Woodworking takes a tremendous amount of skill, but also brings a certain danger. While shops are designed to be as safe as possible, everyone who enters should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Here, Viking Mountain Tool Works will go over five important safety tips for working in the shop.

●Use Safety Equipment

Different tools in the shop may require different types of safety equipment, but the one necessary piece of equipment is protective eyewear. From the moment you enter a shop to the moment you leave, you should have safety glasses on. You never know when an accident is going to occur or if something will strike you. Other equipment you may need is hearing protection, gloves, or others.

●Cut Unnecessary Power

It may seem obvious to cut the power to your tools when you’re done using them or switching parts on them. However, many times people forget to do this simple step and it results in an accident. Cutting the electricity to the machines ensures that when you accidentally bump something, you’re safe. When you’re done with a machine for the time being, disconnecting it from the power should be the first step.

●Wear Proper Attire

When you’re in the shop, it’s important to keep your clothing and jewelry away from the machines. Wearing loose-fitting clothing, shirts with overlong sleeves, or dangling jewelry is never a good idea, as they could get caught in the machines.

●Avoid Dull Tools

When your tools, blades, and bits are not as sharp as they should be, not only does it affect the outcome of your project, but it’s also more difficult for your machines to complete the job. When the blades are sharp, the tools cut quickly and effectively. When they’re dull, the machine is more likely to kick-back or lock up, which puts you at risk.

●Don’t Get Distracted

Though getting distracted from the task at hand is an everyday occurrence, you should try to avoid it all costs when you’re in the shop. When someone or something grabs your attention while you’re working with the machines, make sure to finish whatever cut or task you’re performing. Not paying attention to what you’re doing while operating a power machine is an easy way to get injured.

Contact Viking Mountain Tool Works Today

If you have questions or want to learn more information, contact us today. Based in Decorah, Iowa, we have a massive online presence as well as a large warehouse. Call us at 563-387-7315, or send us a message on our contact page.