Statistics suggest that the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house followed by the kitchen. That may be correct for the average household but for DIY homeowners the workshop or garage may be worse. Similar to bathrooms and kitchens the home workshop packs an assortment of hazards into a very small space and we spend a lot of time there doing all sorts of DIY tasks.

Whenever you combine work with risks there is always an opportunity for accidents and serious injuries. That is why there should always be established shop safety rules.

The novice might think that sharp blades and drill bits pose the biggest risk, but in actuality the less obvious hazards can pose greater threats. Whether you are new at DIY home improvements and equipping your first workshop or if you are a veteran, there are some basic safety rules that will protect yourself from serious injuries and protect your home.

Shop safety rules and safety tips:

Eyes: Safety goggles, face shields and impact-resistant glasses with side shields are workshop essentials, and not just when you are operating a table saw or pneumatic nail gun. Though ordinary eyeglasses can offer some protection from flying objects, the lenses are not as impact-resistant and don’t provide the wrap-around protection that safety glasses do. If you need prescription glasses to work in your shop, consider investing in a pair of prescription safety glasses.
Ears: Over time, the noise from operating power tools in a confined space will damage your hearing. The more frequently you operate power tools and the longer you use them the more you need hearing protection. One of the loudest tools in any shop is the wet/dry vacuum. This can be reduced by installing an exhaust vent with a silencer. It slightly reduces the suction, but the noise reduction more than compensated for the lost performance.
Ear muffs and various styles of earplugs are effective in reducing noise levels. The only drawback to either type of protection is that it limits your ability to hear.

Lungs: Protecting your respiratory system is essential to maintain good health. To minimize airborne particles in your shop all power tools should be fitted with dust collectors. To expel airborne particles open a window or door or install an exhaust fan. Depressurizing your shop with an exhaust fan will draw fresh air from a nearby living space, which will prevent airborne particles from escaping into your home.

Hands: Your head may be the most powerful safety device for protecting your hands in the shop. If you think before you move your hands, concentrate on what they are doing and proceed slowly and deliberately, you’ll greatly reduce your chance of injuries.

Before beginning any project consider whether to wear gloves. Various styles and materials are available to protect users from harsh chemicals, burns, cuts, bruises, abrasions and punctures. They can also improve your grip on tools and reduce vibration and fatigue.

Neatness counts: Don’t get sloppy when you are busy. Tools and containers pile up on workbenches, scraps litter the floor, extension cords snake across travel paths. You may think you don’t have time to clean as you work but a messy shop actually wastes time because you can’t work efficiently.

Fire and explosions: A spark from a light switch or a pilot light from an appliance is all it takes to ignite airborne dust or solvent fumes and cause a flash fire or explosion. Dust-collection systems and stationary power equipment should be grounded so they won’t accumulate static electricity. If you spray solvent-base finishes in your shop, consider installing a spray booth with an explosion-proof fan to exhaust fumes. Never use gasoline as a degreaser in your shop or store gasoline or gasoline-powered tools indoors. To avoid spontaneous combustion, soak oily rags in water and set them outdoors to dry.

Tool safety: Tool manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that their products are safe. This includes fitting them with guards and shock-prevention features such as three-prong grounded cords. It’s up to you to maintain tools and use them properly to avoid cuts, blunt-force injuries, electric shocks and fires.

Despite your best efforts at preventing accidents, they still happen. Have a means of calling for help, such as a cell phone in your pocket. Post emergency numbers and always keep a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit nearby.

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