MACHINERY
Most modern items come with interlocks and cut off switches
to protect the machines themselves and to keep fingers away from motors, drive
belts, moving blades etc. However to enable cutting to be done some sections
are accessible and so a few basic precautions need to be taken.
- Lathes
- Circular Saws
- Drill Presses
- Bandsaws
CLOTHING - loose clothing
that can be caught up in rotating/moving machinery should be avoided -
dedicated overalls are of course the ideal. Boiler suits can be purchased
very cheaply.
LIGHTING - Fluorescent
lighting should be used with care as stroboscopic effects can
make rotating work appear stationery. Make certain that machines are well
lit with natural and tungsten type lights.
WORK HOLDING - However
securely chucks are done up wood can still fly out if too deep a cut is
taken (gouges can slip and dig in). Vices should always be clamped in
position especially on milling/drilling machines as drills can catch and
easily pull hand held work free. A full face visor is the preference for
protection from sundry flying objects from chippings to vices.
CHEMICALS
The main problems here are fumes and spillages. Good
ventilation will combat the former and a reliable supply of clean fresh
water should be available for dealing with the latter. Care should be
exercised opening containers of all the above as fumes can build up. Any
chemicals - especially the stronger acids and bleaching agents should be
kept in safety glass containers (Plastic coated glass) that do not break on
accidental dropping scattering their contents like a grenade over the
workshop and workers.
Water can also be a hazard as spilling it suddenly into
acid or molten metal (pewter) can cause a violent reaction.
Suitable clothing should be worn when using the above
including gloves and good quality eye goggles. A mask with appropriate
filter for fuming chemicals is also essential. My own preference is to use a
full face visor made from impact resistant plastic.
MATERIALS
- Bone, Horn, Shell
- Plastics
- Metals
- Timber
The process of shaping wood and other materials in the
workshop will produce both shavings and fine dust - many woods used for pipe
making can cause allergic reactions and or are poisonous. A number of
materials are also carcinogenic especially certain imitation ivories.
Swarf from metal turning can be very hot and very sharp.
MISCELLANEOUS
With all the wood dust flying around in the workshop fire is
an ever present hazard. At the least a large container of water should be to
hand both for dealing with combustion and spillage of chemicals. Fire extinguishers
can be brought at reasonable prices - a small car version is better than none
at all.
Choice of heating method (workshops can be very cold places
in winter) should be evaluated carefully. Electrical Fan heaters pull in
air that can be impregnated with wood dust so take care if using this type. Fire
extinguishers should be available for dealing with electrical fires if this
sort heating is used - water must never be used as it is a conductor.
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