WoodDenCo Safety Guidelines

Safety is our top priority! Please review and familiarize yourself with the below safety guidelines while using facilities, materials, and equipment at WoodDenCo. 

Participants must sign our Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement prior to their first class.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Clothing, and Considerations

  • Always wear safety glasses and/or a face shield to prevent flying particles or corrosive substances from entering your eyes. 

  • Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Fasten or remove loose clothing before you operate any machine. Roll long sleeves above the elbows. 

  • Before operating machinery, remove jewelry (bracelets, rings, necklaces, etc.) and other accessories that may be hazardous. 

  • Tie back long or loose hair when working with machines. Hair can easily be caught in revolving machinery and ripped out, causing serious scalp laceration. 

  • Wearing gloves is forbidden while working with machines. Gloves hinder your dexterity and may be caught in moving machinery. 

  • Ear protection and dust masks are recommended as needed.

  • Ensure your hands are dry before touching electrical switches, plugs, or receptacles. If your hands are wet, you may receive a severe shock and serious burns. 

Safely Operating Machines and Tools

  • Students must be instructed in the correct and safe use of any machine before they are allowed to operate it. 

  • Use the proper tool for the job. If you are in doubt about the use of any tool or machine, ask the instructor for help. 

  • Only the operator may start and stop a machine. After the machine is turned off, he or she should control the material and stand by until the machine has come to a complete stop.

  • Overloading or forcing any machine is dangerous and is not permitted. 

  • Do not sit on or lean against machinery, as this can throw them out of adjustment.

  • Sharp edges or points of tools should be directed down and/or away from the body.

  • All power and sanding tools must be operated with dust collection activated. Ensure blast gates are actually open on the machine you are using.

  • When using compressed air, make sure the air stream is not directed toward you or any other person.

  • The instructor must approve all special setups before any machine is turned on. The term “special setup” is a machine operation which exposes the operator to greater than average risk. A special setup requires instructor approval prior to operating the machine. 

  • Keep machine safety guards in proper position at all times, unless the instructor has approved their removal for a special setup.

  • All portable electric tools must be disconnected from power when not in use, making adjustments, or inserting cutters and bits.

Maintenance of Equipment, Machines, and Tools

  • Report all breakage or damage to tools or machinery to the instructor immediately.

  • If a machine makes an unusual sound, is out of adjustment, or needs repair, shut off the power and report it to your instructor immediately.

  • Machines must come to a full stop with the power turned off before cleaning or adjusting.  

  • Sharp tools are safest. Dull tools are dangerous because they are hard to control and require excess pressure by the operator. Report dull tools to the instructor. 

Safe Use of Materials and Equipment

  • Use only materials provided or approved by your instructor. 

  • Do not use reclaimed or used materials of any kind. They may contain metal or other particles that could cause injury or damage machines. 

  • Do not machine wood that is wet, treated, highly toxic, moldy, or contains lead paint.

  • Always carry long objects with the front end high to avoid striking someone. 

  • Do not lift anything that is too heavy for you. Ask for help or employ mechanical devices such as a lever, dolly, jack, or rollers.

Shop Environment and Cleanup

  • During and after working, maintain a clean environment, put all tools away and ensure the space is ready for the next woodworker.

  • Floors, aisles, and passageways should be kept clear at all times. Objects on the floor may cause someone to trip or fall. If it is necessary to use an extension cord, ensure that it lies flat on the floor. 

  • Always sweep scraps and dust with a brush or broom rather than with your hands, as there may be sharp or jagged particles.

  • Do not place anything wet (including containers, rags, water bottles, coffees, etc.) on machine surfaces.

  • Clean up any spills immediately. 

  • Rags used for solvents or finishing products must be disposed of in an approved covered metal container as a precaution against spontaneous combustion.  

  • Keep the area around fire extinguishers clear so that they can be accessed if needed.  

  • Report any gas odors. Fumes may make you ill or cause an explosion.

Awareness, Attention, and Other Rules

  • Be courteous and considerate of others.

  • Take your time while working. Rushing can lead to injuries.

  • Do not talk to or distract someone when they are operating a machine. Likewise, do not allow your attention to be diverted while you are using a machine. 

  • Do not operate machinery if you feel ill or are on any medication that may affect your judgment. 

  • Do not enter the shop if you are sick, contagious, or have any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Contact the shop if you cannot attend a class for any of these reasons.

  • Do not use alcohol or any illegal substances while in the shop. Any substances that impair your judgment when working with tools and equipment are prohibited.

  • Only consume food in designated areas. Do not place food or drinks on machine surfaces.

  • WoodDenCo is not responsible for any lost or stolen student property stored in the building. 

  • Before videoing a demonstration by your instructor, please obtain permission.  We also ask that you use the video for your personal use and do not post it publicly without consent.

  • Students who intentionally violate rules or put others at risk will be asked to leave.