Woodworking Room/Precautions

Safety

PPE

• Hearing Protection
• Respiratory protection (minimum N95 mask; respirator preferred)
• Safety Glasses
• Safety shoes

Tie back or remove loose hair, clothing, jewelry, etc.

Do

• Read the Safe Work Procedure and obtain North Forge approval before using the equipment for the first time.
• Plan cuts carefully; use safety devices (push sticks, clamps, sleds, featherboards) where required.
• Maintain a calm but vigilant attitude. If you are stressed or in a hurry, it’s best not to use the equipment.
• Tie back long hair and jewelry; remove earbuds and hoodie cords.
• Check the workspace for slip and trip hazards.
• Ensure the equipment is in good condition (guards installed and working, blades are sharp and intact, no clogs in dust extraction hoses).
• Make sure others in the area are aware of what you're doing. Make sure to warn any bystanders if your work can affect them.
• Inspect the material for cracks, knots, or debris before starting - material can shatter or kick back if it is not stable.
• Check the equipment for trapped debris when done, particularly trapped beside or under blades.
• Use a brush and/or vacuum to clean most of the dust before finishing with compressed air.

Do not

• Use the equipment if you are tired, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired
• Rush
• Distract operators - if you need to get someone’s attention, stand to the side and wait until they notice you. Do not wave, shout, or touch the operator.
• Leave the equipment with equipment still running - note that hearing protection can prevent users from hearing when the blade is/is not running.
• Cut or sand metal due to risk of sparks and equipment/property damage.

Housekeeping

• Check the working area for slip and trip hazards (sawdust, oil, offcuts) before and after working
• Do not leave air hoses or extension cords laying across walkways where people can trip on them
• Check hoses for excess sawdust or other clogs
• Empty the dust collector if it is filled to more than halfway up the viewing window (~1 garbage bag worth of dust)
• Empty waste bins if they are more than 75% full
  • Bag waste should be less than 6x6”
  • Blunt any sharp corners that could puncture the bag
  • Replace waste bags after emptying
  • Firewood bins are only for untreated wood with no paints or stains
• Return all fab lab tools to their proper locations
• Remove all personal tools, materials, and equipment from the room
  • Fire code prohibits storing material in the wood room
• Turn off the equipment and dust collector.
• Turn off the room exhaust if you are the last one in the room.
  • Room exhaust is interlocked with equipment power; turning off the exhaust will turn off all equipment in the room!