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Yikes. Reminds me of when I worked at a big industrial piping place that fabricated for nuclear power plants (I was an NDT tech). Guys moving pipes around would sometimes stop a rolling pipe with their foot. Then one guy tried to stop a large, long and heavy wall pipe. I don't know how many thousands of lbs it was but they said the bones came through the bottom of his foot. That was nearly 50 years ago bit I remember it every time I skid or saw a log.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kory Cassel
Repetitious tasks on power machines is where I find myself getting lax.
Good thread!
So many great thoughts & practices above. Mine are mixed throughout those mentioned above and I can now consider some that I hadn't thought of before.
I'm particularly concerned about safety since my wife would panic if anything happened to me. So, I'm constantly aware of what could go wrong and have a cordless phone on me in my shop to call 911 if ever needed.
Oh yes, I was forgetting one of the most important one: no drinks, no food.Quote:
Originally Posted by Osvaldo Cristo
I don't generally "do food" in the shop, although there are now exceptions when the CNC is running and it's lunch time. But I always have a tall glass of ice water or ice tea with me in the shop to stay hydrated. It's not on or near any machine, however, for obvious reasons.Quote:
Originally Posted by Osvaldo Cristo
I don't lend tools. I've got no desire to learn someone got hurt using a saw or router of mine. It can anger some people but I've run into too many twits that even with instruction, are a danger to themselves and those around them with anything that can cut.
Upside is never having to bug someone to get the tools back. :)
I am eating lunch sitting next to my mattison 404, actually it's the lunch table.Quote:
Originally Posted by Osvaldo Cristo
There is always an ice cold drink somewhere. Plenty of wood scraps for coasters.
Mine are probably not unique but I:
keep loose clothes out of the shop.
Always use a push stick and stand to the side at the tablesaw.
Always pick up after a session and hang up or put away all tools.
keep machine work tables and beds waxed.
Always use a push stick on the jointer.
Use dust collection and wear a mask when needed.
Never listen to the radio when using machines.
Try to keep my tools sharp.
Wear gloves when handling chemicals (finish and glues) (usually)
Never work when tired.
Always label chemicals- I had a water bottle with soapy water in it to check the connections on my gas heater. I forgot it and one night I was planning and picked it up and took a drink. Yuk and double gag!!
Clean up all finishing rags and bun them or lay outside to dry.
A good one!Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie Jones
Lmao.... "Welcome to Mikey's Workshop - Where safety comes second to having a wicked pissah time!"
I added a new rule. "Keep your fingers out of the jointer blade."
Here's an odd safety rule when I help kids with their Pinewood Derby cars. Dads are not allowed to touch the car during any machining operation. Only the kid can touch the car.
I do this for two reasons:
1. I insist that the kid does the work because that's what PWD is supposed to be.
2. It really is dangerous if Dad thinks he can swoop in at any moment and grab the work. I've had that happen and, frankly, the dads and caused some near misses. If they would just let the kid alone...
I let kids use the bandsaw and various sanders or whatever is needed. To be clear, I don't just turn them loose. We discuss every operation in detail with regard to a good result and safety. We discuss the 3" rule. We often make holding jigs for single operations to help the kid control the work and be safe. I do a lot of practice operations with the kid using scrap so they understand the forces at work.
It generally takes 2-4 hours and I've never had a kid complain of boredom yet. I keep them busy. Yes, there's a lot of preparation on my part before they arrive.
I've had some Cub Scout leaders tell me that they would never let the kids use power tools. I reply that I don't let them NOT use power tools. We smooth down axle heads on a metal lathe. We buff the axles on the buffer. We shape the car on a bandsaw and sand it using an oscillating spindle sander and disk sander.
My main rule is about turning on machines. The first machine to turn on is my brain. Others have said it in other ways but I see that as the best safety tool.
Sometimes the extension cord or air hose cannot be secured overhead. When one or the other or both are on the ground don't step on them. Everything else is common sense and understanding.
Plus one on the cell phone. I fell off a 2 story house and shattered both wrists and broke my face. No one was around so I called 911. Without the cell I am not sure I could have done anything beside lay in the front yard till someone saw me. Now anytime I do something remotely dangerous the cell phone is in my pocket.
My phone is always in a horizontal belt holster...never a pocket. It's more protective and much easier to get to if I need it. And no "pocket fluff" ever gets in the ports that way, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by John Goodin