Having your own workshop at home can be a great way to practice your hobby, whether it is woodworking or any other craft. Because the home environment is different from a professional workshop, you will need to be more careful to follow safety guidelines. This is especially important because most people work in their workshops alone – and any emergency situation becomes worse if you’re alone. Follow these safety tips in your home workshop to make sure you won’t have any emergency situations to begin with.
Learn The Proper Way To Use Your Equipment
Power tools and other workshop equipment can be dangerous when not used properly. Even if you think you know how to use a tool, it’s better to learn the proper way to use it – whether it is learning how to load a grease gun or an electric sander. The point is, whatever tool you are using, you should be following the manufacturer’s recommendations and stick to their safety guidelines.
Keep Everything Tidy And Organized
Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. Keeping a neat and tidy workshop is more than just aesthetics. The more organized you are, the less likely you are to have accidents. Also, make sure you keep all wires out of the way when you are working, and keep your tools stowed away when not in use. This will streamline your workflow, and make everything safer because you aren’t constantly searching for a missing wrench or a misplaced power tool.
Move Dusty Jobs Outdoors
Woodworking workshops are notoriously dusty from all the sanding and milling that goes on. At home, even if you use power tools with a dedicated pouch to collect dust, it doesn’t compare to the vacuuming power that an industrial level woodworking vacuum has. You will never be able to work dust free while you’re indoor in a home workshop – so move any dusty tasks outside. This will protect your health because you’re breathing less sawdust, and your tools because they won’t get clogged and overheat.
Wear Safety Equipment At All Times
Many people disregard the use of safety equipment like goggles, earmuffs, and gloves when they are at home. Nothing could put you at more risk of injury than doing so. You may not be mandated to use safety equipment because you’re working on a personal level, but you’re using much of the same equipment that carries the same risks. So don’t skimp on buying those anti-vibration gloves, or putting on a mask, or goggles. Do anything in your power to minimize your risk of injury.
Final Advice
Staying safe in a workshop is incredibly important. When you’re at home you may feel more relaxed, but that does not mean you shouldn’t be alert at all times. Do not consume any intoxicating beverage (or drugs) before or during your time in the workshop. Even having a single beer could potentially make you pay less attention as you work, and thus you increase the risk of getting injured. All it takes is a split second of distraction and you may need a serious visit to the emergency room.