Chemical Splash/Impact Goggles Item #79788

Eye and Hand Protection in the Woodworking Shop

Every time you walk into a shop you potentially expose yourself to certain risks. Dust, fumes, noise and flying wood chips are sometimes waiting. But keep in mind that your shop doesn't necessarily have to be a dangerous place. Taking some basic precautions helps to prevent accidents.

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Eye Protection
Gloves
Safety is Smart

Eye Protection
Back when I taught junior high, we started each quarter with a graphic film about a workshop eye injury. The scenario concluded with actual footage of unsuccessful surgery. After viewing that difficult-to-watch movie, those kids religiously wore their safety glasses.

AO Safety Stylish Ice Blue Safety Glasses Item #84732

We all need this kind of strong reminder from time to time. How many times have we heard: "I'm only making one cut...done this a million times...never had a problem"? There are always plenty of excuses for not wearing eye protection, but never good ones.

You should be sure your eyes are protected any and every time you turn on a machine. If you're in the shop with someone else running machines, you should still wear eye protection. And, remember, your prescription glasses probably don't qualify. Chances are, they lack the required impact resistance. And they also don't have side shields.

Safety glasses have come a long way from those old "frog-eyed" goggles from chemistry class. With a little shopping, you can find an attractive pair that's really quite comfortable. Be sure to look for glasses that are ANSI certified because this tells you they've been impact tested. If you wear prescription glasses and can't find safety glasses that fit over them, get a full-face shield.

Here's a good final tip: To prevent your plastic safety glasses from getting covered with sawdust, wipe them with a dryer sheet. It reduces static and helps your lenses stay clear.

Chemical Resistant Gloves Item #40503

Gloves
Many finishes and strippers can irritate your skin, or get absorbed through your skin and end up in your bloodstream. Wear rubber gloves when handling these materials. Not only will disposable gloves protect you, they save the step of trying to wash stain off your hands. Just peel off the gloves, and your hands are clean.

Some strippers are too caustic for lightweight latex disposable gloves. You may need heavy-duty rubber gloves.

It's always best to find out what specific precautions you need to take with each product you use. Yes, this means reading the instructions! It's for your own good, and not a good place to take shortcuts. Protect your hands, eyes, and lungs, and provide proper ventilation.

Safety is Smart
Unlike junior high, there's nobody in your shop to yell at you when you're not wearing the right safety gear. It's up to you to be safety smart. Get in the habit of wearing eye protection and rubber gloves when needed, and you'll be around to enjoy woodworking a lot longer.

--George Vondriska, contributing editor of American Woodworker, is the founder of Wild Earth Woodworking, a school in Hudson, Wisconsin.