Basic Woodworking

WOODWORKING

Chapter 1

General Shop Safety

Introduction:

The following shop safety rules have been put in place for student safety while working in the Valley

Oaks Charter School (VOCS) woodshop. Please read the entire safety manual found in the appendix of this

book. All safety rules must be followed COMPLETELY by ALL students. Those students who do not

follow the safety rules will be dropped from the class and not allowed to re-enter.

After completing the General Safety Exams with 100% accuracy, the student shall be considered Shop

Safety Certified and given the privilege of working in the VOCS woodshop. He or she must at that time

receive parental permission authorizing him/her to use power machinery (see CONSENT TO USE POWER

TOOLS in the appendix). Though no student will at any time be forced to use power tools, neither will he

or she be permitted to use power tools unless the CONSENT TO USE POWER TOOLS form is properly

signed and on file with VOCS. Once the form has been filed, the student will receive instruction regarding

woodshop machinery. Only after a student has become tool certified on a given piece of machinery will

he/she be allowed to work on that machine. This is accomplished only after the teacher has shown the

student the proper and safe way to use a piece of equipment and the student passes the Tool Certification

Test with 100% accuracy. Still, every time a student wishes to use a machine, he/she must get permission

from the instructor.

“Always Think Safety”

All accidents can be prevented with common sense and attention to the safety rules.

A. Proper Personal Protective Equipment

1. Required safety gear
   a. Safety glasses: Students must wear safety glasses at all times while in the woodshop
   area to prevent flying particles or corrosive substances (stain, lacquer, oils, etc) from
   entering their eyes.


2. Required safety dress code:
   a. Nothing loose. Tie up, roll up, fasten, or remove any loose clothing, long sleeves,
   scarves, jewelry, and hair. Such items are easily caught in moving parts and can
   cause serious injury.
   b. Do not wear rings, watches, sweaters, loose long sleeve shirts, etc., as this will
   increase chances for an accident as such items could get caught in the equipment
   c. Flat no-slip shoes that cover the top of your feet and toes must be worn. Such shoes
   prevent slipping and help avoid toe injuries.
   d. Recommended personal protective equipment: It is recommended that students wear
   ear plugs/muffs and a dust mask. It is also recommended students wear goggles and a
   face shield for those operations that throw a lot of wood chips.
   e. DO NOT WEAR GLOVES when operating rotating or reciprocating machines.
   Gloves hinder the ability to effectively use your hands and may get caught in moving
   machinery.

Safety Glasses Face Shield^ Dust Mask^

Ear Muffs

Safety

Safety