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Woodworking is an activity that can involve danger, and power tools are usually among the dangerous tools we are familiar with. However, there is one danger that is often overlooked that doesn't threaten to cut off your fingers immediately like a table saw, but instead quietly damages your health over time. Do you know what it is? In this article, we will reveal this easily overlooked danger.
What is the most dangerous thing in your shop?
I can think of two things more dangerous than power tools actually.
1.) A person. My middle name is Danger. (Not really.)
2.) DUST. (For real.)
Dust is no joke. And it’s not going to cut off your fingers like a table saw, but that’s part of its danger: it’s subtlety. Breathe in small particles over time, and it can cause major lung damage, increase cancer odds, and allergy development. That’s why you see me wearing a face mask nearly all the time.
And you can see my “dust collector” in the background there… but honestly, that should be called a “chip collector” because it doesn’t catch the fine particles—the ones that will damage your lungs.
Taking Safety Measures
Taking the proper safety measures is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable woodworking experience.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential step in preventing potential injuries. Wearing PPE such as a dust mask, safety glasses, gloves, and earplugs can effectively protect you from possible hazards.
Read the Instruction Manual
Always read the instruction manual carefully before using any tool. Ensuring that you know the proper way to use each tool will help ensure safety and correctness during operation.
Keep Hands and Fingers Away from Blades
Keeping hands and fingers away from the blade is another crucial safety measure. Woodworkers should always keep their hands and feet a safe distance from the blade. Using a pusher or push block to guide the wood through the tool is an effective way to ensure safe operation.
Conclusion
In order to minimize the dangers involved in woodworking, it is important to use equipment carefully and always wear personal protective equipment. Only then will woodworking remain a safe and enjoyable experience.