worth. These habits cost little and protect a lot.
Protect your body
- Wear a dust mask when sanding or cutting. Fine wood dust harms your lungs over the years, even when you can't see it.
- Wear safety glasses at every machine, and ear protection around loud ones.
- Tie back long sleeves and loose clothing, and take off rings and bracelets near spinning blades.
Respect the machines
- Keep guards in place. They are there for the moment you are tired or distracted.
- Use push sticks for narrow cuts, never your fingers.
- Switch off and unplug a machine before changing a blade or clearing a jam.
- Keep blades sharp. A blunt blade needs more force, and that is when hands slip.
Keep fire away
- Sweep up shavings and dust every day. They catch fire easily.
- Store finishes, thinners and oily rags in closed metal containers, away from heat.
- Keep a fire extinguisher where everyone can reach it, and check it regularly.
- Check cables and sockets for damage, especially after power surges.
Be ready
Keep a stocked first aid kit, and make sure everyone on your team knows where it is and who to call in an emergency.
At our Lagos factory, our team will show you how to use each machine safely and give you the protective equipment you need.
