A bad day fishing is better than a good day working!

The weather here in Kentucky is starting to look like spring. Tomorrow it's going to be almost 80 degrees. Then we will be in the 50's and 60's the rest of the week. It was rainy today but the temperature was perfect. When you went outside it made you think about getting away from work and doing outdoor activities.

This coming weekend I plan to clean up my shop.  It's always great to be able to open the door and let the fresh air in and the wood dust out. Talking about cleaning the shop reminds me that it's time to talk about shop safety again.

Take a few minutes to make sure everything is in shape. Check that your flammable materials are stored safely. Check your power cords for wear. Pick up tripping hazards. Check that all the safety guards on your power tools are installed. Inspect your fire extinguisher for proper operation. Make sure all you blades are sharp. A dull blade is a dangerous blade.

Make sure you have a stocked first aid box where you can find it. Make sure you understand the proper procedures for using your power tools. Don't make risky cuts. There is a proper way to do things safely. Take the time to learn your tools. If you are not sure then enroll in a course.

Ensure that you have the proper dust protection available and use it. Long term exposure to dust can be very dangerous and stop you from enjoying the hobby or worse.

Dress safely when working in the shop. Please don't go in the shop dressed like you are going to the beach. Proper foot wear is important. I see many guys working in open toed foot wear. Long sleeved shirts need to be rolled up. Leave your jewelry in the house.

When using chemicals ensure you have proper ventilation. Protect your lungs with the correct mask for the material you are using. Dispose of the rags properly.

Remove clutter from your shop. When you are working you need to have space to move around without bumping into something. Don't over reach when using a tool. Move what's in the way and use the tool correctly.

These are just a few suggestions to make your hobby safe and fun. Accidents in woodworking shops can change your life forever.  
 
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