safty videos

[mdadam0]

I have a woodshop that is used by many people. I would like to find a video that goes over shop safty that would be required to view before anyone is allowed to use the shop. Most of the individuals have little or no shop experience. Any help in locating a video would by greatly apperciated. \

[WoodMangler]

Wow...people with little or no experience using the tools in your shop?? Can you spell "Insurance"? I can't think of a more frightening scenario! Are they gonna use the shop one person at a time?...so you can watch? Sorry I'm not answering your question, but you need a lot more than a safety video. All of your guards in place? I don't know why you have placed yourself in this position, but believe me...disaster is looking you square in the face. Reconsider this decision...
ok...off my soap box...
Marc

[mdadam0]

The shop is part of a Universities department. Grad students and faculty use it for projects related to their research. I have little say in the matter, other then overseeing its use. I have had no real problems other then the destruction of tools. But you are right it is a ticking time bomb.

[WoodMangler]

OK...try[link:www.wmia.org/industryinfo.htm#video|This site ]and [link:www.weinigusa.com/safety/table_of_contents.htm| this one too ]
Hope this helps...good luck
Marc

[mdadam0]

Thank you very much. You found what I have been looking for.

[WoodMangler]

Your welcome...glad I could help
Marc

[marcusl]

Let me offer some suggestions and encouragement based on my experience using a shop like yours. As a grad student in low-temperature physics, I built a lot of my own equipment in the physics/chemistry machine shop. The shop was staffed by professionals, but a couple each of lathes, milling machines, etc. were set aside for student/faculty use. These machines had a lot of scars, and yes, there were hazards which is probably why the student shop was in the corner farthest from the staff's work area. One student tended to forget to remove the wrench from the quill of the Bridgeport, sending it flying across the room when she turned the machine on. My thesis advisor sometimes leaned over the lathe late at night with his necktie dangling down. I'd make him take it off if I saw him, but then he'd be at it again (he never had an accident). I once got a drill bit stuck in a plate of brass on the drillpress and it started spinning because I was stupidly holding it by hand. I let go of the lever and the work flew into the drywall behind the press, at stomach height. Four lessons learned for life that day: use a drill bit with the right grind for brass; *always* clamp the work to the table; in this situation hold the quill down, turn the machine off, and let the work spin down on the table; and always ask for advice before doing something new (that's why I'm hanging around this forum now that I'm buying new woodworking equipment).

I have two points to make. First the encouragement. The techniques, technology and confidence which the students gained from that experience were invaluable and last a lifetime. Knowing about strength of materials, surface finishes, what tolerances and types of cuts are easy and hard to get on machined or cast parts, how to measure precisely and set up fixtures, etc. has made me a better project manager, scoutmaster, woodworker. You and your staff are contributing to your students' future.

Now the suggestions. First, hold a class at the beginning of each school year on machine use and shop techniques, and encourage everyone in the department(s) to take it even if they're not sure they'll use the shop. The staff of the phy-chem shop led a free class, a few hours in the afternoons over a few weeks. There was drop-in traffic in the shop but most shop use was by regulars like me who worked safely once they took the class.

Second, turn off the shop power after hours. The student shop was open all night and weekends on the insistence of the faculty, but I look back and shudder! Solo work at night is a bad combination.

Oh yeah, the insurance thing is probably a great idea!

Hope this helps.

marcus