Woodshop Safety Guide
Instructors
E. Leclaire
R. McSheffrey
Working in the woodshop is intended to broaden and enhance your professional and personal skills. You will learn safety procedures, organization, planning and execution of short term and long term projects, cooperation with others, and knowledge of woodworking tools/machines. Furthermore, through an application of strict work ethics, you can and will develop self-respect, maturity, and a confidence that comes with fine workmanship and concrete success. Finally, you are expected to plan and complete a number of woodworking projects, both individually and in teams, that you choose, or is provided by the instructor, depending on your course. Please see your individual instructor for details and allowable projects.
The bottom line of this course is to teach you how to work with tools, machines and materials (including stains and chemicals) in the building of your projects with safety as the number one priority. There will be no tolerance for unsafe practices and attitude in the class. Safety rules will be followed strictly and immediately. Violations of the safety rules will result in detentions and possible suspensions. Refer to your student agenda and the Safety Rules Guidelines.
You are required to pass a safety test at 95% accuracy. Any mark below 95% will be considered a fail and you must retake the safety test(s) until a 95% is achieved. There is no negotiation on this point as it is your instructors’ responsibility to ensure your safety and the safety of your fellow students. You will have three attempts at passing the safety test. If you do not succeed at achieving a 95% pass score there will be specific and serious consequences as determined by your instructor(s) and by the nature of the your course.
Due to the nature of working in the woodshop you must exhibit responsibility at all times for yourself and your fellow students. Irresponsible and reckless behaviour in the woodshop will be treated with zero tolerance and as outlined in the student agenda consequences will be enforced strictly and appropriately. You are expected to know and follow these guidelines. If there are any questions about the safety procedures you must immediately voice your concerns to the instructor.
The use and operation of woodshop machines is a privilege and a responsibility that students must earn and maintain. It is forbidden to use and operate a machine in the woodshop without the instructor’s approval and/or supervision. Furthermore, it is not permitted to leave your workstation and wander around the class at any time without your instructor’s approval or knowledge.
Read all of these instructions carefully. Do not violate these regulations under any circumstances for your own personal safety and security while working and moving in the workshop. Any student who violates these rules is subject to disciplinary action under standard school guidelines. Read the CODE OF BEHAVIOR in your agendas.
These safety rules and guidelines are designed to protect you and your classmates from injury while working in the woodshop. Any questions, circumstances, or approvals concerning the use and care of woodshop tools and machine operations that are not covered explicitly by the following guidelines must be brought to the attention of and approved by the instructor.
SECURE APPROVAL: Secure the instructor’s approval for all work you plan to do in the shop. The instructor is the one to decide what work can and should be done and will be able to suggest the best, easiest and safest way to do it.
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR: Dress properly for your work. While you must wear your school uniform at all times, aprons are provided so that you can work on the machines. Remove any jewellery, neckties, chains, bracelets, and rings. Roll up your sleeves and tie any hair back in a ponytail before beginning any work. All footwear must conform to school agenda regulations and all shoes must have rubber soles. No hard-soled footwear is permitted in the woodshop.
EYE PROTECTION: Wear safety goggles or a face shield when operating any of the machines. Wear safety goggles and/or ear protection if you are directly helping a teammate or classmate with work on any of the machines. Be sure there is good lighting before you start any work.
CLEAN HANDS: Keep your hands clean and free of oil, grease, lacquer and/or cleaner. Tools and materials will stay in better condition. Furthermore, hands contaminated with foreign liquids may cause you to have a slippery or sticky grip, which may cause safety issues while handling materials on the shop machines.
CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS: Be thoughtful and helpful toward other students in the class. Caution them if they are violating a safety rule. This is one of the most important rules in that all of you have responsibility for each other’s safety and well-being in the class.
BENCH ORGANIZATION: Keep your project material carefully organized on your bench with tools located near the center. Do not pile tools on top of each other. Never allow edged or pointed tools to extend over the edge of the bench. Close vises when they are not in use and see that the handle is turned down. Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed.
CLAMPING STOCK: Whenever possible, mount your work in a vise or clamp it to a bench. This is important when using chisels, gouges, carving tools, and especially critical when doing work on the drill presses.
LIFTING: Protect your back muscles when lifting heavy objects. Have someone help you and lift with your arm and leg muscles. Secure help with long boards, even though they are not heavy.
MATERIAL AND PROJECT STORAGE: Store and stack your project work carefully. Straighten the lumber rack when you remove a board. Do not leave narrow strips protruding from the end of a rack, especially at or near eye level.
TOOL HANDLING, CARE AND SELECTION: **Select the proper size and type of tool for your work. Only use tools that are sharp and in good condition. Inform the instructor if tools are broken, dull, have loose handles, or need adjustments.
**Keep edged and pointed tools turned down and do not swing your arms or raise them over your head while carrying them. Do not carry sharp tools in your pockets.
**Hold a tool in the correct position while using it. Most edged tools should be held in both hands with the cutting motion away from yourself and other students. Be careful when using your hands to guide where cutting of material will start.
FLOOR SAFETY: The floor should be clear of scrap blocks, excessive material, and sawdust. Keep projects, sawhorses, and other equipment and materials you are using out of traffic lanes. Wipe up any spilled liquids immediately.
FIRE PROTECTION: Apply and handle finishing materials only in approved areas. Close cans of finishing materials and thinners immediately after use. Be sure container is labelled. Dispose of oily rags and other combustible materials immediately or store them in an approved container. Secure the instructor’s approval before using any flammable materials in the shop.
INJURIES: Report all injuries, even though slight, to the instructor.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES: No food or beverages are allowed in the woodshop, including gum, and candy of any sort.
*Source for Safety Rules: Wagner, W.H. Woodworking. U.S.A., Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 1968.
Whether or not you are permitted to use the machines will depend on your own maturity, ability, and policies established by your instructor. Before operating any power tool or machine you must become thoroughly familiar with the way it operates and how it is used. As you learn to use the machine the correct way you will also be learning to use it the safe way.
· You must be wide awake and alert. Never operate a machine when you are over tired or ill.
· Think through the operation before performing it. Know what you are going to do, and what the machine will do.
· Make all the necessary adjustments before turning on the machine. Some adjustments, on certain machines, will require the instructor’s approval and/or attention.
· Never remove or adjust a safety guard.
· Keep the machine tables and working surfaces clear of tools, stock, and project materials. Make sure the floor around the machine is clear of wood scraps and litter.
· Allow the machine to reach its full operating speed before starting to feed the work. Always make sure your wood is not against or touching the blades when you start the machine.
· Feed the work carefully and only as fast as the machine will cut it easily.
· If a machine is dull, out of adjustment, or in some way not working properly, shut off the power immediately and inform the instructor.
· Stay clear of machines being operated by other students. See that other students are out of the way when you are operating a machine. Respect the yellow lines on the floor around the machines. Do not cross them or be within them while a fellow student is working on a machine.)
· You are the one to control the operation of the machine you are using. Start and stop the machine yourself. If help is required to perform an operation only the instructor is qualified to help or supervise additional students directly.
· Do not allow yourself to be distracted while operating a machine. Also, be certain that you do not distract the attention of other machine operators by being within the yellow lined safety zone or by speaking to them while they are operating a machine.
· When you have completed an operation on a machine shut off the power and wait until it stops before leaving or setting up another cut. Never leave a machine running and unattended.
· Machines should not be used for trivial operations, especially on small pieces of stock. Do not play with machines.
· Do not crowed around or wait in line to use a machine. Ask the operator to inform you at your work station when he/she has finished. Common standards of courtesy may slow you down a little but they will make the shop a more pleasant and safer place to work.
· Addition: Do not, under any circumstances remove or attempt to remove safety plates or guides on machines. Doing so may result in a serious injury. Any machine operation that you find risky or that makes you nervous should always be referred back to the instructor.
· There will be absolutely no access to the tool room, staining room, garage or woodstock room without the express permission and supervision of the teacher.
· There will be no sitting around, socializing (which includes kissing, hugging, talking, etc), playfighting, hitting, poking each other, or doing work from other classes.
· There will be no screaming, yelling, verbal teasing, arguing, or physical bullying.
· No cell phones, cd players, or mp3 players will be permitted in the woodshop. If they are used or seen they will be confiscated (see students agenda’s CODE OF BEHAVIOR).
· Workstations, machines and the shop floor will be cleaned and swept of sawdust at the end of class or before you start work at your table.. Any loose bits of wood will either be placed in wood scrap or thrown in the garbage.
· There will be no throwing of any object in or around the woodshop. Place scrap wood or garbage in their locations
· No schoolbags will be permitted in the woodshop class (as per the student agenda).
· Appropriate eye and ear protection will always be used.
· All machines must be checked before being manipulated and turned off by hand after being used. It is not permitted to use your foot, a piece of wood or any other object to turn a machine on or off.
· There will be no permission given to leave the classroom for water. There is a water fountain in the shop for your use.
· Students who are late to class will receive a detention and will sit out the remainder of the class. The door to the shop will be closed at the sound of the second bell. Any students entering the class after that point will suffer the above-mentioned consequences
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
· There will be no relaxation of these rules nor will insubordination be tolerated. Refusal to follow your teacher’s instructions will result in an automatic detention and ejection from the woodshop. Further disciplinary action will follow which may include suspension from woodshop class or suspension from school.
· Any violations or perceived violations of the rules outlined in this document can and will result in individual students being suspended from class and/or suspension for additional classes. Students are responsible for each other’s welfare and safety in the class at all times. Students who violate safety rules are a danger to themselves and others.
Parental Acknowledgement
Due to the seriousness of handling woodworking tools and machines a parental signature is required acknowledging that with you they have read and understood the Safety Guidelines. No student will be allowed to work in the shop until the signature is returned. This is the first step in demonstrating a responsible and safe attitude for the course. Sign and return the form found on the following page.
Parents/Guardians
I have read this document with my son/daughter and understand all the rules and regulations herein. Therefore, any violation of the above mentioned rules/regulations may result in the student receiving detentions or a possible suspension depending upon the seriousness of the offense. It is also understood that all the normal school rules apply during the activity. As safety is the primary concern of the woodshop environment the students’ attitudes are a huge determinant on how well they succeed and how much they learn. The purpose of woodshop class is to teach basic woodworking skills and techniques. Please sign below, along with your son/daughter, as acknowledgement of this safety guideline and return to this form to the woodshop teacher.
STUDENT’S NAME PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S NAME
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STUDENTS SIGNATURE PARENTS/GUARDIANS SIGNATURE
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COURSE TEACHER
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DATE
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