If it doesn't feel good, don't do it!
Accidents are caused by inattention,
taking chances, bad judgement, fatigue, and horseplay. Other
causes are poor instruction (not reading manuals), missing
guards, unsuitable clothing, defective equipment,
insufficient working space and poor lighting. The first step in preventing personal
injury is to familiarize yourself with any new tool before
using it, read the manual, do a dry run with the machine
unplugged. Only use a tool or machine for its intended
purpose. Invest in the best and most comfortable
eye protection you can afford, use them
religiously. A clean and neat shop is a safe shop,
have garbage can handy, designate where hand tools are
stored, sort nails, screws, and other hardware in
containers. Sweep up at the end of the day, you will feel
much better coming into a clean shop the next
day. Think an operation through before
beginning it, never put yourself in a compromising
situation, even just for a second. If it is a two person job don't try to do
it alone, wait until assistance is available. Stop work when you become tired or
fatigued, never start work if you are under the influence of
medication, alcohol or drugs. Use hearing protection when performing
noisy operations. Wear a mask or respirator when necessary,
set up a shop dust collection system if you are continuously
working in dusty conditions. Label chemicals, use gloves and eye
protection when working with them.
Safety for Specific Tools
Safety Equipment Catalogue