From belt sanders to table saws, tools can be very useful -- and very dangerous. Make sure to follow our in-house policies.When it comes to any kind of woodworking, you should always make safety a habit! Most tool accidents can be avoided by routinely following all safety rules when operating shop equipment. Wood working machines turn sharp blades and cutters at high speeds. Accidents happen quickly and can affect the rest of your life. Please treat the shop, tools, and people here with respect and consideration to keep this a safe, happy, and effective environment.

• Anyone working in the Wood Shop must abide by all shop policies, follow the safety rules for each machine and procedure, and follow all instructions given by the instructors, shop manager, and monitors.
• You must know and fully understand the safe operation of each tool you use. Do not use any tool that you have not been properly trained to use.
• You must wear proper apparel to work in the Wood Shop. No loose fitting clothes or neckties. No skirts or dresses. No loose jewelry. Long hair must be covered or tied back. No open-toed shoes or slippers. Sturdy, leather, non-slip footwear is recommended.
• Wear proper personal protection equipment specified by the safety rules for each machine or procedure.
• Never talk to or disturb anyone operating power tools. If you must talk to an operator wait until the operator notices you.
• Be aware of the work going on around you. Do not accidentally bump into another person or their materials while they working.
• Be aware that a kickback can occur with some stationary tools, which can throw material at a tremendous force. Do not stand or pass through those areas when those tools are in use. Do not put yourself and others at risk by operating tools in ways that increase the likelihood of a kickback.
• Keep work areas clean. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
• While hand tools are safer than most power tools, they are the cause of most workshop injuries. Make sure all hand tools are sharp and in good condition. Be certain that you know how to use these tools in a way that is safe, effective, and will not damage the tool.
• Plan your work, and think through the process before you begin any operation. Talk to your instructor or the shop monitor before you begin, not after you are having difficulty.
• This is the Wood Shop. No other materials may be worked on the stationary equipment. No plaster is to be used in the wood shop. No wax may be melted in the wood shop.
• No painted or "used" lumber may be worked on the stationary equipment. Pressure treated wood must be cut outside, not in the woodshop. Tools are never loaned from the Wood Shop. All tools are to be used here only.
• There is not room in the shop for storing projects. Students enrolled in a class held in the shop may store class-related in-progress projects in the Work Room. Any in-progress pieces that will not fit into the student's locker must be stored out of the way, and labeled with the student's name, the student's phone number, and the instructor's name. All completed pieces must be removed the day of the critique.
• You must put away all tools and thoroughly clean your work area before leaving the shop.
• No running or horseplay is allowed in the Wood Shop.