Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Jointer Plainer
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Jointer Plainer
Second to circular saws, hand-feed jointers or surface planers are the most dangerous woodworking machines. Most injuries are caused by the hands and fingers of the operator coming in contact with the blades of the machine. In particular, many of these accidents occur when short lengths of stock are being used.
Pre-Operation
Safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles must be worn. If a face shield is worn, eye protection must be worn underneath.
The knives of the cutter head must not extend beyond the body of the head more than 3.2 mm.- The cutterhead on the left side should be guarded with a spring loaded, self-closing guard that adjusts to the size of the stock. This guard should only be removed when rabbeting. Ensure the guard behind the fence is also in place.
- Lock the fence into position before using the jointer.
Operation - Use a hold-down push block whenever the wood is narrower than 7.6 cm.
- The operator should never place hands over the front or back edges where they can easily come into contact with the head. Hands should be kept as high as possible on the side of the stock.
- Stock that has loose knots, splits, structural defects, metal or stone in it should never be jointed.
- Check the width, thickness and length of stock before jointing it.
Stock less than 300 mm long should not be jointed
Stock that is less than 20 mm high should not be edge-jointed - Do not face stock that is less than 12 mm thick. Always use a push block for thin material
Allow the cutterhead to come to full speed before using the jointer. - Stand to one side of the machine, not directly in front of the jointer.
- Do not leave the jointer until the cutterhead has come to a complete stop.
- Return the depth of cut to 1 mm when you are finished with the jointer. You, or the next operator, could be seriously injured if the jointer is set for a deep cut as kickbacks occur when the depth of the cut is deep.
- Clean up the work area
Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Thickness Plainer
Pre-Operation - Safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields must be worn.
- If the planer does not have a soundproof enclosure around it, provide hearing protection for all persons that will be working in the vicinity.
- The cutter heads of the planer should be completely enclosed with solid metal guards.
- Ensure that these are in place prior to operation.
- Thickness- The thickness of the lumber should be examined before you plane it. Lumber less than 10 mm can be planed by:
- Ensure that an instructor is supervising.
- Place the thin board on top of a thicker board (at least 19 mm thick) and
Run both boards through the planer together. - Stock that is thicker at one end than the other should be planed by inserting the thicker end into the planer first.
- Length-
Lumber less than 50 mm longer between the distance of the infeed and the outfeed cannot be safely planed as it may jam the machine.
Lumber that is quite long must have adequate space at the outfeed end of the planer. The planer should not be too close to a wall.
Be careful when planing short stock. Infeed rollers will sometimes cause short stock to quickly tilt up and then down. This can cause a pinch point for fingers between the table and the stock.
Width-Examine the width of the lumber. Most planers remove a maximum of 3 mm per pass. If a narrow piece of lumber is being planed, the maximum amount may be removed. A piece that it at the maximum width of the planer may cause the motor to overheat and the cutter to stall. If the motor does stall, follow lock out procedure (turn off the power switch) and lower the table prior to restarting the machine.
Check the board for loose knots, nails, staples, dirt, sand or other foreign objects that could come free during the planing process, harming you or the machine.
Lumber that does not have square ends cannot be planed as the ends can catch on the pressure bar and jam.
Ensure that the dust removal equipment is working properly before starting the planer.
To prevent other people from getting struck by long, fast moving boards, fence or mark off the space at the outrunning end.
Lumber that has a varnish or finish on it should not be planed, as the dust created may be harmful to your health. Also the painted or varnished finish will quickly dull the machine's knives.
Prior to starting the machine, lower the table and remove any wood shavings, loose knots and slivers of wood from the table and roller assembly.
Operation
Wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
Stand to one side when using the planer.
Do not allow the stock to feed through your hands when the machine self feeds. This will prevent any slivers being forced into your skin at the same rate the planer is planing the wood.
Operators should stop and lockout the feeder rolls, cutter heads and cylinders in accordance with TRU's Lockout Procedure before placing their hands in the bed plate to remove wood fragments, to make adjustments or for any other reason.
Wood chips and knots are frequently thrown out of the planer, therefore operators should not look into the planer to watch the operation.
Other persons should not work or walk directly behind the feeding end of the planer. A barrier or guardrail should be used when the machine is running to prevent this from occurring.
When removing lumber from the outfeed of the planer, never come between the end of a long plank and an immovable object such as a wall.
Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Radial Arm Saw
1. Only operators trained in the safe operation of a radial arm saw are allowed to use the saw.
2. The operator should check the following points before operating the radial arm saw:
3. Operator must wear safety glasses
4. If the material chips severely, a face shield should be used in addition to safety glasses
5. Blade should be checked for tightness
6. Ensure the guard is in place that covers the top of the blade and the blade arbor ends
7. Verify location of off switch and/or emergency power disconnect
8. Ensure that the table is clear of materials, tools, and debris
9. If the saw is used for ripping, ensure that an anti-kickback device is installed and operating properly.
10. If the saw is used for ripping, the wood must be fed against the direction in which the saw blade turns, and the direction of the saw rotation must be clearly marked on the blade hood.
11. If the saw is used for ripping, a permanent label at least 1-1/2 inches by 3/4 inch must be affixed to both sides of the rear of the blade hood at approximately the level of the arbor, rading as follows: DO NOT RIP FROM THIS END, or equivalent wording.
12. The saw must have a limit chain or other positive stop to prevent the blade from traveling beyond the front of the table.
13. The saw must have a device installed which will return the saw automatically to the back of the table when released at any point of its travel. This device must also prevent the saw from rebounding after it returns. As an alternative, the front of the table may be raised to a height that will cause the saw to return to the rear of the table without rebounding.
14. When changing the blade or servicing the saw, the power disconnect must be locked in the "off" position. For saws with a cord and plug, the saw must be unplugged. The saw must be tested after disconnecting power and before beginning service.
Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Carpentry Power Tools
General Safety –Safe Operations
Three Types: Electrical, Pneumatic, and Hydraulic.
Operate power tools only if you are trained and completely familiar with the tool
Inspect all power tools and cords before using them. The tools should be clean and in good condition. Do not use a tool that has a damaged cord or hose.
Make sure the work area is well lit.
Do not operate power tools if you cannot see the working surface clearly.
Ensure that the power source is the proper voltage and current for the tool.
Make sure the tool is turned “OFF” before connecting it to a power source.
When using a power tool, give the tool your full and undivided attention.
Do not distract or disturb another worker who is operating a power tool.
Always disconnect a power source before cleaning or making adjustments to the tool.
Ensure that the power source for a hydraulic or pneumatic tool is the correct pressure for the tool.
Check electrical cords frequently and use only approved extension cords.
Ensure that cords and hoses are positioned so they do not become tripping hazards.
Do not use electric tools in areas where water is present.
Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Air Compressor
General Safe Operation:
Read all manuals included with this product carefully. Be throughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Only trained personnel shall be allowed to use the compressor.
Keep visitors away and NEVER allow children in the work area during operation.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when operating the unit.
Before each use, inspect compressed air system and electrical components for signs of damage, deterioration, weakness or leakage. Repair or replace defective items before operating.
Never weld or drill holes in the air tank.
Release air slowly when draining moisture or depressurizing the compressor system.
Keep fingers away from a running compressor, fast moving and hot parts will cause injury and /or burns.
Never use air compressor for the purpose of supplying breathing air.
Never operate or repair in or near a flammable gas or vapor.
Never stand on or use the unit as handhold.
Disconnect power and release all pressure from the system before attempting to install, service, relocate or perform any maintenance.
Do not use extension cords with this product. Use additional air hoses instead to avoid power loss and permanent motor damage.
Do not exceed pressure limits for any component in the system.
Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Table Saw
General Safety Operations:
Always keep the blade guard and driving knife (splitter) in place and in working order. Keep tools and cords in god repair and clean for better and safe performance.
Keep work area clean and well lit. Don’t use power tools in damp or wet locations.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Disconnect tools, when not in use, before servicing, or when changing attachments, blades, bits, or cutters.
Never yank cord to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
Avoid accidental starting, be sure switch is off when plugging in.
Keep hands away from cutting area. Never touch blade or other moving parts during use.
Never use in explosive atmosphere.
Never leave tool running unattended.
Avoid cutting nails.
Never start a tool when its rotating parts are in contact with the work piece.
Always secure work firmly against rip fence or miter fence.
Never stand or have any part of you body in line with the path of the saw blade. Do not reach over any moving parts.
Never attempt to free a stalled saw blade without first turning the saw off and disconnecting the saw from the power source.
Avoid kickbacks (work thrown back toward you) by:
Keeping blade sharp.
Keeping rip fence parallel to the saw blade.
Keeping riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and blade guard in place and operating.
Not releasing the work before it is pushed all the way past the saw blade using a push stick.
Not ripping work that is twisted or warped or does not have a straight edge to guide alone the fence.
Black River Vocational Training Centre
General Construction / Carpentry Department
Machine/ Tool Safety Instruction Sheet
Drill Press
General Safety - Safety Operations:
Only authorized personnel shall operate specific pieces of equipment or power tools.
Know your equipment - read and understand the owner’s manual and labels affixed to the tools. Learn its applications and limitations.
All electrical or mechanical repairs should be attempted only by trained repair people.
Keep children away from all operating equipment.
Do not let visitors come in contact t with tools or extension cords. All visitors shall be kept out of the immediate work area.
Use the drill press in a well lit area and on a level, clean and smooth surface to reduce the risk of trips and fall around running equipment.
Do not use power tools in damp or wet locations.
Do not use the tool in the presence of flammable fluids or gases.
Equipment Awareness:
Don’t overreach while using tools and equipment. Keep proper footing and balance at all time. Adjust the work area height as needed.
Never place your fingers in a position where they could contact the drill bit or other cutting tool parts.
Use the appropriate personal protective equipment - do not wear loose clothing or jewelry and restrain long hair which can be caught in moving parts.
Disconnect tools from power source when not in use and before servicing, when changing wheels, etc.
Keep all machine guards in place, in proper adjustment and alignment.
Ensure the switch is in the “off” position before plugging in the tool.
Before connecting the tool to a power source, be sure the voltage supplied is the same as that specified for the tool.
Check the tool for damage or needed repairs prior to use.
Do not leave a tool until it comes to a complete stop. Do not lay it down to stop it.
Keep the tool dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Safe Work Surface:
Always support the work piece so it doesn’t shift or bind on the tool.
Always position backup material underneath the work piece.
Use a drill press vise, do not do any work “free hand”, always fasten your stock to the table. Use fixtures to adequately hold, guide and position the work piece.
Never move the head or table support while the tool is running.
Before starting operation, jog the motor switch to make sure the drill bit or other cutting tools do not wobble or cause vibration.
Use the bit and speed recommended for the job and work piece material. Remember, the longer the bit, the slower the drill speed.
Never climb on the drill press table, it could bread or pull the entire drill press down.
To avoid injury from thrown work or tool contact, do not perform layout, assemble or setup work on the table while the cutting tool is rotating.
When drilling wood or metal, raise the drill bit frequently to clean chips from the hole.
Prior to start, center punch the area to be drilled for an easier start and less chance of slippage.
