HI All,
I wanted to post this mostly for some of the new turners out there to point out the need to be on your toes when it comes to safety in the shop however it is a reminder for all of us.
Friday evening, after turning for about 4 hours while preparing for a show, I had my first accident. I was turning the bottom of a 8" Ash bowl when I had to stop and wipe of my face shield. I turned around, took off the shield and wiped it off with a cloth and then turned around just as the bowl came out of the Cole Jaws and hit me in the forehead. It happened so fast I wasn't even aware of it. I remember thinking, "Why do I feel this way?" and then I looked at the lathe and the bowl was gone and then I felt the trickle of blood along my nose. The first picture below was taken in the hospital about an hour after the accident. They took some CAT Scans and determined that there was no fracture or any damage. I was not dizzy, sleepy, Nauseous nor was my vision blurry. So they sent me home and told my wife to check on me a few times during the night.
The next day I had no pain at all but the swelling started draining down around my eyes just like the doctor said it would. I was back at work today but looked pretty scary. I little early Halloween present for my coworkers. Below are the pictures. The first one is from the hospital about an hour after the accident and the second on is today.
The mistakes I made where:
Turning past the point of being tired so I wasn't making the best decisions.
Not turning off the lathe when I turned around to clean my face shield.
Not putting my face shield back on before turning back to the lathe.
In my wood turning club meeting on Sunday, they asked me to get up and talk about it and then the president said that he challenges everyone to talk about their mistakes to other members. Not to me embarrassed or ashamed about it. And I agree. we need to talk about these things and pass on what we learned to help other avoid the same mistakes and be glad we can share them
I thank God I am OK and can share this with all my friends here in the Creek. For our new friends out there, Please:
Always where a face shield when facing the lathe
Where a short sleeved smock or shirt
Do not wear any jewelry of any kind
If your hair is much past your shoulders, put it in the pony tail
And finally, take your time and do not push yourself past your Physical and Mental limits
Thank You....Jeff Walters
Accident 1.jpgAccident 2.jpg
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its appreciated to hear about things like this. As a beginner, it makes me more aware of the things that can happen, & how fast they do. Get well quick, Sir!!
